In a recent address on January 15th, a prominent religious figure in Ayodhya, Shashikant Das Maharaj, who holds the esteemed position of President of Saryu Maha Aarti, brought clarity to a growing controversy. He spoke about the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir, which has been a topic of debate. Shashikant Das Maharaj specifically referred to certain claims suggesting that this ceremony should not be held at the Ram Mandir because it is still under construction. He firmly stated that these claims are 'misleading'.

Das Maharaj emphasized the importance of addressing misinformation. He highlighted that there are individuals spreading “very misleading things” about the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, scheduled for January 22nd at 12:20 PM. His concern is that such misinformation could confuse or mislead people who are looking forward to this important religious event.

To reinforce his point, Das Maharaj provided a historical reference to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Somnath Mandir. He pointed out that during the consecration ceremony of the Somnath Mandir, the temple was still in the process of being built. This historical event is significant because it shows that conducting the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in a temple that is not fully completed is not unprecedented. In fact, during the Somnath Mandir ceremony in 1951, key parts of the temple like the 'sanctum sanctorum' and 'Shikhar' were not yet finished. Despite this, the ceremony was conducted with full reverence, and even the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, participated in the rituals at this sacred site.

Shashikant Das Maharaj, the president of Saryu Maha Aarti in Ayodhya, recently made a crucial statement to address the ongoing discussions around the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir. He expressed concern over the misinformation being spread and aimed to provide clarity on the matter.

Maharaj pointed out that there is a misunderstanding being propagated about the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. He said, “Some people are spreading very misleading things about the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony… I want to tell you that at the time the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the Somnath temple took place, the ‘sanctum sanctorum’ and ‘Shikhar’ of the temple were not completed.” This statement is significant as it draws a parallel between the current situation at the Ram Mandir and the historical event at the Somnath temple. He emphasized that even when the Somnath temple was not fully completed, the Pran Pratishtha ceremony was successfully performed.

In contrast to the situation at the Somnath temple during its Pran Pratishtha, Maharaj noted that the Ram Mandir is in a more prepared state for the ceremony. He highlighted that the ‘sanctum sanctorum’ for the Vigrhaya (idol) of Ram Lalla and the ‘Shikhar’ (spire) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are already ready. This readiness is crucial as it signifies that the main parts of the temple, which are essential for the ceremony, are in place, making the Ram Mandir apt for the upcoming Pran Pratishtha.

Further, Maharaj acknowledged the role of leadership in the construction of the Ram Mandir. He stated, “.. So if PM Modi had not been there, this temple would not have been built today…” This comment highlights the importance of political will and leadership in realizing the vision of the Ram Mandir. By referencing Prime Minister Modi, Maharaj implies that the completion of the temple to its current state is due to the support and efforts from the government and its leaders.

1951 Hindu Article Sheds Light on Somnath Mandir Pran Pratishtha, Setting Precedent for Ayodhya

A historical article from The Hindu, shared by its former Chairperson and Editor, Malini Parthasarathy, on January 14th, has offered valuable insights into the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Somnath Mandir in 1951. This article is particularly relevant today as it details the events and rituals of the ceremony, noting that it was performed even while the temple was still under construction. The report suggested that the construction of the Somnath temple could have taken several years, possibly even a decade, to complete.

Accompanying the article, Malini Parthasarathy tweeted, shedding light on the significance of the event. She wrote, “Reports of The Hindu of May 12, 1951 bring out the striking parallel of a secular authority, namely Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India performing the sacred Pran Pratishta ceremony in the partially reconstructed Somnath temple amidst great fanfare. Clearly, a precedent has been set in independent India’s beginning, of a representative of a secular nation performing a religious ritual. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not transgressing any tradition by conducting the Pran Pratishta ceremony at Ayodhya.” This statement is crucial as it highlights the involvement of a secular leader in a religious ceremony, setting a precedent for similar actions by other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the case of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

The controversy surrounding the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has also seen the opposition play a role. Reports have surfaced that the Shankaracharyas, revered Hindu religious leaders, objected to conducting the Pran Pratishtha in an ‘incomplete’ Ram Mandir. The Congress party, in particular, has been cited as using these reports to criticize the event. They argue that the Pran Pratishtha should not be performed in a temple that is not fully constructed, echoing the concerns raised by the Shankaracharyas.

Amid the discussions surrounding the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, there have been varied opinions from different Shankaracharyas, who are highly respected in Hindu tradition. One of these, Jyotirpeeth Sankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, reportedly voiced concerns about the timing of the consecration ceremony.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, a prominent Hindu religious leader, reportedly stated that performing the consecration ceremony for Ram Lalla at this stage might not be appropriate, as the construction of the Ram Mandir is yet to be completed. This viewpoint highlights a perspective that sees the completion of the temple's structure as integral to the sanctity and appropriateness of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

In Hindu tradition, there are four Shankaracharyas, each representing a different region of India – Uttarakhand, Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat. These religious leaders are regarded as the highest authorities on Hindu scriptures and practices. According to reports, all four Shankaracharyas have decided not to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple. This decision is significant as it reflects their collective stance on the issue, which may influence the opinions and beliefs of their followers.

However, in a noteworthy development, two of the Shankaracharyas have openly rejected reports claiming they have expressed displeasure or objections over the historic event. They have labeled these reports as misleading. This clarification is important as it counters any misinterpretation or misrepresentation of their views regarding the ceremony. It also highlights the complexity and diversity of opinions within the Hindu religious leadership on this matter.

It's important to note that the Shankaracharyas of both Dwarka and Sringeri Maths have not only extended their blessings for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha but have also encouraged devotees to participate in the event. This comes as a significant affirmation, especially amidst previous reports of opposition. Their blessings and call for participation signify a positive and supportive attitude towards the ceremony, dispelling any notions of their opposition to the event.

Moreover, these Shankaracharyas have actively refuted claims that they were opposing the event. This clarification is crucial as it corrects any misconceptions about their stance and reaffirms their support for one of the most awaited religious ceremonies in recent times. Their blessings and encouragement to devotees add to the significance and sanctity of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir.

Adding to the clarity on this matter, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a prominent Hindu organization, has stated that two of the four Shankaracharyas have openly welcomed the consecration ceremony. Although these Shankaracharyas have noted that they would not be able to attend the grand event due to their commitments, they have expressed their intentions to visit the Ram Mandir at a later time, at their convenience. The VHP's statement further confirms the support of key religious figures for the ceremony and highlights that their inability to attend is not due to any opposition but due to other reasons.

The clarification from the Shankaracharyas of Dwarka and Sringeri, along with the assertion from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, provides a clearer picture of the religious leadership's stance on the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha. Their blessings and encouragement to devotees reflect a positive outlook towards the ceremony, ensuring that the event proceeds with the support and good wishes of prominent Hindu leaders.