Explore the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony updates with global celebrations and political controversies. Stay informed on key figures’ perspectives and diverse opinions surrounding this historic event.
As the much-anticipated Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony approaches on January 22, here are 10 updates on the celebrations, controversies, and other developments surrounding the event.
1. Akhilesh Yadav Receives Invite
Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, expressed gratitude for the invitation to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. However, he plans to visit the temple with his family post the event. The invitation was extended to him on January 13.
2. Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati’s Perspective
Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati has raised concerns about the ceremony being “politicised,” attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement. Consequently, the Shankaracharya of Puri Govardhan Peeth has chosen not to attend the event.
3. Congress Leaders Skeptical
Senior Congress leader TS Singh Deo questioned the timing of the ceremony, expressing skepticism about its political implications with Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. Earlier, key Congress figures like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declined invitations, labeling it a BJP-RSS event.
4. Amish Tripathi Counters Congress
Amish Tripathi countered Congress’ criticism by emphasizing the historical perspective of temple construction, which may span centuries. He highlighted that the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony becomes permissible once the Garbhagriha is complete and the idol installed.
5. Congress Conducts Parallel Event
While the Congress leadership opts to stay away from the Ayodhya consecration ceremony on January 22, the Uttar Pradesh Congress unit plans its own event on January 15. State president Ajay Rai and other senior leaders, along with approximately 100 Congress members, will participate.
6. Transforming Ayodhya with a Floating Screen
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Yogi Adityanath, is set to transform Ayodhya by installing India’s largest floating screen at Chaudhary Charan Singh Ghat, offering a grand visual experience for the public.
7. Honoring Karsevaks Through Art
Artists in Lucknow are creating oil paintings to commemorate the volunteers who sacrificed their lives during the Ram Mandir movement in the early 1990s. The paintings may be displayed in the Ram Lalla courtyard, pending a final decision by the Ram Temple Trust.
8. ‘Jai Shri Ram’ Resonates in the US
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of America organized a Tesla musical light show in Maryland to celebrate the upcoming temple opening. The Hindu community in the US participated, displaying Lord Ram’s flags and chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ as Tesla cars synchronized to the tune.
9. Celebrations in Mauritius
Temples across Mauritius are set to celebrate the grand opening by conducting chantings from the ‘Ramayana’ as part of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ celebrations on January 22. The Mauritian government has even declared a two-hour break for Hindu public office workers to participate in related events.
10. Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb Displayed by Iqbal Ansari
Iqbal Ansari, involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, displayed the ‘Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb’ in Ayodhya, symbolizing Hindu-Muslim unity. He purchased a miniature Ram Temple model as a gift and has been invited to the Ram Temple inauguration.
Conclusion
As the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony approaches, it is evident that the event is marked by a mix of political nuances, artistic tributes, and global celebrations. The participation and opinions of key figures reflect the diverse perspectives surrounding this historic moment.