Mahakumbh 2025: RSS and VHP Disagree on Sanatan Board; Sant Sammelan to Focus on Mathura and Kashi

Mahakumbh 2025: The Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has become the center of discussions around the Sanatan Board and other pressing issues concerning temples and religious reforms. While saints demand the establishment of a Sanatan Board and the dissolution of the Waqf Board, the RSS and VHP remain unconvinced. Here's a detailed look at the discussions and strategies unfolding at the Sant Sammelan.
Sant Sammelan Begins at Mahakumbh
The VHP's camp at the Mahakumbh has kicked off the Sant Sammelan on Friday with key discussions around the Sanatan Board. Unlike past Mahakumbh events dominated by the Ram Mandir movement, this Sammelan shifts focus to other major issues, including temple independence, religious conversions, and reclaiming Mathura and Kashi.
Disagreements Over Sanatan Board
A significant point of debate is the creation of the Sanatan Board, proposed by saints and mahants as a replacement for the Waqf Board. While saints advocate for its formation, the RSS and VHP believe temples should operate through their respective trusts rather than a centralized board.
RSS and VHP Stand: Oppose the Sanatan Board and favor temple management via existing trusts.
Saints' Demands: Permanent dissolution of the Waqf Board and establishment of a Sanatan Board to manage temple-related matters.
Focus on Mathura and Kashi
The Sant Sammelan has included Mathura’s Krishna Janmabhoomi and Kashi Vishwanath Temple on its agenda. The saints demand action to free these temples from perceived Muslim encroachments. Additionally, they plan to pass a resolution to repeal the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which prohibits altering the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.
Major Agendas of the Sant Sammelan
Temple Autonomy: A call to end government control over temples and allow them to operate independently through trusts.
Repeal of Places of Worship Act, 1991: A proposal to support movements aimed at revoking the Act.
Religious Conversion: Discussions on initiating awareness campaigns against forced conversions.
Waqf Board Dissolution: Persistent demand to permanently abolish the Waqf Board.
Future Movements: The Sant Sammelan may propose organized movements for reclaiming Mathura and Kashi after Ayodhya's Ram Mandir construction.
Cultural Significance and Future Strategy
Under the leadership of Mahant Ravindra Puri, the Akhara Parishad has declared PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath as the ceremonial heads (Yajmans) of the Mahakumbh. The saints have requested their support in abolishing the Waqf Board and forming the Sanatan Board. This Mahakumbh serves as a platform for saints to unite and strategize on protecting Sanatani traditions and temple sovereignty.