By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Friday, November 13 2009

SECRETARY General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Sat Maharaj is duly worried about the ownership of the controversial Dow Village Hindu Mandir, even as reports suggested that some members of the Mandir are in possession of a deed for the property. In fact, Maharaj promised that if the members (names called) can produce a legitimate deed for the property, then he and the SDMS will walk out without a word.

Maharaj gave the assurance yesterday as the rift continued between the SDMS and some executive members of the Mandir at Temple Street, California.

He, however, added that SDMS has a deed for the property and he was not too concerned about the statements made over the ownership.

The drama unfolded on Saturday when Maharaj, SDMS members and some villagers were physically blocked from entering into the compound where elections for a new executive were carded to take place. The drama, which according to eyewitnesses lasted some three hours, saw several devotees jumping on top of Murtis and the pushing and tugging among devotees.

“ We have 175 temples and 60 schools across the country. I do not know how they just take over the temple. Ask the villagers yourself about the situation. If they can produce an authentic deed for the property, we will move out. But we have the deed and I have spoken to our lawyers,” Maharaj said.

He however opted not to further comment on the matter. He reiterated that he had appointed an interim committee in which Namdeo Singh is the President and Rookmin Sonny is the secretary.

Also commenting on the issue Pundit Hardeo Persad of Paramacharya of Swaha International expressed sadness and disappointment saying that the behaviour displayed by Hindu members was unwarranted, especially as it took place within temple grounds.

“ It is a sad reflection on the current state of our society if we cannot respect our most sacred places of worship. This behaviour not only brings embarrassment and shame to all Hindus but it creates a negative perception in the eyes of the national community, ” Persad said.