• Know why mandirs need to be revived and ideas to revive temples.

Book review volume 1 covered Temple Economics-Dharma, Science, Culture and Beyond

When one of the readers of my post on facebook requested me to write the gist of books I readily agreed as it is my passion to promote good books and I wrote the review of the first volume, Temple Economics by reading it cover to cover. However, writing the review of second volume Mandiron Ke Liye Ek Dashak (A Decade for mandirs, Vol – II) this second book became challenging. 

The simple reason for this is that the book itself is a review of what happened to mandir, why it happened, what are the forces which are bent upon to dismantle mandir, its economics and its effectiveness even today. Therefore, I dropped the idea of writing a review and instead focus on what I learnt after reading the book.

Mandiron ke liye ek Dashak taught me that there is no point in reading history if you cannot improve upon it. The second book in the mandir series envisages to improve the present position of Mandirs. It shares a road map which invites the reader to pledge some time and energy for re-establishing mandir economics. The book explains in detail using four distinct sections, how ten years are good enough to revive mandir economics? The reader can see the ‘enemy’ and learn to dismantle the anti-mandir framework within the framework of Indian constitution. It exposes anomalies in different acts and builds a case for reforms. 

Why revive mandir?

This revival will establish the power of ‘Santana’ (something which is beyond birth and death). If followed in principle, focused work of a decade will revive the mandir, strengthen Sanatan sanskriti and contribute to providing a boost to economics. It will help the world to become more amiable to humanity. 

The author did the research without knowing that Kashi, Mahakal and Ayodhya developments will be proving his research right. The way these mandir corridors have boosted tourism and economy, U.P has become a leading economic state of Bharat in a short span of time.

According to ANI, a total of 31,91,95,206 people from across the country explored Uttar Pradesh from January to September 2023, while the tally for foreign visitors stood at 9,54,866. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi attracted the highest number of tourists last year.

Why devote time to revive the mandir?

Bharat cries foul for Jallianwala Bagh massacre where the mastermind was a foreigner but what happened in Ayodhya or Godhra in independent Bharat when the victims were unarmed. They were not sabotaging the city or indulging in violence yet the system chose to kill. What empowered these forces to take this extreme cruel step?

The book taught me why this happened in the past and will continue to happen if the Mandir is not revived. Bharat is a democracy as long as people who follow Sanatana Dharma values are in majority. Wherever they were sidelined democracy becomes ineffective for e.g. Kashmir Valley. The book taught me that Hindus need a place where they can teach, share and promote their culture, where they can learn to unite and help the nation to grow.

How can it be done in a short span of ten years?

The preface says, “we are part of the problem if we do not work on a solution”, So we have to work! And work for ten years tirelessly. The work must be done in all areas which may include:

1. In films where the hero mocks Hindu deities, Pujari is shown as corrupt and the conversion mastermind father of the church is depicted as pious. 

2. The book provides A to Z solutions which starts with reclaiming deity’s rights and ends with new Mandirs, rituals, tirath yatras and festivals.

3. To ensure that mandirs are managed by Hindus without any intervention of government where Sanatan Dharma remains the focus.

4. Money donated to mandirs is utilized for the betterment of mandir, culture and shastra.

5. Restore the glory of mandirs where deprived, threatened and knowledge seekers will be fed food, provided protection and indigenous knowledge.

I will conclude this article with a guarantee that if the reader reads any four pages, he will be inspired to take up some positive action to revive the Mandir. If one is honest and sincere in pursuing truth, he will do it despite being a non-Hindu. The book itself is proof enough. Many good articles as well as books which were used as references are written by non-Hindus.

Last but not the least, I have failed to review the book but I am content with my effort and am suitably rewarded with the learning with a deep desire to improve upon. With Krishna’s grace I am associated with a few Mandirs in Mathura to devote a decade for this noble cause.

Shri Rakesh Kumar is author of Desi Manager , who retired as executive director from Life Insurance Corporation of India.  

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