South Africa cricketer Keshav Maharaj expresses his well-wishes for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with the chant ‘Jai Shri Ram.’

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In a video shared on his social media account, South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj expressed his desire for peace and harmony through spiritual enlightenment.

Hindu-born South African cricketer Keshav Maharaj conveyed his greetings to the Indian community in South Africa for the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Currently leading the Durban Super Giants SA T20, the left-arm spinner expressed his wish for peace and harmony through spiritual enlightenment in a video shared on his social media account.

“Hello, everyone. I extend my best wishes to the Indian community in South Africa for the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. May peace, harmony, and spiritual enlightenment prevail for all. Jai Shri Ram,” expressed the South African cricketer.

Previously, Maharaj gained attention for the playing of the ‘Ram Siya Ram’ song during Test matches and ODIs in India’s tour of South Africa whenever he entered the batting arena. The song also garnered noteworthy reactions from KL Rahul (during the ODIs) and Virat Kohli (during the Tests). The 33-year-old cricketer explained that it was his way of expressing gratitude to God.
“I suggested to the media lady that the song be played. For me, God has been my greatest blessing, providing guidance and opportunities. So, it’s the least I can do, and it also helps get you in your zone. It’s a nice feeling walking out onto the ground with ‘Ram Siya Ram’ playing in the background,” he elaborated in a statement to PTI.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, sprinter PT Usha, and footballer Bhaichung Bhutia are among the notable sports personalities invited for the consecration of the Ram Temple.

The guest list of over 500 individuals includes a combination of politicians, actors, sports stars, and industrialists who have been extended invitations to the event scheduled for Monday.

In addition to Tendulkar, other cricketing legends such as World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, ‘little master’ Sunil Gavaskar, as well as Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, and Indian cricket coach Rahul Dravid are also included in the guest list.

Among the current Indian cricket team members, Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma have received invitations. Notable athletes like weightlifter Karnam Malleswari, footballer Kalyan Chaube, long-distance runner Kavita Raut Tungar, and paralympic javelin thrower Devendra Jhanjadia are also invited. Women’s cricket captain Mitali Raj, shuttlers Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, along with her trainer Pullela Gopichand, are among the notable sports figures on the list.

The actual attendance of these sports personalities at the inauguration of the 161-foot-tall pink sandstone shrine remains uncertain.

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