In the aftermath of the announcement by the four Shankaracharyas expressing their intent to abstain from the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya due to objections regarding the rituals, Union Minister Narayan Rane criticized the spiritual leaders on Saturday.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Minister Narayan Rane voiced his displeasure at the Shankaracharyas' decision, questioning the contribution of these spiritual leaders to the Hindu religion. Rane suggested that the Shankaracharyas should instead extend good wishes for the successful completion of the long-awaited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The spiritual leaders had cited concerns about the rituals being contrary to scriptures, with Jyotir math Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati highlighting what he deemed the "biggest act of ignorance" – the installation of idols of Lord Ram while the temple construction was still ongoing.
Despite the Shankaracharyas asserting that their reluctance to participate in the ceremony was not a rejection of reverence for Lord Ram and not an anti-Modi stance, Narayan Rane contended that their perspective appeared politically oriented, while the event itself was of a religious nature, focused on dharma and the worship of Lord Ram.
Rane took the opportunity to commend Prime Minister Modi, acknowledging him as the driving force behind the construction of the Ram Mandir. He praised Modi for taking up the matter and successfully progressing the construction of the temple after many years.
The Shankaracharyas are the heads of the four principal monasteries or mutts established by the eighth-century Hindu saint Adi Shankara, who followed Hinduism's Advaita Vedanta tradition.
The 'Pran Pratistha' of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is scheduled for January 22, with Prime Minister Modi leading the event. PM Modi initiated an 11-day 'anusthan' (special ritual) on Friday in preparation for the consecration ceremony.
