“Shankaracharyas Boycott Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha, Stirring Political and Religious Controversy; PIL Challenges Events Leading to Inauguration.”

The four supreme authorities of Hindu scriptures, known as Shankaracharyas, hailing from Uttarakhand, Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat, have collectively decided to abstain from the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. Their absence has stirred controversy, especially as the Congress has referenced their concerns about the temple’s incompleteness as a reason for declining the invitation.

The decision by the Shankaracharyas has added a significant dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding the much-anticipated event. Uttarakhand Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand has clarified his decision to abstain from the upcoming Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration on January 22. Citing scriptural reasons, he emphasized that the temple is deemed incomplete, likening it to the body of God. According to his explanation, the temple’s peak symbolizes God’s eyes, and the ‘kalash’ signifies the head, with the temple flag representing God’s hair.

The Shankaracharya stated that performing ‘pran-pratishtha’ (instilling life) in the temple without its head or eyes contradicts sacred scriptures. He expressed concern that attending the event under these circumstances would be seen as a violation of religious principles. Discussions have been initiated with Ayodhya Trust members, urging them to celebrate once the temple is fully constructed. This decision has sparked controversy as all four Shankaracharyas are now opting to stay away from the ceremony on January 22.

The decision by Shankaracharyas, the revered authorities in Sanatan Dharma, to boycott the Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha event has sparked political and religious debates. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot highlighted the significance of the Shankaracharyas’ stance, emphasizing the politicization of the event. Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP of attempting to politicize the religious ceremony, asserting that the Shankaracharyas’ refusal reflects the event’s departure from established religious traditions. Swami Nischalanand Saraswati Maharaj, the Shankaracharya of Puri, disclosed that their decision stems from deviations in the installation of the Ram Lalla idol.

The controversy surrounding the temple inauguration intensifies as political and religious dimensions collide in the run-up to the scheduled event. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Allahabad High Court, challenging the government’s decision to organize religious events from January 14 to 22, culminating in the Ram Janmabhoomi Pran Pratistha ceremony.

Advocates, including Narottam Shukla and Ashutosh Kumar Tiwari, seek the annulment of the Chief Secretary’s government order, alleging it goes against tradition. The PIL contends that objections raised by Shankaracharyas and suspicions of political motives by the BJP surround the ceremony. The Chief Secretary’s order, issued on December 21, 2023, instructed District Magistrates to organize various religious events across the state.

Filed by Bhola Das from Ghaziabad, the PIL argues that the Pran Pratishtha is against the Sanatana tradition and questions the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The case is scheduled for a regular hearing on Friday, amid growing controversy surrounding the upcoming ceremony.

by Yashasvi Raghav