दैवौकसम्
Daivaukasam — The Abode of the Divine
A powerful Sanskrit composition addressing the state-controlled administration of Hindu temples in India. This 10-verse poem raises critical questions about religious freedom, temple autonomy, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Written in the classical tradition, it calls for the return of temple management to Hindu communities, while celebrating India's constitutional commitment to religious liberty.
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Historical Context: Unlike other religious institutions in India, Hindu temples in many states are under government control through legislation like the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Acts. This poem articulates the concern that such state oversight limits the autonomy that other religions enjoy, and calls for temples to be returned to self-governance—a movement often referred to as "Free Hindu Temples."
भारतस्य महादेशराष्ट्रभूतस्य राज्यतः ।
देवायलयाः समस्तास् तु दैन्यवृत्तिम् इतो गताः ।।१
India, that is Bharata, despite being a magnificent sovereign republic, has caused most of its temples to go dilapidated and into a state of neglect until now.
संविधानस्य संस्थस्य लक्ष्यतस् स्वयमेति तत् ।
सर्वे पन्थान उद्यायुस् स्वतन्त्रत्वेन संवृताः ।।२
The authority of the constitution itself, clearly in its vision, wants freedom to be given to all religions to grow and profess safely, as per law.
किन्तु केनचिदा हन्त ! हिन्दुनाम् एव मूर्धनि ।
मुद्गर-प्रहर-प्राणि-पशुवत् पाल्यते कशा ।।३
But unfortunately, alas! Only the Hindus are struck on their heads as if by the hammer; their rights are curtailed and whipped like domesticated animals.
देवा वसन्ति वै तत्र देवायतनम् उद्वचः ।
अध्यात्म-नृत्य -गीतादि-संस्कार-सुख-दानकम्।।४
Gods reside here, hence the word "Devalaya" (abode of gods) was coined. Gods in the form of spirituality, dance, song, culture, joy, and philanthropy.
अन्येषां च समेषां न स्वैर-पूज्याधि-माठकम् ।
कुत एवं बभूवेति चिन्तयन् निद्रया गतम् ।।५
All others have their freedom to have self-governed places of worship and prayer. But not Hindus. Seeing me preoccupied with why it came to be such, Sleep broke up with me.
अहो बत महत् पापं स्याद् यदि त्वं न तिष्ठसि ।
जागृहि त्वं नर-व्याघ्र शेषे किं शववत् सदा ।।६
Oh God! It would be a catastrophic sin if you don't stand up now. Wake up, O lion! You are one. Why do you sleep like a cadaver!?
अतः सद्यः समस्तानां हिन्दूनां हृदयार्द्र-तः ।
स्वयन्देवालयं भूयाद् इत्युच्चैर् निविवेदिषा ।।७
Hence, right away see into the heavy hearts of all Hindus. There is coming forth, the loud cry of "Free Hindu Temples."
नैतन् नीतिकरं ह्येतन् नाश्यमानान् स्वभूमतः ।
कला-गन्धर्व-विद्याभिर् वर्जिताल्ँ लक्ष्यसे न वा?८
It is unfair. It is unlawful. How do you not see the temples being systemically destroyed, being ripped off of their native art, culture, and knowledge systems?
ददातु सर्वकारो द्राक् पुनः पुरातनान् महान् ।
हिन्दूनां सर्वतन्त्राय स्वच्छन्द-च्छन्द-मन्दिरान्।।९
Let the supreme State quickly return once again, the control over the old (and new) Hindu temples. Let the beautiful, self-administered temples prosper.
शृण्वन्तु सर्वे ह उ राष्ट्रभक्ताः
आ ये धामानि दिव्यानि तस्थुः ।
वेदाहम् एतं समयं महान्तम्
सत्त्वेन राजस्व रजोगुणेन ।। १०
O ye, devotees of the nation! Listen ye all! And those O ye who inhabit/stand for the divine lands! I have come to know, the time is fully ripe. Reign over, with qualities of purity and action.
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The Core Argument: This poem makes a constitutional and cultural case. While Article 25-26 of the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the right to manage religious affairs, Hindu temples in several states remain under government boards that control their finances, appointments, and administration. The poem argues this is discriminatory, as other religious institutions are autonomous. It calls for temples to be self-governed by Hindu communities—not as a sectarian demand, but as a matter of equal constitutional rights and cultural preservation.
A Note on Perspective: This poem represents one viewpoint in an ongoing debate about temple administration in India. Readers may have differing perspectives on state oversight, secularism, and religious autonomy. The artistic merit lies in how classical Sanskrit verse form is used to address a contemporary socio-political issue—showing the language's continued relevance.