Mission

Hindu temples, like places of worship of all religions, are anchors for religious, social, cultural and educational activities of the communities they serve. Each temple is a separate entity and follows local community relevant religious practices. Unlike other religions, Hindu temples and local communities act in isolation whenever they face discrimination and do not raise their collective voice for each other. A major reason is the absence of a coordinating organization and a platform for timely sharing of information among temple communities. A few Hindu organizations that exist take up issues of broader interest for Hindus and do not have the willingness, capacity or the resources to take up issues which may appear to be isolated cases, but a pattern of systemic discrimination becomes obvious if one pays attention.

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In India, the state governments do not control places of worship of any religion except Hindus. A most recent estimate shows that out of 9 lakh Hindu temples in India about 4 lakh temples are controlled by different state governments while not a single place of worship of any other religion is controlled by any state government. In addition, state governments tend to discriminate against Hindu temples and observance of Hindu religious practices. In case of dispute or need for use of authority's discretion, the State and its institutions tend to favour other religions over Hindus because Hindus are neither well organized nor do they raise their voices in support of each other. One of the main reasons is the lack of timely and credible information shared among the community.

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The purpose of the Global Hindu Temple Network is to create a platform for sharing of information across the communities served by member temples to create an awareness of what is happening across the Hindu communities, raise voice in support of each other, share information on positive developments and efforts made by any of the communities, and create a shared consciousness.

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The purpose is not to create an organization but a network for sharing information. Temple communities in Patna should be aware of discrimination faced by temples in Palakkad, those in Malda should know about problems faced by temples in Malegaon. If temple communities in Amravati raise voice against discrimination faced by communities in Ajmer the politicians and state institutions will sit up and take notice.