All 4 Shankaracharya to skip Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony on January 22

The involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the ‘chief host’ in the programme has stirred ‘concerns’ among senior seers over the proposed consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya.

The top spiritual leaders in Sanatan Hindu Dharma, Jagatguru Shankaracharya, namely Shankaracharya Swami Shri Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati of Badrikashram Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand, Shankaracharya Swami Shri Nischalananda Saraswati of Purvaamnaya Govardhanmath in Puri,  Shankaracharya Swami Shri Bharati Teerth Ji of Sringeri Mutt and Shankaracharya Shri Swami Sadanand Saraswati of Paschimannaya Dwarka Shardapeeth won’t be part of the ceremony to inaugurate the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Shankaracharya Swami Shri Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati of Uttaramnaya Jyotirmath has decided not to attend the Ayodhya event on January 22, citing specific concerns. The report cited him as saying, “Hum anti-Modi nahi hain, lekin hum anti-dharmashastra bhi nahi hona chahte (We are not anti-Modi, but we do not want to be anti-dharmashastra either).

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati underscores that participants in the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony are neglecting fundamental principles of Hinduism. He condemns the consecration of Lord Ram without completing the temple construction as a significant departure from Hinduism’s core tenets, advocating for a more considered and deliberate approach instead of unnecessary haste.

The decision not to attend the event is rooted in a commitment to maintaining the dignity and glory associated with their position. The reluctance to participate is not a rejection of reverence for Shri Ram, but rather a principled stand against what is perceived as the opportunistic and manipulative politics of certain leaders.

Shankaracharya Swami Shri Bharati Teerth Ji of Sringeri Sharda Peeth has reportedly declined the invitation despite expressing joy about the construction of the Ram temple. His reservations stem from the fact that the temple is still under construction. He deems it inappropriate to consecrate the divine in a structure that is not yet complete, citing concerns about ‘the righteousness of such an act.’

The dissatisfaction is further accentuated by a sense of neglect, as he claims that he, along with other revered figures, had presented evidence in court regarding the Ram Mandir. However, according to his statement, the Ram Mandir Trust has not sought advice from them or their representatives, suggesting a lack of consultation with key spiritual leaders.

Shankaracharya Swami Shri Nischalananda Saraswati of Purvaamnaya Govardhanmath Puri peeth has also declined participation in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha programme. This characterized the suggestion that the project lacks the sanctity and reverence inherent in ‘traditional temple construction.’ His decision not to attend is grounded in the principle of choosing not to be part of a place where due respect is perceived to be lacking.

Shankaracharya Shri Swami Sadanand Saraswati of Paschimannaya Dwarka Shardapeeth has chosen not to participate in the Ram Mandir Mahotsav, citing concerns around the timing of the consecration, stating that in the inauspicious month of Paush, according to scriptures, the initiation of life consecration in deities is deemed inappropriate. He proposes that a more suitable time would be Ram Navami, the auspicious birthday of Lord Rama.

Generally, they feel that the event is potentially politicized undermining the traditional rituals dictated by the Sanatan Shastras. Despite the general excitement for the Ram Temple Consecration, the absence of the 4 Shankaracharya is a point of contention among devout Hindus.