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HomeNewsAsiaAkhara Chief Calls for Vacating Ancient Temples Allegedly Converted into Mosques

Akhara Chief Calls for Vacating Ancient Temples Allegedly Converted into Mosques

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president reiterates there are no restrictions on Muslims visiting the Maha Kumbh.

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Mahakumbh Nagar (UP): Reviving the ongoing temple-mosque debate, Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, has called for vacating ancient temples across the country that were allegedly converted into mosques.

Addressing the issue during a press interaction, Puri emphasized that many mosques in India bear structural and symbolic elements of temples. “During my travels across the country for ‘dharma prachar’ (religious propagation), I observed that the domes of several mosques resemble temple architecture, and symbols of ‘Sanatan’ are visible within. Around 80% of mosques stand on the foundations of ancient temples,” said Puri, who also heads the Mansa Devi Temple Trust in Haridwar.

READ MORE: Fact Check: Gauri Khan Has Not Converted to Islam; Viral Photos at Mecca Are AI-Generated

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When asked if he would directly appeal to Muslims to return these sites to Hindus, Puri responded, “We have made this request numerous times. We are ready to vacate any temple built on the foundation of a mosque if the same gesture is reciprocated. We make this appeal again from the platform of the Maha Kumbh.”

Formation of a Sanatan Board

The Akhara Parishad chief proposed the establishment of a “Sanatan Board” to protect temples and ‘maths’ (monastic establishments). He announced that a ‘Dharma Sansad’ (religious parliament) is scheduled for January 27, where prominent spiritual leaders from India and abroad will convene to discuss this initiative. The Sanatan Board, akin to the Waqf Board, will ensure the safety and preservation of our religious institutions,” he explained.

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No Restrictions on Muslims at Maha Kumbh

Addressing concerns raised by some Muslim clerics about participating in the Maha Kumbh, Puri reiterated that there are no restrictions for Muslims. “We have always invited Muslims to experience the Maha Kumbh and witness our Sanatan Dharma practices. Our opposition is not against ordinary Muslims but against actions such as love jihad, land jihad, and disrespect towards other faiths,” he clarified.

Political Stance on Akharas

Puri also criticized the Congress party for allegedly sidelining ‘akharas’ due to its pro-Muslim policies. Under Congress governance, akharas were marginalized and not given significant roles. However, the Narendra Modi government has provided support, enabling us to regain our standing,” he claimed.

Cultural and Linguistic Adjustments

In a nod to traditional practices, Puri revealed changes in terminology for Kumbh rituals. Terms like ‘shahi snaan’ (royal bath) and ‘peshwai’ (procession) have been replaced with ‘amrit snaan’ (nectar bath) and ‘chhavni pravesh’ (camp entry), reflecting a Sanskritized and Sanatani approach. “Our intention is not to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims but to preserve our cultural identity,” he added.

The Maha Kumbh’s first ‘Amrit Snaan,’ coinciding with Makar Sankranti, is scheduled to commence at 5:30 AM on Tuesday.

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