The upcoming consecration of Lord Ram Lalla at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, has become mired in controversy after two Shankaracharyas have declared their decision to abstain from attending the Prana Pratishta ceremony.
Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Govardhana Peeth in Puri, and Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj, the Shankaracharya of Badari Jyotirmath Peetham, have decided not to attend the consecration ceremony.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the proceedings, the prominent Hindu seers voiced their concerns, stating, “I can’t see Modi touching Ram idol. Therefore, I would not attend the consecration.”
Swami Nischalananda Saraswati emphasised his disapproval of the involvement of political figures in the sacred event, distancing himself from the event.
The Shankaracharya firmly believes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not partake in the physical installation of the Ram idol. In his view, the responsibility of consecrating Lord Ram’s idol lies with priests and sadhus, not politicians.
“Why are so many politicians expected to be present?” he questioned, justifying his decision to abstain from the ceremony.
On the other hand, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj said there was the historical separation of kings and spiritual leaders in India. “If king starts performing dharmacharya’s work, what will we do,” he said in a function in Sonepat recently.
There are four Shankaracharyas in India. Swami Nischalananda Saraswati is the Shankaracharya of Goverdhanpeeth of Puri Peetham, Swami Bharati Tirtha is Shankaracharya of Shringeri Peetham, Swami Dayanad Saraswati is Shankaracharya of Dwaraka Peetham and Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati is Shankaracharya of Badari Jyotirmath Peetham.
Of these Swami Nischalananda Saraswati is important because the jurisdiction of Govardhan Peetham spans up to Prayag in Uttar Pradesh, but the Shankaracharya claims that neither his advice nor guidance was sought for the January 22 religious exercise.
While the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust remains tight-lipped about the development, asserting that invitations have been extended to all Shankaracharyas, the controversy continues to brew. A trustee, speaking anonymously, expressed anticipation of their presence, but Swami Nischalananda Saraswati’s decision introduces uncertainty to it.
The Shankaracharya’s office confirmed receiving the invite for the January 22 event in Ayodhya, outlining restrictions on the number of attendees. Despite acknowledging his satisfaction with the construction of the Ram temple, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati criticised the lack of consultation with his peeth regarding the religious exercises on January 22.
Expressing concern over the “hurry” to inaugurate the temple, he questioned the motive behind the rush, suggesting political considerations in view of upcoming general elections.
While appreciating the new-found fame of Ram Lalla, he emphasised his non-consent, citing deviations from traditional practices in the ongoing temple construction.
As the controversy unfolds, the decision of Swami Nischalananda Saraswati adds a layer of complexity to the eagerly awaited consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
