INDIA, May 9, 2024 (The Organiser): “Temples are more than just places of worship. They serve as symbols of hope and centers for the spread of ideologies, culture, and civilization. They inspire personal growth and spiritual enlightenment, and serve as natural centers for education” (Education in Ancient India, by AS Altekar). The construction of bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Ram Janmabhoomi, has been debated among individuals with specific leftist ideologies, who argue that alternative initiatives such as educational institutions or hospitals would be more advantageous for society. However, it is essential to consider whether this perception accurately represents these structures’ full benefits. In Bharat, temples have long been associated with the country’s development. Building a temple can also have tangible benefits for a community regarding cultural preservation, economic growth, social cohesion, spiritual well-being, spiritual and moral guidance, education and enlightenment, philanthropy and social welfare, promotion of tourism and economy and cultural diplomacy. Thus, looking from a holistic point of view, it is essential to explore the biases underpinning such reactions and recognise that temples have served as vital community resources throughout history, regardless of an individual’s caste, class, or creed.

A temple is a place of inner worship, not just outer ceremonies, that directly opens our minds and hearts to the divine. Spirituality and life are not separate from every individual, just as God and nature are one. It is not a monument to a uniform belief but an expression of life in its richness and abundance. Ample literature and articles document how temples have supported individuals in different aspects of their daily lives. Temples have served as playgrounds for children, places of leisure and spirituality for elders, and socialization hubs for young and middle-aged people. They have provided peace, calm, and positivity for monks, saints, and others seeking it, shelter for dwellers and small business opportunities for small entrepreneurs. In addition to these benefits, temples have also been places of love, bonding, learning, artistic expression and even refuge for animals. They have become an integral part of people’s lives. The place of temples was encouraged to be a place of court for local matters/disputes. It is a place not just for prayer at a particular time of the day, but one can come at any time. It serves as a shelter for those who feel isolated or disconnected and offers a sense of belonging. It is essential to recognise their significance. Dismissing their importance without understanding their value to communities would be a disservice to the individuals who rely on these structures for support.

Much more at source.
https://organiser.org/2024/05/09/236678/bharat/temple-economy-the-base-of-bharats-sustenance/

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