RamRajya News

Bihar Board Directs Temples to Set Up Akharas, Promote Pujas

Faithfuls pray during the Pchum Ben festival (Festival of Death) at a pagoda in Phnom Penh on September 13, 2022. - The festival consists of 15 days of prayers to honour late family members, visits to temples and food offers to monks. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP)

Patna: The Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT) has issued new directions for temples and mutts across the state, mandating the establishment of dedicated spaces for akharas and the promotion of regular puja activities. The initiative aims to merge religious traditions with physical culture and social reforms.

Focus on Monthly Pujas

According to BSBRT president Ranbir Nandan, all registered temples and mutts have been advised to conduct Satyanarayan Katha on full moon days and Bhagwati Puja on new moon days every month. These rituals, considered spiritually significant, are believed to bring prosperity, positivity, and protection against negative energies when performed during auspicious times.

Trust members have also been asked to encourage devotees to organize these pujas at home to strengthen community participation and preserve traditions.

Akharas to Become Mandatory

The board has proposed changes to its rules to make it compulsory for all new temples and mutts seeking registration to provide dedicated space for akharas. These spaces will be used to promote indigenous games, martial arts, and physical culture. Existing registered institutions will also be required to establish such facilities in their premises.

“In the future, only those temples and mutts will be registered that ensure a dedicated space for akharas. This will encourage physical culture and keep youth engaged in healthy practices,” Nandan stated.

Integration of Social Reforms

Highlighting the broader vision, BSBRT announced a program scheduled for September 18 in Patna. The event will demonstrate how temples and mutts can serve as centers not only for worship but also for social reforms. Activities like yagnas, health camps, and cultural events will be encouraged to expand the role of these institutions.

Nandan emphasized that members associated with religious trusts should also actively work for the promotion and propagation of Sanatan Dharma alongside community welfare initiatives.

Registered and Unregistered Institutions

Recent data shows that Bihar has 2,499 registered temples and mutts under the BSBRT, while 2,512 remain unregistered. Among districts, Saran leads with 206 registered institutions, followed by Muzaffarpur (187), Madhubani (156), Patna (144), East Champaran (137), and West Champaran (136).

The board stressed that these institutions must take responsibility for guiding youth and communities, preserving traditional values while also embracing modern social responsibilities.

Strengthening the Role of Temples

By linking religious practices with physical and social activities, the Bihar government aims to redefine the role of temples and mutts. The initiative underlines the importance of spiritual discipline while ensuring that religious spaces also contribute to cultural preservation, youth engagement, and public welfare.

Exit mobile version