Sangh will not participate in any temple movements, be it of Mathura or Kashi, said Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday (August 28, 2025). He also clarified that the organisation will not stop swayamsewaks (RSS volunteers), if they want to join the ‘temple cause’.
“I must clarify that the Sangh actively participated in the Ram Mandir movement and took it to crescendo but now, it will not directly participate in any further movements related to temples. …but the sentiments of Hindu society regarding Mathura and Kashi must be respected as in the minds of the community, Kashi, Mathura, and Ayodhya have deep significance—two are birthplaces, one is a place of residence. It is natural for Hindu society to express that urge.” said Mr. Bhagwat. Speaking at a lecture series organised as part of RSS’s centenary year celebrations in New Delhi, Mr. Bhagwat also suggested if the ‘other side’ (Muslims) can give away its claim on the Mathura’s Shahi Eidgah and Varanasi based Gyanvapi mosque and hand over the same to Hindus, as its a matter of ‘just three temples’. “….there can be a little effort from the other side also…as its just the matter of three, take it. This will be a big step towards brotherhood,” he said adding that Sangh will not stop Swayamsewaks to join any movement, in personal capacity. Speaking on an issue whether government can take over temples, RSS chief said that the sole aim should be to maintain the temples, whoever does it right, should be given the rights.
“The national psyche is ready for temples to be handed back to devotees, but proper systems must also be in place. When temples are returned, arrangements for rituals, finances, and devotees must be prepared from the local to the national level, so that if the courts give a decision, we are ready,” he added.
