India is a vast country having 120 crores people residing in her 640000 villages, 5000 small cities and 400 big cities. Hindus are almost 80% of the population and 83 crores in numbers. Though Hindu scripture do not endorse statute worship but majority of them have by and large practiced it along with many rituals managed exclusively by Brahman Priests.
Though correct numbers of temples are not available, but as per one assessments there are almost 800000 temples spread all across India. These temples form hub of many ritualistic activities and sustain an Industry in itself. As per one assessment a Hindu generally spends 2% of his income as donations to temples and various rituals as an average over his entire life span. Almost Rs 60000 crores revenue per year is generated by the Temple Industry. In addition to these cash flows, large amount of unaccounted gold, fixed deposits and land are held by these temples.
As per one audit report of 4 richest temples in India, 20 lakhs kg gold is held by these temples which is 40 times more than the gold reserves of Govt of India. Annual income of richest temples of India is 2260 crores per year. If the assets of these four temples are used for development works than each village can be connected with road and each Indian can be given a house.
If four temples can hold so much of wealth, than properties, cash deposits and gold held by 800000 temple in India is unimaginable and could be up to 60000000 Crores. No wonder India has always been such an attractive target for invaders.
If the assets are taken into consider than Temple Industry is the largest business sector in India. This sector pays no taxes to the govt and sustains a parallel economy of black money.
As per one assessments, the entire Temple Industry is managed by 10000000 Brahmans Priests which is roughly 20% of the total population of 50000000 Crores Brahmans in India. No wonder only 13% of Brahmans are poor against national average of 21%.
Temple Industry in India doesn't undertake significant charity works and against teachings of tenants of Hinduism, thrives on spreading fear and ignorance among population. The unaccounted money in hands of Brahmans Priests also sustains political activities in the country supporting lobbies to maintain control over national political power.
2000 years old Manu Smriti imposed reservation system is still deeply embedded in society and gives maximum advantage to Brahman Priests with no gainful returns to society. The very stable revenues stream in hands of these Brahman Priests also supports their rise in politics, education, business and R&D thus making them one of the most influential and dominating castes of India. Though Brahmans form less then 5% of the total population but they have comparatively maximum share in Govt and Private Sector Jobs and business.
In modern India when caste conflicts are on rise, such untapped revenue streams which do not contribute in nation building needs to be taken in account and shall be used for growth of society at large.
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