The Congress criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after four religious heads, Shankaracharyas, declined to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Congress questioned the urgency of inaugurating a building that is still under construction.
The Shankaracharyas mentioned that the event is not following the scriptural guidelines for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.
Mocking the BJP, Congress leader Alka Lamba remarked, “Ask them (BJP) why the Shankaracharyas are not attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. They’ve stated that the construction of the Ram Mandir is unfinished. Why is the BJP and the PM in such a hurry? Inaugurating a temple that is still under construction and turning it into a political matter; it’s evident because elections are approaching.”
Similarly, Karnataka Congress leader Priyank Kharge raised a question, “The four Shankaracharyas and saints are saying that the Ram temple is incomplete. Why is the BJP seeking answers from Congress but not paying attention to what the Shankaracharyas are stating?”
Why Shankaracharyas’ are refusing to attend the ceremony?
The head of Uttarakhand’s Jyotir Mutt, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, explained that four prominent Shankaracharyas are refusing to attend the ceremony because the consecration ceremony is scheduled to take place without completing the construction of the temple. He emphasized that their decision is not driven by aversion or hatred but stems from the duty of Shankaracharyas to adhere to the rituals outlined in the shastras (scriptures) and ensure their proper observance. The key concern is that the consecration (pran pratishtha) is being conducted while the temple remains incomplete.
Contrarily, Swami Avimukteshwaranand, Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth Math, emphasized that the construction of the temple does not symbolize a victory for Sanatan Dharma.
“Ayodhya already had a Ram Mandir before, and its construction isn’t a gift or triumph for the religion. Political leaders abstaining from visiting Ayodhya on January 22 may be due to their political constraints, but no such constraints bind me. I will visit Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir with great enthusiasm when cow slaughter ends in the country. Since the honorable court’s decision, the land belongs to Hindus, and its use or misuse depends on their discretion.”
In the meantime, Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Puri Govardhan Peeth, voiced apprehensions about upholding Lord Ram’s honor and emphasized the importance of adhering to traditional practices in worship.
“The worship should be done following scriptural guidelines, and it should align with the belief that Ram is not secular. According to scripture, Pran Pratishtha and worship programs should be conducted; otherwise, the deity’s radiance diminishes, and demonic entities enter, causing havoc,” said Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati.
On January 22, the consecration of the idols of Lord Ram will take place within the innermost chamber of the temple. The event is anticipated to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders, actors, sports stars, celebrities, and thousands of saints in Ayodhya.