The controversy surrounding the adulteration of the famous Tirumala Laddu Mahaprasadam has shocked the entire nation. Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena President, was the first to suggest the creation of a national-level ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ in response to concerns about the quality of ingredients used in making the laddu prasadams. This suggestion has sparked widespread discussion, with many religious leaders and Hindu organisations expressing similar concerns. They also believe that major temples, such as Tirumala, should have their own Goshalas (cow shelters) to ensure the purity of milk and other dairy products used in the preparation of prasadams.
Many people have shared their views on this issue. Galibe Vishal Vanjari, an advocate, believes that major temples should be free for everyone and should operate independently from government control. He argues that autonomous management would lead to better accountability and focus on religious activities. He also supports the idea of temples having their own Goshalas to ensure sustainability and reduce reliance on external sources for dairy products.
A retired government employee, A. Chander from Mahabubnagar, shares a similar opinion. He feels that temples, especially those in rural areas, are often neglected by the government. He supports the idea of autonomy, like the Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board, and believes that temples having their own Goshalas is necessary to prevent issues like adulteration.
Keerthi Rasagna from Karimnagar is also in favor of temples being managed independently, similar to how churches and mosques are run. She feels it is unfair that funds meant for religious purposes are sometimes misused by the government.
Ramesh Pittla Mudhiraj, an advocate and motivational speaker, highlights how some temples are being used as sources of revenue for state governments. He points to the Yadadri temple, which charges Rs 500 for parking, as an example of how temple funds are being misused. He supports the creation of a Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board to oversee temple management and ensure funds are used properly.
On the other hand, Mudavath Chandrasekhar, a software engineer, believes that government involvement in temple management could be beneficial if done correctly. He argues that government control could provide wider funding for temple development, but there needs to be strict auditing to prevent corruption. He also feels that temples should focus more on preserving traditions and culture rather than making money.
Goskula Srinivas, an advocate from Huzurabad, Karimnagar, believes that temples play an important role in Hindu culture, not only as places of worship but also as centers for passing down traditions and heritage. He thinks some level of government control is necessary but suggests that Hindu religious organisations should have a significant role in temple management.
Finally, Harish Daga, a techie, supports the idea of temples being free from government control. He believes that major temples like Tirumala, Yadadri, Bhadrachalam, and Srisailam should have their own Goshalas, and there should be transparency in their management, including daily reports on the cattle they care for.
This debate highlights the different perspectives on how temples should be managed and the importance of maintaining the sanctity and sustainability of religious practices.
