The projection and involvement of PM Narendra Modi as the “chief host” in the programme “has stirred concerns” among senior seers over the proposed inauguration and consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya. Significantly, these top spiritual leaders of the Sanatan Hindu Dharma, Jagatguru Shankaracharyas, won’t be part of the ceremony to inaugurate the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, The Struggle for Hindu Existence reported on January 7. Ironically, this is a pro-Hindutva portal dedicated, it says, to protect and struggle for Hindus globally.
“They feel that this places him at the forefront of the event, potentially undermining the traditional rituals dictated by the Sanatan Shastras. Despite the general excitement for the Ram Temple Consecration, the absence of Shankaracharyas is a point of contention among devout Hindus,” reports the portal.
‘A tomb’: Shankaracharya Swami Shri Nischalananda Saraswati, Puri
Shankaracharya Swami Shri Nischalananda Saraswati of Purvaamnaya Govardhanmath Puri Peeth has declined participation in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha programme, as he says “the government’s endeavour is not centred around constructing a “sacred temple” but, in his words, “a tomb.” This characterisation suggests a perception that the project lacks the sanctity and reverence inherent in “traditional temple construction.” His decision not to attend is grounded in the principle of choosing not to be part of a place where due respect is perceived to be lacking.
The collective decision not to attend the event is rooted in a commitment to maintaining the dignity and glory associated with their position. The reluctance to participate is not a rejection of reverence for Shri Ram, but rather a principled stand against what is perceived as the opportunistic and manipulative politics of certain leaders. This stance emphasises the independence and moral integrity of the spiritual leadership, free from what is considered as the influence of “crooked” political figures.
‘Still under construction’: Shankaracharya Swami Shri Bharati Teerth Ji, Sringeri
Shankaracharya Swami Shri Bharati Teerth Ji of Sringeri Sharda Peeth has reportedly declined the invitation to despite expressing joy about the construction of the Ram temple. His reservations stem from the fact that the temple is still under construction. He deems it inappropriate to consecrate the divine in a structure that is not yet complete, citing concerns about “the righteousness of such an act.”
He has flagged his concern on the simultaneous construction of what is purported to be Asia’s largest mosque in Ayodhya. This, for him, “marks an unfortunate turn of events.” The dissatisfaction is further accentuated by a sense of neglect, as he claims that he, along with other revered figures, had presented evidence in court regarding the Ram Mandir. However, according to his statement, the Ram Mandir Trust has not sought advice from them or their representatives, suggesting a lack of consultation with key spiritual leaders.
According to the portal, the Shankaracharya has accused the Modi government of having a duplicitous character. He contends that the government, despite executing the construction of the Ram temple, is perceived “as exploiting Hindu sentiments for political gains.” This assertion reflects a broader scepticism about the government’s intentions and commitment to the holistic well-being of the religious community.
A suitable time: Shankaracharya Shri Swami Sadanand Saraswati, Dwarka
Shankaracharya Shri Swami Sadanand Saraswati of Paschimannaya Dwarka Shardapeeth has chosen not to participate in the Ram Mandir Mahotsav, citing concerns around the timing of the consecration, stating that in the inauspicious month of Paush, according to scriptures, the initiation of life consecration in deities is deemed inappropriate. He proposes that a more suitable time would be Ram Navami, the auspicious birth day of Lord Rama. A central point of contention is the perceived “politicisation of the event.” Swami Sadanand Saraswati suggests that politics is the primary reason for the consecration happening at this moment.
He anticipates that the election code of conduct will be in force during Ram Navami, making it less advantageous for BJP leaders to exploit the consecration for political gain. This perspective introduces a political dimension to the decision-making process around the temple consecration. Additionally, Swami Sadanand Saraswati questions the rationale behind consecrating the temple before its completion. Drawing an analogy, he notes that traditionally, one does not enter a house until it is fully formed.
‘Anti-dharamashashtra‘: Shankaracharya Swami Shri Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati, Joshimath
Shankaracharya Swami Shri Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati of Uttaramnaya Jyotirmath is one more prominent religious head who has decided not to attend the Ayodhya event on January 22, citing specific concerns. Npw, this portal says that his assertion is that “the Vedas, foundational texts in Hinduism, contain a distinctive provision for the role of priesthood, reserving it for Brahmins. According to Vedic traditions, the priesthood is considered exclusive to the Brahmin caste. Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati emphasises the significance of adhering to these established practices outlined in the Vedas.”
He has criticised the appointment of a Shudra as a temple priest, viewing it as a departure from the religious principles outlined in the Vedas.
The portal writes that it “is also unfortunate that once Narendra Modi was seen at the feet of Shankaracharyas to get blessings for his political prosperity, who is ‘now playing an adharmik role to undermine the Sanatan values and dignities’”. It says that “the non-participation of Highest Dharma gurus of Hindu Dharma in the most awaited Ram temple consecration is really unfortunate. It is not only a religious setback but also carries broader social and political implications.”
Sringeri Sankaracharya Sri Bharati Teerth Mahaswamy Ji has conveyed his blessings that every Astika must take part in the most sacred and rare Prana-pratistha in Ayodhya on January 22 to get unbounded grace of Bhagavan Sri Rama. But, says the portal, “it is still not clear from the message whether Sringeri Shankaracharya will participate in the Prana-pratistha in Ayodhya or not.”
Some Hindu religious heads have also accused the VHP of trying to divide Hindus in the context of the Ram temple.
Champat Rai, VHP leader and general secretary of the temple trust that sent out the invitations to the January 22 ceremony, had countered the Shankaracharyas’ criticism of the event’s timing by saying the temple belonged to the Ramanand sect and not the sanyasis or the Shaiva sect.
Congress weighs in
“The Shankaracharyas have played a pivotal role in the development of ancient Sanatana traditions and the spread of the Hindu religion,” Shrinate said. She stressed how the “four mutts across the country” headed by the Shankaracharyas were “serving the Hindu religion”.
“Swami Avimukteshwaranandji of Joshimath, Swami Nishchalanand of Gowardhanmath of Puri, Swami Bharti Krishnateerth of the Shringeri Sharda Peeth of Karnataka and Swami Sadanandji of Dwarkapeeth – all Shankaracharyas — are angry because of the BJP’s propaganda. They are not going to Ayodhya,” she said.
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