The petitioner argued that as the temple is still being built, conducting the consecration of the deity at this stage would not align with the traditions of Sanatana Dharma.
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UTTAR PRADESH: A plea was filed today in the Allahabad High Court by Bhola Das, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has raised objections against the scheduled ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The petitioner contends that the ceremony, planned for January 22, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in attendance, goes against traditional Hindu practices.
The plea highlights two primary concerns. Firstly, it points out that as per the Hindu calendar, no religious programs should be organized in the month of Paush. This period is traditionally observed for spiritual reflection and not for conducting significant religious ceremonies.
Secondly, and more significantly, the petitioner argues that the temple, still under construction, is not in a state to undergo the consecration of the deity. According to the petition,
“A religious program is going to be organised in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. The idol of Ram Lalla will be installed at the under-construction temple. The ceremony will be performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Shankaracharyas have an objection to the Pran Pratistha programme…The temple is still incomplete…no deity can be consecrated,”
This argument is rooted in the Sanatana tradition, which stipulates specific guidelines for such religious ceremonies, including the completion of the temple structure before the consecration of deities.
The petition also mentions that Shankaracharyas, revered Hindu religious leaders, have expressed objections to the ‘Pran Pratistha’ program under the current circumstances. The plea thus seeks to address these concerns by challenging the appropriateness of conducting the ceremony at the under-construction Ram Mandir.
This plea brings to the forefront the intricate relationship between religious traditions and contemporary practices, especially in the context of significant religious and cultural landmarks like the Ram Mandir. The Allahabad High Court’s response to this plea is keenly awaited, as it will have implications not just for the ceremony but also for the broader discourse on religious practices and traditions in India.
The “Praan Pratishtha” ceremony is a significant Hindu ritual, particularly in the context of temple consecration and the installation of deities. In the case of Bhagwan Shri Ram in Ayodhya, this ceremony holds immense religious and cultural importance.
Understanding “Praan Pratishtha”-
Meaning and Significance: “Praan Pratishtha” literally translates to ‘establishing the life force’. It is a ritual where life (praan) is symbolically infused into a deity’s idol. This ceremony is considered vital in Hinduism for consecrating temples and idols, transforming them from mere stone or metal into a living embodiment of the divine.
Ritual Process: The ceremony involves elaborate rituals performed by priests and typically includes Vedic chants, offerings, and a series of purificatory rites. The process sanctifies the idol, making it worthy of worship and capable of receiving the devotees’ prayers and offerings.
Bhagwan Shri Ram’s Praan Pratishtha in Ayodhya-
Cultural and Religious Context: Ayodhya, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, is a city of immense religious significance in Hinduism. The Praan Pratishtha of Bhagwan Shri Ram in Ayodhya is not just a religious event but a moment of great cultural and historical importance for many Hindus.
Connection to Ram Mandir: This ceremony is particularly significant in the context of the newly constructed Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. After a prolonged and contentious legal battle over the disputed site, the Supreme Court of India in 2019 ruled in favor of constructing a Hindu temple. The Praan Pratishtha marks a key milestone in this temple’s establishment, symbolizing the presence of Lord Ram.
National and Social Impact: The event is expected to attract a large number of devotees and has implications beyond religion. It resonates with cultural identity, historical narratives, and national sentiments, especially among those who have been closely following the Ram Mandir issue.
Logistical and Administrative Preparations: Given the expected influx of devotees and the ceremony’s significance, substantial preparations in terms of security, crowd management, and facilities are likely to be undertaken in Ayodhya.
The Praan Pratishtha ceremony of Bhagwan Shri Ram in Ayodhya is a momentous event, marking a new chapter in the religious and cultural fabric of India. It symbolizes not only religious devotion but also the culmination of a long-standing aspiration of many Hindus across the nation and the world.
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