Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 13: Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das criticized the Congress party for declining the invitation to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, accusing them of making excuses to avoid attending the event. The Congress claims that the temple is incomplete, with the Shankaracharyas of four Peeths also reportedly declining the invites. However, Acharya Das refuted these claims, asserting that everything has been done according to the Shastras (scriptures) and that the temple is ready. He expressed his inability to comment on the absence of the Shankaracharyas.
The controversy surrounding the Congress’s decision not to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony has further intensified. Acharya Das, while addressing the media, accused the Congress party of finding excuses to avoid attending the event. He firmly stated that the temple is complete and has been constructed according to the principles mentioned in the Shastras.
Responding to queries about the absence of the Shankaracharyas, Acharya Das refrained from making any comments, emphasizing that he cannot question their views and thoughts.
However, when asked about political parties using Lord Ram’s name for their own benefit, he stressed the distinction between ‘rajneeti’ (politics) and ‘dharmaneeti’ (religious principles). Acharya Das mentioned that the BJP has embraced Lord Ram and sought his blessings, asserting that it is not mere politics, but a matter of religious principles.
Earlier, the Congress party’s top leaders, including national president Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi, and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, declined the invitation to the grand Ram Temple opening ceremony on January 22. They referred to the event as a ‘BJP-RSS’ affair.
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, which is expected to witness the presence of dignitaries and individuals from all walks of life. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has scheduled the enthronement of Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22.
The Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony will commence on January 16, a week before the main event, in Ayodhya.
As the date for the Ram Temple inauguration approaches, political differences and debates continue to surround the event. While the Congress party has decided to abstain from attending the ceremony, the BJP stands firmly behind the construction of the temple and its association with Lord Ram’s legacy. The contrasting viewpoints highlight the ongoing politicization of religious matters in India.
With the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony set to take place in just a few days, the nation’s attention is focused on Ayodhya and the significant symbolism associated with the Ram Temple’s consecration. The event holds immense historical and religious significance, and its impact is expected to reverberate across the country.
In the midst of the growing enthusiasm and preparations, the absence of certain political figures and Shankaracharyas exposes the deep-rooted divisions and conflicting narratives surrounding the construction and consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
