Tirupati, Sep 5 (INB) Shankaracharya Shri Shankar Vijendra Saraswati of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth unveiled the official website of the Hindu Shri Foundation at a gathering in Tirupati, with the initiative aimed at protecting ancient temples and strengthening Sanatan Dharma, the foundation said on Friday
A proposal was also placed for the creation of a ‘Sanatan Council’, on the lines of the Medical Council, to address fundamental issues concerning Hindu Dharma and provide clarity before such matters reach courts of law, the foundation said in a statement.
The launch coincided with the Foundation’s annual conference, which was held under the aegis of the Kamakoti Peeth—established by Adi Shankaracharya.
A three-member delegation of the Foundation, comprising founder Dr. Kaushal Kant Mishra, Suhani Mishra and Dr. Vinay Pathak, held an extensive discussion with the Shankaracharya on future plans for temple revival and cultural renaissance.
Shankaracharya praised the initiative and assured his guidance, noting that the Foundation’s campaign would be carried forward with the guiding principle of “Mandir Rakshati Rakshita”—“Temples protect those who protect them.”, the foundation said in a statement.
The newly launched website is envisioned as a credible source of authentic information relating to Sanatan temples, their traditions and heritage. It will also seek to connect society at large with the cause of temple preservation and bring global awareness to issues faced by temples in India and abroad.
During the deliberations, concerns were raised about the growing neglect and closure of ancient temples, particularly in Tamil Nadu, and it was stressed that urgent social and legal steps are needed for their revival and restoration. There was also an emphasis on ensuring that temple revenues should be spent solely on temple upkeep, education and Dharma-related activities, and not diverted to other governmental purposes.
Delegates highlighted the importance of integrating Indian knowledge systems and traditional cultural education into school curricula under the National Education Policy, in order to preserve heritage while making cultural studies relevant for employment.
Furthermore, the need for recognising Dharma as an independent pillar of Indian democracy, alongside the legislature, judiciary and executive, was also underlined.
At the conference, which saw the participation of many scholars, acharyas and temple priests, the Hindu Shri Foundation presented detailed concerns regarding temples and Sanatan Dharma before the Shankaracharya. The gathering extended unanimous support to the Foundation’s initiatives.
It was resolved to form a nationwide institution to work for freeing temples from government control and to link village shrines with major temples across the country. The Foundation was also urged to represent the Sanatan perspective in court cases relating to Hindu faith and practices.
As part of its long-term action plan to revive the Acharya tradition, the Foundation announced that it would begin work in five states—Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh—in the first phase.