Ram temple is dividing India rather than uniting India: Shankaracharya

In a detailed 40-minute interview recorded in Delhi on January 15, given to The Wire, the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, is heard stating that instead of uniting India, the politicization of the Ram Temple event has divided the country.

The interview, conducted by Karan Thapar for The Wire, shed light on Shankaracharya's views on the consecration ceremony, his concerns over the unfinished temple, and the perceived politicization of the event.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand explained that according to dharma shastras, it is against the principles to perform the Prana Pratishtha of a murti before the temple is complete. He expressed his belief that the mahurat (auspicious time) chosen for the consecration was not in line with the appropriate timing for Prana Pratishtha.

The Shankaracharya emphasized that he is not against Prime Minister Modi but acknowledged that the building of the Ram temple and the propaganda surrounding the Prana Pratishtha have inadvertently politicized the sacred structure.

One of the key arguments made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand was the violation of dharma shastras by conducting the consecration in an unfinished temple. He pointed out that the shikar (spire) of the temple had not been built, and the temple's completion was still a couple of years away.

He questioned whether the other three Shankaracharyas from Puri, Dwarka, and Sringeri have been invited, stating unequivocally that none of the four Shankaracharyas would be attending the ceremony.

The interview also touched upon the concerns raised by the Shankaracharya of Puri, who remarked that politicians have limits and responsibilities under the Constitution. Swami Avimukteshwaranand echoed this sentiment, expressing worry that the political involvement in the Ram temple affairs could lead to divisions within the Hindu population and the country at large.

When asked about Lord Ram's perspective on the politicization of the temple, Swami Avimukteshwaranand shared his apprehension that the events surrounding the Prana Pratishtha could be dividing India rather than uniting it.

Responding to questions about the possibility of temples replacing existing mosques in Kashi and Mathura, he advocated for a consensus-building approach, with wise Hindus and Muslims coming together to find a resolution.

The interview also addressed allegations against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, including accusations of politicizing the temple and online claims about his visit to Ajmer Sharif Dargah to spread a chadhar. He dismissed these allegations and clarified his position on being labelled as a Congressman.

Shankaracharya expressed his sadness and pain over the situation, emphasizing that a moment that should be one of happiness is clouded by concerns about the temple's unfinished state and the political overtones surrounding the Prana Pratishtha.