Raghunath temple Trust for better management: Virbhadra

Asserting that the famous Raghunath temple in Kullu was "not a private property", Himachal Pradesh Chief Miniser Virbhadra Singh today said the temple's trust formed two months ago was for its "better management and security".
Addressing a deputation of 'Dev Sanskriti Charitable Trust' here at Oak-Over, he said the entire festivities of the Kullu Dussehra revolves around the temple which is revered by the locals.
"How can it be a private property, when the entire festivities revolve around it and the people of the Valley have unwavering faith in its principle deity," he asked, adding thatduring Dussehra festival, it is the main deity leading 'Rath Yatra' and the whole festivities are the important part of the temple.

Citing the examples of the numerous temple trusts in the state formed for better management of the temples, Singh said the formation of Raghunath Temple Trust was for the overall benefit of 'Dev Samaj'.
"The government has not taken over the temple but its management. The formation of Trust will not only ensure beautification of the temple but also strengthen the security and better fiscal management as regular audit would be done, proper receipts of donations would be given, there would be trustees to run the temple affairs," he said.
"The government has nothing to do with the funds of the temple rather the funds collected would be spent on the temple and its welfare activities. Theft had taken place twice in the temple, it would be provided proper security also," he added.

The government had formed the trust two months ago, but Maheshwar Singh, MLA, who is also chief Kardar(care taker) of the temple has challenged the order of the government and the case is pending in the high court.