Pryagraj: The VHP has endorsed the RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat’s clarion call last month asking women to have three children, at least. At a meeting of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) Margdarshak Mandal during the ongoing Mahakumbh, sadhus urged Hindus to increase the birth rate, advocating for families to have at least two to three children to counter what they see as a declining population trend within the community.
Swami Avdheshanand, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada, who participated in the discussions, said the demographic changes in the country were a serious concern, posing threats to the community’s existence.
Statement Of Swami Avdheshanand, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Of Juna Akhada
“The earlier mantra of ‘hum do, hamare do’ (we two, our two) is no longer enough. A minimum of two to three children per family is necessary,” he stated. The religious leaders also deliberated on the control of temple trusts by state governments and the usage of their funds. “The Rs1.86 lakh crore collected by temple trusts is Hindu money and should be dedicated to Hindu causes rather than being diverted for other purposes,” Swami Avdheshanand said.
Sadhus Express Concerns Abut Live-In Relationships & Same-Sex Marriages
Issues such as live-in relationships and same-sex marriages were also discussed, with the sadhus expressing concern about their growing acceptance in a country rooted in spiritual traditions. The VHP reiterated its commitment to reclaiming temples in Kashi and Mathura, stating that these have been part of its agenda since the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
“We thank the Supreme Court and the government for the Ayodhya temple. Now, we appeal to them to take swift action to ensure the return of our places of worship in Kashi and Mathura, as evidence of Hindu deities is being uncovered during excavations,” said Swami Avdheshanand.
The religious leaders voiced their solidarity with the VHP and urged authorities to act on encroachments of these sacred sites. VHP president Alok Kumar highlighted the declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) among Hindus, which stands at 2.1 nationally and as low as 1.7 in southern India.
“This is worrying. Hindus need to focus on maintaining demographic balance,” he said. Kumar also noted that a campaign to free temple trusts from government control had been launched in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, advocating for their management to be handed over to devotees.
Sadhus Demand Abolition Of The Waqf Board
The sadhus also demanded the abolition of the Waqf Board, alleging that it is involved in illegal land encroachments. Swami Avdheshanand cited Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, head of the All India Imam Organisation, who has reportedly criticized the board as illegitimate.
“The Waqf Board has laid claims to Kumbh Mela land and even Badrinath. I challenge them to excavate these sites—they will find proof of Sanatan Dharma everywhere. Such a board exists only in India, not even in Pakistan or Bangladesh,” Swami Avdheshanand remarked.
The sadhus also discussed environmental issues, emphasizing the need for the Hindu community to take a proactive role in preserving nature and promoting sustainability. The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging Hindus to unite for the protection of their cultural and religious heritage while addressing contemporary challenges.
