Why Don’t We Invest Money in Building Something Useful Instead of Building Huge Temples?

There is a compelling argument to be made that the resources invested in constructing and maintaining temples can be better allocated to more practical and impactful endeavors. Being happy and contributing to society efficiently are worth more than the physical structures themselves.

Facts and Statistics

Consider the following data points that support this argument:

Number of Temples and Priests

India alone has approximately one crore (10 million) temples. If we assume an average of one priest per temple, that translates to one crore priests. With each priest likely having a family of at least four, the total number of people supported by this system is estimated to be around eight crore (80 million).

Average: One Crore Priests; Eight Crore Supporting Families

Shops and Religion-Based Business

Outside the temples, there are numerous shops that sell puja items. If we assume two shops per temple, this adds up to two crore shops. Assuming each shop owner has a family of four, that translates to another eight crore people.

Average: Two Crore Shops; Eight Crore Supporting Families

Artisans and Festivals

During significant festivals like Holi, Diwali, Ganpati, Navaratri, and others, a considerable number of artisans are involved, including color makers, firecracker manufacturers, idol sculptors, and more. A conservative estimate suggests that one crore (10 million) artisans and their families could account for at least four crore and forty million (440 million) people.

Average: One Crore Artisans; Four Crore and Forty Million Supporting Families

Government Revenue from Temples

Many large temples contribute to the government treasury. Even if the exact amount varies, the overall national economy benefits from these contributions.

Alternative Approaches

While questions about investing in temples persist, other religious institutions offer alternative models for utilizing resources effectively.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church builds churches worldwide, but also engages in practical and impactful initiatives. Missionaries teach valuable skills, such as farming, water conservation, learning a new language, and performing community service. These activities benefit everyone, not just members of the Church. Additionally, the Church spends hundreds of millions of dollars on disaster recovery projects after natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Hygiene kits, bottled water, food, and other necessities are donated to millions of people.

Key Activities: Teaching skills, disaster recovery, humanitarian aid

Conclusion

While the temples are expensive and serve a specific purpose, they can be seen as efficient structures. The alternatives, however, offer a broader and more immediate impact on society. Investing in something useful, like creating job opportunities or improving living conditions, can yield greater long-term benefits for the community at large.

Let’s focus on practical and holistic approaches that ensure lasting happiness and well-being for all.