2025.06.14 (Vrindavan Today News): The Braj – Vrindavan Devalaya Samiti opposed the government move to interfere in the matters related to the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. In a significant gathering of the temple sevayats and caretakers, the Core Committee of the Braj Vrindavan Devalaya Samiti convened at Gambhira, Jai Singh Ghera, to voice strong resistance against governmental attempts to acquire or intervene in the management of temples and devalayas (sacred shrines) in the Braj-Vrindavan region.
The meeting chaired by Shri Alok Krishna Goswami, was marked by an atmosphere of solemn urgency. Discussions focused on the preservation of temple autonomy, the safeguarding of age-old traditions of sacred service (seva), and the protection of the hereditary rights of sevayats—those who have traditionally served the deities for generations.
The attending acharyas and sevayats unanimously expressed their deep concern over what they perceive as unwarranted governmental interference in the spiritual and ritualistic affairs of temples. They categorically rejected any attempts by the state to intrude upon the sacred customs that have been practiced since antiquity.
The ‘Devalaya Samiti’ demanded that there must be no encroachment upon the rights of Goswamis and sevayats. Any intervention in the temples’ administrative functions, ritual offerings (bhog-rāg), or other sacred services would not be tolerated.
While the state may assist in providing peripheral infrastructure—such as ensuring safety, sanitation, and basic facilities for pilgrims and visitors—it must not interfere in spiritual or internal temple affairs.
The committee also addressed the issue of construction and development near temple premises. It was firmly resolved that any modifications should avoid excessive use of brick and stone, preserving the traditional architectural ambiance. Moreover, the leaders proposed the planting of indigenous and sacred trees around temples, thereby reviving the natural kunj (sacred groves) that are integral to Braj’s spiritual landscape.
With the growing influx of tourists and pilgrims into Vrindavan, the committee emphasized that development must be sensitive to the needs and heritage of the region’s original inhabitants. Rather than catering solely to commercial tourism, future projects should prioritize the collective welfare of local communities who have lived in harmony with the spiritual ecosystem of Braj for centuries.
Their united voices echoed a common demand: that the government must respect the spiritual sovereignty of Braj-Vrindavan’s temples and their ancient service traditions, ensuring that modern development does not come at the cost of sacred heritage.
As Vrindavan stands at the crossroads of spirituality and modernity, this resolute declaration by its custodians serves as a powerful reminder of the region’s enduring cultural and devotional legacy.
The meeting was also addressed by prominent figures and spiritual leaders including Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami Maharaj (Patron), Shri Alok Krishna Goswami (President); Shri Govind Pandey (Vice President) Shri Kantanath Chaturvedi (Vice President), Shri Govind Mahant (Treasurer), Shri Gopinath Lal Dev Goswami (Raja), Shri Vijay Kishore Dev Goswami, Shri Manish Pareek, Shri Ramdas Chaturvedi, Shri Gopal Krishna Goswami, Shri Bhagavat Swaroop Sharma, Shri Bal Krishna Chaturvedi, Shri Lal Krishna Chaturvedi, Shri Jagannath Poddar
