Mixed Response From Shankaracharyas On Ram Mandir Ceremony: Jyotish Peeth, Puri To Not Join; Dwarka, Shringeri Endorse Event

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, has announced that he will not be present at the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 22 January, as reported by Hindustan Times.

While as of now only two Shankaracharyas have confirmed that they will not go, Swami Avimukteshwarananda has claimed that all four will not go.

He emphasised that their decision is based on the violation of Sanatana Dharma rules associated with the event.

Another Shankaracharya, Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati of Puri Gowardhanpeeth, had earlier expressed reservations about attending the ceremony, citing concerns about it being contrary to scriptures.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand explained that the objection arises from the installation of Lord Ram's idols before the temple's construction, which, according to Hindu norms, is not in alignment with the appropriate sequence of events.

He stressed that there is ample time for the construction of the Ram Temple and the subsequent completion of Pran Pratishtha.

According to him, inaugurating an incomplete temple is not advisable, and he clarified that their stance is not against Prime Minister Narendra Modi but rooted in their adherence to Dharma Shastra.

Meanwhile, Shankaracharya of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sri Bharathi Teertha Mahaswamiji, through the official social media handle of Sringeri matha has conveyed his blessings for the event and has enjoined all Astikas to attend the event.

Shankaracharyaa of Dwarka have also issued a statement saying they are not objecting to the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya Ram Mandir.