Controversy Surrounds Government Control of Vrindavan's Temple
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to take control of Vrindavan's Thakur Banke Bihari shrine, asserting that temples should not be treated differently from mosques and churches. He questioned the government's plan to create a trust and develop the temple area, citing concerns about religious autonomy.
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Renowned storyteller and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, has voiced strong opposition to the Uttar Pradesh government's initiative to assume control of Vrindavan's Thakur Banke Bihari shrine. He argued that temples should not be subjected to measures that are not applied to mosques and churches.
During a media interaction at Tulsi Peeth Chhattisgarh Kunj in Vrindavan, Rambhadracharya expressed his discontent over the government's plan to establish a trust for the temple and construct a Banke Bihari corridor. He emphasized, 'I do not agree with this decision,' while conducting a week-long recital of the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha.
The Uttar Pradesh government justifies its actions by citing improvements needed for the large number of devotees who visit the temple. However, Rambhadracharya questioned the selective approach regarding religious sites, highlighting the importance of maintaining independence for religious institutions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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