Khatu Shyamji (Sikar) Rajasthan
The Second Grand Convention of the Pujari Sevak Mahasangh (Priests’ Sevak Federation) was held in a grand manner at the sacred town of Khatu Shyamji. The two-day event saw the participation of nearly 8,000 priests from across the state.
The convention focused extensively on strengthening the priest community and protecting their rights. From the stage, priests presented their demands to the state government, with a strong emphasis on the formation of a Sanatan Board.
During the event, all district presidents of the federation were honored.
Mahant Mohan Singh Das, the patron of the federation, stressed the need for unity among priests and announced that a 13-point memorandum of demands would be submitted to the government.
Swami Rajendradass Devacharya, head of Raivasa Dham, stated that unless the community is organized, their voices will not be heard. He alleged that revenue generated from temples is being used to develop religious sites of other faiths while Sanatan temples are being neglected. The convention also resolved to form the Sanatan Board to address such concerns.
Mahesh Pujari, the head priest of Mahakal Temple, Ujjain, and National President of the Federation, stated that although Sanatan Dharma is the oldest religion, the condition of priests today is extremely fragile. He criticized the government for intervening in temple affairs while refraining from interference in churches and mosques.
Key Demands from the Convention:
Formation of a Sanatan Board
Monthly honorarium of ₹30,000 for priests of non-government and landless temples
Implementation of a Protection Bill for priests
Transfer of ownership (patta) of rural temples to the serving priests
Free electricity and water supply to temples
Establishment of a special tribunal for temple property disputes
Formation and reorganization of a Priest Welfare Fund and Board
Minimum offering amount (Bhog Rashi) to be fixed at ₹10,000
Equal benefits for priests under agricultural schemes
Permission for non-agricultural use of temple land (maafi land)
The convention concluded with a firm resolution: if the government does not act on these demands, the priest community will launch a united protest and demand direct answers from government officials and representatives during the upcoming elections.