Declaration about protecting Hindu temples
The Varahi declaration is a bilingual document set in Telugu and English by the Indian politician Pawan Kalyan at Tirupati on October 3, 2024, for the protection of Hindu interests through the enactment of a strong law by the Indian government. Pawan Kalyan is the leader of Janasena Party, a political party that is part of the ruling coalition government in Andhra Pradesh since June 2024.
Background.
Constant attacks on Hindu temples became a serious concern during Jagan Reddy's rule in Andhra Pradesh. In the wake of the Tirupati laddu adulteration controversy which was alleged by the ruling NDA government of Andhra Pradesh in September 2024, Pawan Kalyan, the deputy chief minister of the state lamented for lack of a board in India for the protection of Hindu endowments and temples on par with the Waqf Board for Indian Muslims. He stressed a collective effort and broader debate on issues such as the desecration of Hindu temples. The Laddu controversy became a huge political tangle between the ruling NDA government and the ex-chief minister Jagan Reddy's YSR Congress Party which ruled the previous term (during 2019–2024). The issue went to the notice of Supreme Court of India which took a serious note and ordered a probe by a five-membered team comprising two members nominated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, two members nominated by the Andhra Pradesh government, and an official from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. On the occasion of the completion of 100 days of rule by the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan after visiting the Tirumala temple on foot to end his 11-day penance called for a public meeting in Tirupati to announce a declaration.
Substance.
The popular Hindu phrase in Sanskrit introduces the Declaration: "Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah" (, ), originally mentioned in Mahabharata. The declaration demanded the formation of a "Sanatana Dharma Protection Board" while stressing the principle of Secularism and also for uniformity in the protection of religious sentiments across all religions without any discrimination.
Articles.
Article I – Secularism must be upheld in a manner that ensures uniform response to any threat or harm caused to any religion or faith.
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Article II – A strong national Act is required to protect Sanatana Dharma and prevent actions that harm its beliefs. This Act should be enacted immediately and uniformly enforced across the nation.
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Article III – A "Sanatana Dharma Protection Board" should be established at both the national and state levels to oversee the implementation of this Act.
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Article IV – Annual funds must be allocated to support this board and its activities.
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Article V – There should be non-cooperation to individuals or organizations that defame or spread hatred against Sanatana Dharma.
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Article VI – Sanathana Dharma Certification must be implemented to ensure the purity of materials used in offerings and prasadam at temples.
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Article VII – Temples should evolve not only as spiritual centers but also as centres for promoting art &amp; culture, education, economy, environmental conservation and welfare with comprehensive planning.
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Key proposals of the declation.
Pawan Kalyan put forth seven crucial proposals in the Varahi declaration: uniform application of secularism across all religions, national legislation to defend Sanatana Dharma, the establishment of Sanatana Dharma Protection Boards at both national and state levels, allocation of budget for the protection board, disengagement from Hindumisia and/or Hinduphobia, a sanatana dharma certification in Hindu temples, and a broader role of temples.
References.
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Sources.
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