TEMPLE TREASURES

7 July 2011

TEMPLE TREASURES

Times of India [ July 05,2011 ] reports following re: wealth of various temples of India:

·     Padmanabha Swamy  …Rs. 100,000 crores ($ 25 billion)

·     Tirupati  ……………………Rs. 42,000  crores  ($ 10 billion)

·     Puri Emar Math  ……………Rs.      90 crores

·     Shirdi Sai Baba Temple ………Rs.     32 crores

·     Siddhi Vinayak Temple  ………Rs.   125 crores

·     Vaishnodevi Shrine  ……………Rs.   500 crore/yr  (income)

·     Guruvayoor Temple  …………….Rs.    125 crores

·     Satya Sai Trust ………Rs.   40,000  crores ($10 billion)

Then, Times of India lists a no of “ Social Benefits “ which can be effected with this “ Wealth “.

No doubt, putting this wealth to productive uses can,

·     build a lot of badly needed infrastructure

·     give jobs to millions of unemployed

·     lift millions above the “ Poverty Line “ ( Rs 20 / day )

·     save the lives of 3 million children dieing of starvation annually

In fact, some temple trusts ( Satya Sai Baba / Tirupati Devsthanam etc ), have been, regularly putting their income to such socially beneficial uses.

We must encourage all temple trusts to deploy their wealth for the educational and medical help of the poor.

We must not be tempted to set up some Central Body to take over and (mis) manage the temple treasures !

As far as “ Ancient / Antique / Heritage “ items are concerned ( Statues / Coins / Artifacts etc ), let these be displayed in museums, next to each temple.

With regards

HEMEN  PAREKH