Mohan Bhagwat: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remark dismissing the relevance of raising temple-mosque disputes has drawn sharp criticism from saints. Many have expressed discontent, questioning the RSS’s role in religious matters.
Saints Raise Objections
The statement by Mohan Bhagwat, head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), cautioning against stirring temple-mosque disputes has sparked strong reactions from religious leaders. The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (ABSS) has voiced displeasure over his comments, advising the RSS to steer clear of such issues.
ABSS General Secretary Swami Jitendranand Saraswati said, “Decisions on religious matters should be made by religious authorities, not by cultural organizations like the RSS.” He emphasized that religious leaders are the ultimate authority on such topics, and whatever they decide should be accepted by the RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Earlier, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya criticized Bhagwat’s statement, calling it appeasement and asserting that Bhagwat lacks sufficient knowledge of Hinduism.
Strong Reactions Against RSS Chief
Jyotishpeeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati accused Bhagwat of issuing politically convenient statements. He remarked that the RSS Chief championed temple issues when seeking power but now advises against pursuing them post-victory.
According to a report in TOI, Swami Jitendranand noted that Bhagwat had made similar statements in the past, yet 56 new sites with evidence of temples have been identified. This, he said, reflects the public’s continued interest in reclaiming Hindu religious heritage. He further added that religious organizations act on the basis of public sentiment, not political agendas.
What Did Mohan Bhagwat Say?
During a lecture series in Sambhal, Bhagwat stated, “After the Ram temple’s construction, some people think they can raise similar disputes elsewhere and position themselves as Hindu leaders. The Ram temple was a matter of faith, which is why it was built, but raising a new issue every day is unacceptable. We cannot allow it.”
He further added, “India needs to demonstrate that we can live together harmoniously. If we want to show the world this harmony, we must first set an example ourselves.”
Saints Respond
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya disagreed with Bhagwat’s statement, asserting, “The struggle over temple issues will continue. Whether through votes or courts, we will reclaim our religious sites.”
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand suggested creating a list of temples destroyed during invasions and conducting Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) inspections to restore these sites. He remarked, “If the Hindu community wishes to revive and protect its temples, what’s wrong with that?”
This is the first time that the RSS Chief’s remarks have elicited such sharp criticism from religious leaders.
