The sacred ceremony of Pran Pratishtha at Ram Mandir, scheduled for January 22, has become a subject of intense discussion and debate in the public sphere. This article aims to demystify the controversies and questions surrounding this event, revealing the truth behind the chosen date and addressing the queries regarding the ritual in the partially constructed temple.
The Ritual of Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir
Ayodhya is bustling with preparations for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla. The city is adorned magnificently, and an atmosphere of devotion permeates the air. The enthusiasm of the devotees is palpable across the nation. Scheduled on a propitious date, the ceremony will adhere to traditional rituals and customs, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage.
The Controversy: Politics Interfering with Tradition?
Before the grand event, political questions and controversies have surfaced. Some have raised objections regarding the date and the method of the ceremony. Let’s delve into the origins of these disputes and the allegations made by opposition parties, who cited statements from various religious leaders to challenge the government’s decisions.
Why the Dispute Over Pran Pratishtha?
The controversy gained momentum following the remarks of Shankaracharyas Avimukteshwaranand and Nischalanand Saraswati. They expressed reservations about the ceremony but clarified they were not opposing the event. Despite this, opposition parties seized the opportunity to create a political issue, stirring up debate over the ceremony.
Pran Pratishtha in an Incomplete Temple: Is It Scripturally Sound?
Experts, including renowned astrologer Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, were consulted to resolve this dispute. Questions were raised about the scriptural validity of conducting Pran Pratishtha in an unfinished temple. Dravid explained that Pran Pratishtha can occur in two scenarios: either when a temple is completely built or when its construction is ongoing.
Validity of Pran Pratishtha in an Unfinished Temple
Dravid elaborated that if Pran Pratishtha is done after the temple’s completion, a Kalash Pratishtha is performed by a renunciant. However, the ritual can also be conducted in an ongoing construction, with a subsequent Kalash Pratishtha when the temple is fully built.
Pran Pratishtha: Fully Aligned with Scriptures
Acharya Dravid clarified that Pran Pratishtha cannot be performed until the temple doors are constructed and the temple is roofed. In the case of Ram Mandir, the first floor is ready, with doors and roofing in place, making the ritual entirely scriptural.
Political Motives Behind the Controversy
The controversy seems to have stemmed more from political motivations rather than religious or cultural concerns. The opposition’s focus on the date and the state of the temple construction appears to be a strategic move to gain political mileage rather than genuine concern for religious propriety.
Cultural and National Significance of Ram Mandir’s Pran Pratishtha
This event is not just a religious ceremony but a moment of national and cultural significance. It symbolizes the unity and faith of millions, transcending the narrow confines of political agendas. The ceremony is a testament to India’s enduring spiritual and cultural heritage, which continues to thrive despite modern challenges.
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