Politics over Shriram is not expected – H.H. Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj

His Holiness Swami Govinddev Giri Maharaj

Solapur – “Deity Shriram is above all the politicians. Shriram belongs to the entire nation. Therefore, everyone is expected to contribute to the building of Shriram temple in Ayodhya. When Hamas attacked on Israel, the Cabinet there was dissolved and a ‘War Cabinet’ was formed. Similarly, it is essential for all of us to unite for the temple of Shriram without politicising it”, said H.H. Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj. He was speaking at a press conference in Solapur. The press was organised to discuss about Shriram temple.

H.H. Swamiji added,

1. Millions of people have shed their blood for the Shriram temple. Many generations have waited for this temple. The entire nation is eagerly waiting for the consecration of Shriram idol. Therefore, we are looking at ways to install Shriram idol as soon as possible without any further delays. This is why we have chosen 22 ^nd January as the date for consecration.

2. Although the consecration of Shriram is taking place now, the religious rites (Anushthan) for it have been going on for several days. A group of 11 individuals from Pune, Maharashtra has been performing the rites for the past 15 months. They are doing this at their own expense and they are not offered any fees (Dakshina) for it. Shriram will arrive on
17 ^th January and the puja rituals will commence from 18 ^th January. Various rituals will continue until 22^nd January.

3. There are allegations that certain individuals were not invited; however, invitations were selectively sent to those who were not expected to decline it. As in case of the ‘Padma’ awards, a pre-acceptance affidavit is required stating ‘I will not decline this award,’ as refusing such an honour is considered offensive to the nation. Everyone can be invited by Shriram Temple Trust; but if one declines the invitation, it will not be appropriate.

It is the leaders’ duty to foster a self-respecting society that does not accept anything for free

Currently, there is a prevailing trend in the country to provide freebies to the public, encompassing various offerings such as free electricity and free Wi-Fi. Ideally, individuals who are physically or financially challenged should be the primary recipients of these benefits. It is incumbent upon the rulers to foster a societal mindset characterised by self-
respect, where individuals embrace the notion that it is their responsibility to pay for everything they receive.

Attempt to cover up life values of Deity Shriram by deliberately making controversial statements

When Swamiji was questioned about his opinion regarding some individuals asserting that Shriram was a non vegetarian, he responded, “How many of the political leaders talking about this are non-vegetarians ? This has to be verified. If a list is made, they all will have to sit at home. Shriram was a Kshatriya and efforts are being made to undermine his life values by disseminating such claims. Instead, we should focus on the principles for which Shriram lived.”