A Decade of Non-Hindu Appointments in Hindu Temple Governance & their Implications

In the heart of India's spiritual landscape, where ancient temples stand as testaments to millennia-old traditions, a modern conundrum unfolds: the appointment of non-Hindus to administrative roles in Hindu temples. This phenomenon raises pressing questions about the sanctity of religious institutions, the boundaries of secular governance, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The Paradox of Secular Appointments

India's commitment to secularism ensures equal respect for all religions. However, the state's involvement in religious institutions, particularly Hindu temples, has led to scenarios where individuals not adhering to the Hindu faith are appointed to manage these sacred spaces. This trend prompts a critical examination of the implications for religious autonomy and the faithful's sentiments.

Notable Instances of Non-Hindu Appointments

1. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD): In August 2023, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy was appointed as the Chairman of TTD. His family's Christian affiliations have raised questions about the appropriateness of his role in a prominent Hindu temple trust.
    
2. Sri Venkateswara Higher Secondary School: In January 2023, three Christian teachers were appointed to this TTD-run school in Tamil Nadu. The appointments were later withdrawn after protests, citing TTD's policy of employing only Hindus.
    
3. Sri Venkateswara Group of Temples: In 2020, Assistant Executive Officer A. Rajasekhar Rao was found participating in Christian prayers, despite his official declaration as a Hindu.
    
4. Maa Sharda Temple, Madhya Pradesh: In April 2023, non-Hindu employees (Abid Hussain, Ayub Khan, and Yusuf Khan) were removed from their positions following government intervention. Until 2023, the Management Committee of Maa Sharda Temple had three non-Hindu employees, who had been working there since 1988, which included legal advisor, Abid Hussain. 
    
5. Maa Jwalamukhi Temple, Himachal Pradesh: In 2021, the appointment of non-Hindu langar sevadars (Jashan Deen and Shakeen Mohamad) by the Himachal Pradesh government, led to opposition from nine non-government temple members. 
    
6. Srisailam Devasthanams: In 2019, 17 non-Hindu employees were identified in various administrative roles within the temple. They included three Muslims named S. Khasim Vali, S.A. Wahab, and S.A. Rasool, and 14 Christians named CH. Yohan, D. Ibrahim, K. Yebu, M. Chandi Bai, Y. Israel, P. Daniel, K. Benjamin, C. Emanuel, CH. Isak, D. Devaraju, G. Mery, J. Lazar, J. Mariyamma, and K.K. Mariyamma. 
    
7. Kerala Devaswom Boards: In 2018, the Kerala government removed the clause requiring the head of the Devaswom Board to be Hindu, allowing non-Hindus to hold the position. Later, in response to several petitions filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the amendment, and arguing that such an amendment violated religious customs and legislative powers, the Kerala government told that the clause was an error and assured it had no plans to appoint non-Hindus to the Travancore or Cochin Devaswom Boards.
    
8. Tarakeshwar Development Board, West Bengal: In 2017, Firhad Hakim, a Muslim, was appointed as the chairman of the board overseeing the Tarakeshwar Shiva temple, leading to public outcry and his eventual replacement. 
    
9. Appointment of Azam Khan (Samajwadi Party leader) as Kumbh Mela Chief:  In 2013, Azam Khan, Samajwadi Party leader and UP cabinet minister, was made in-charge of the Kumbh Mela, a major religious gathering of Hindus in Prayagraj. His appointment led to sharp criticism from Hindus, particularly the RSS, which questioned the logic behind the appointment of a non-Hindu minister in overseeing a Hindu pilgrimage. 
    
10. Non-Hindu Appointed at Shri Avimukteshwara Swamy Temple, Karnataka: In 2024, a non-Hindu person, named Nawaz, was appointed to the organizing committee of the Brahmotsavam festivities at the Shri Avimukteshwara Swamy Temple, located in rural district of Bangalore, Karnataka.
     
11.  Appointment of Non-Hindu on TTD Trust Board: In 2018, alleged Christian, Vangalapudi Anitha, Payakaraopet legislator, was appointed to the then newly-constituted TTD Trust Board, sparking controversy and criticism from right-wing organizations.
     
12. Non-Hindu Deputy Executive Officer in TTD’s Welfare Department: In 2017, Snehalatha, a Deputy Executive Officer in the Welfare Department of TTD, was found to regularly attend a Christian Lutheran church in her official car, grossly violating service rules. It was also reported that she never accepted ‘prasadam’ from TTD but accepted gifts during Brahmotsavam celebrations, leading to controversy about her allegiance to TTD’s Hindu traditions.
     
13. A Sting Operation Revealing Appointment of 44 Non-Hindus at the TTD: In 2019, a controversy ignited by advertisements on AP state government’s bus tickets, promoting pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Haj for Christians and Muslims respectively, led to significant accusations and backlash. Later, a sting operation was conducted, which revealed that a TTD official regularly attended church services and when TTD began identifying non-Hindu staff, it discovered 44 non-Hindus violating guidelines prohibiting non-Hindus from working in temple administration.

Implications for Religious Autonomy

The appointment of non-Hindus to manage Hindu temples challenges the autonomy of religious institutions. It raises concerns about the preservation of rituals, traditions, and the community's trust in the temple's administration. The faithful may question the authenticity of religious practices overseen by individuals not adhering to the faith.

Legal & Constitutional Considerations

India's Constitution guarantees the right to manage religious affairs under Article 26. The involvement of the state in appointing non-Hindus to Hindu temple boards may infringe upon this right, leading to legal challenges and debates about the extent of state control over religious institutions.

The Path Forward

 To address these concerns, a nuanced approach is necessary:

1. Re-evaluating State Involvement: Limiting the state's role in religious institutions to ensure autonomy and respect for religious sentiments.
    
2. Transparent Appointment Processes: Ensuring that appointments to temple boards are made transparently, with consideration for the religious context and the community's expectations.
    
3. Community Engagement: Involving the local religious community in decision-making processes to maintain trust and uphold traditions.

Final Thoughts

The intersection of secular governance and religious administration presents complex challenges. As India continues to uphold its secular principles, it must also ensure that the management of religious institutions respects the faith, traditions, and autonomy of the communities they serve.

Questions to Ponder Upon

1. How can India balance secular governance with the autonomy of religious institutions?
    
2. What measures can be taken to ensure that the administration of temples aligns with the faith and expectations of the devotees?
    
3. In a diverse society, how do we navigate the complexities of religious sentiments and state involvement?

Respecting the religious sentiments and traditions of Hindus is crucial when appointing individuals to positions in temple trusts and boards. Ensuring that those entrusted with managing sacred institutions align spiritually and culturally with the community fosters trust, preserves ancient rituals, and strengthens societal harmony. Moving forward, policymakers must delicately balance secular principles with religious autonomy, honoring the sanctity and sensitivities inherent in India's rich spiritual heritage.