Hindu temples are a complete package. What I mean to say is that people can go there to pray and enjoy the peaceful environment, and also get free food, especially if the temple is a very famous one.
You might be wondering why I am writing about a topic that is already known to many thousands of Hindus. It is not to inform anyone about food distribution, prayer, etc, that I am writing about this topic. It is to make devotees aware of the present situation in the south of India.
Devotees throng to temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and donate money to the devaswom or devasthana associations, hoping that it reaches the right persons and is given to poor people in the form of food, etc.
Recent developments have brought to light the corruption behind these organisations. The people responsible have themselves looted the gods and stolen both gold and money, and misused their power and position. People are beyond shocked that such things are happening in temples.
I guess now you are beginning to understand what I am trying to say. Unless the temple's assets are used fairly, it is not wise to donate huge amounts of money that will simply be misused.
Manava seva is Madhava seva
Manava means the human, and Madhava is the name of God. So, it simply means that if you serve a human food, you are serving god himself. Every religion teaches that one should donate food to the hungry. I just wish that people understand this concept and forget differences, and not hurt each other in the name of such differences, and use money instead to remove poverty and invest in medical research, preservation of the environment,
and so on.
If you want to donate, buy groceries, medicines, and blankets, and donate directly to the needy.
Life is a beautiful gift, and let us not waste it by pursuing hate. Let us all build a brighter future for the coming generations.
Jai Sai Ram
The above are my opinions.
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