Shriram temple and Shankaracharya

Media have been showing that the Shankaracharyas have decided to boycott the consecration ceremony at Shriram temple in Ayodhya. Some individuals read such news on social media and impatiently comment on them without any inhibitions. I want to, therefore, present a few points in this context and appeal to you to read them with a cool temperament and try to understand.

1. ‘We cannot go’ does not mean a boycott

Nobody has boycotted the consecration of Shriram Lalla’s idol. Shankaracharya of three ‘Pithas’, out of four, have informed that they would not be able to attend the ceremony on the 22nd of January 2024. Among them, Jagatguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirpitha, Badrinath, has said that he has not received the invitation. I have not read about Shankaracharya of Sringeri Muth saying anything clearly about his inability to go, but he has clarified that his not attending the ceremony does not mean a boycott. All Acharyas have bestowed their blessings for the ceremony and there is no unpleasantness about the same.

2. Media are fabricating stories

These ‘Pithas’ are supreme in matters related to Dharma, and they follow certain protocols. It is difficult to comply with all the protocols; therefore, they will not be able to go to the ceremony. They have not created any controversy and decided to keep away from the event which should be welcomed, but the media is bound to create its own fabricated stories and then, stories started circulating about a boycott which is not the case at all.

3. Shankaracharya’s contribution to the creation of Shriram temple

Some over-enthusiastic individuals are asking about the contribution of Shankaracharya in the creation of the Shriram temple, but had they studied the issue, they would not have asked such a question. There has been a long association between Shankaracharya Swaroopanand Saraswati Maharaj of Dwarka and Badrinath Pithas, who has jointly held the position of Jagadguru for both ‘Pithas’, took out ‘Padayatra’ and later was imprisoned. He also made efforts for the unification of all Saints and fought legal battles. Owing to the political differences with Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), he was not in favour of VHP participating in the ceremony. That, however, does not lower the value of his contribution to this issue.

4. Is it correct to question Shankaracharya’s contribution to Hindutva ?

Individuals questioning Shankaracharyas’ contribution to ‘Hindutva’ have not bothered to collect information on this matter. Shankaracharyas of all four ‘Pithas’ have been continuously going all over the country, fighting for the protection of cows and propagation of Dharma by meeting people. Such information is also available on their websites. Let us, therefore, honestly ponder over our contribution to the protection of Dharma and then, ask such questions.

5. It is important to end the conflict

Do we try to end a conflict between two senior family members of our family or keep quiet about it if it is not possible to end the discord, or do we announce it to the world and be impolite to our senior family members ? One needs to find its answer as per one’s understanding. On one hand, when an MLA tries to distort some references from Ramayan, we feel we should ignore such a person and on the other hand, we use the most impolite language while criticising the persons holding the highest posts in the matters of Dharma. Is there any logic in such a behaviour ?

6. Chant Shriram instead of writing in unrestrained language

Is it necessary that we should express our views on every matter ? The great temple is being constructed after 500 years of struggle. Let us enjoy the moments without any doubts. Rather than criticising what is said by the person holding the highest post of our Dharma, let us use that time to worship. Let us use the time to chant Shriram’s name instead of writing something in rough language. The media deliberately create a certain atmosphere, but we need not fall prey to them. Our honourable Prime Minister will be following all religious restraints for the next nine days and spend time in ritualistic worship. Let us keep him as our ideal, as his supporters and devout Hindus. If you agree with this perspective, immediately stop expressing yourself from now, from this very moment. If the urge to express becomes uncontrollable, let us chant Shriram’s name 108 times. I have expressed my views since it was essential; still, I am going to chant Shriram’s name 108 times as an atonement for expressing my views. Please see if you agree with these views.

समस्तामधे सार साचार आहे ।
कळेना तरी सर्व शोधून पाहे ॥
जिवा संशयो वाऊगा तो त्यजावा ।
प्रभाते मनीं राम चिंतीत जावा ॥

– Samartha Ramdas Swami, Manache Shlok, No. 74

Meaning: Amongst various methods of reaching God, truly, reciting his name and keeping highest possible moral standards in everything we do, is the essence. If you still don’t understand, try to search in all possible ways. Give up this doubt ! Know it to be vain and futile. Awaken your mind to Shriram’s name, by meditating on his name early mornings.

– Vaidya Parikshit Shevade, Ayurveda Vachaspati, Dombivali (13.1.2024)