Sringeri mutt requests people to disregard "false propaganda" about pran-pratishtha at Ram Temple

New Delhi [India], January 12 : The pontiff of Karnataka's Sringeri mutt has requested people to disregard "false propaganda" over the upcoming Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram Temple and consider only what has been published by the official website.
Sringeri Mutt, in its statement, ebunked false information circulating on social media, claiming that it has expressed its 'displeasure' over the pran-pratishtha of the Ram Temple.
"...A social media post, which carries a photo of Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peethadheeshwara, His Holiness Paramapujya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, conveys that the Sringeri Shankaracharya, in a message, has expressed displeasure over the Prana-pratishtha. However, the Sringeri Shankaracharya has not given any such message," it said.
It further requested people to 'disregard such false propaganda' and take note of what has only been published by the official website.
"...This is merely a false propaganda by ill-wishers of our Dharma. All Astikas are hence requested to disregard such false propaganda and take note of what has only been published by the official website (www.sringeri.net) and official social media platforms of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham," the mutt said.
It further said that the Pran-Pratishtha of Ram Janmabhoomi is a matter of joy for all the 'astikas'.
"It has to be noted here that on the occasion of Deepavali (12-11-2023), the "sharadapeetham" youtube channel of the Peetham had published the message of the Sringeri Jagadguru conveying that all Astikas engage in the chanting of the Rama Taraka Mahamantra keeping in mind the upcoming Prana-Pratishtha at Ayodhya. Accordingly, Astikas have been chanting the Mahamantra in large numbers" the statement said.
Gujarat's Dwarka Sharada Peetham has also said that the reports published in some newspapers regarding the mutt's stand on Ram Temple has been published without the permission of Jagadguru Shankaracharya and are misleading.
"The news published in some newspaper has been published without the permission of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji Maharaj which is misleading. Our Gurudev Bhagwan had made many efforts for the Ramjanmabhoomi through Ramalaya Trust and Ramjanmabhoomi Revival Committee. The dispute of about 500 years has ended, this is an occasion of happiness for the followers of Sanatan Dharma. We want that all the programs of the Pran Pratishta ceremony of Lord Shri Ram, which is going to be held in Ayodhya, should be conducted duly as per the Vedas and following the," the statement from the Dwarka Peeth said.
Notably, in the midst of preparations for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, various spiritual leaders have voiced their perspectives on the event, highlighting differing stances and beliefs.
Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Puri Govardhan Peeth on Thursday, while emphasising the importance of adhering to scriptural guidelines for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, expressed concerns about maintaining Lord Ram's honour and insisted that the worship should align with traditional practices.
"It should be done according to scriptural guidelines, and the worship should be conducted in accordance to the belief that Ram is not secular. According to scripture, Pran Pr and worship programmes should be conducted; otherwise, the deity's radiance diminishes, and demonic entities enter, causing havoc" Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati said.
Declining the invitation, Swami Nishchalanand stood firm in his decision not to attend, citing it as a matter of principle.
"I received an invitation, and with a smile, the person said I can bring someone along. I am not upset. It's just my policy and principle, otherwise I keep going to Ayodhya" he said.
He also asserted that the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony has been given a political hue.
"The country's Prime Minister will reside in the sanctum sanctorum, touch the idol, and perform the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. This has been given a political hue, if there is to be the Pran Pratishta of Lord Rama, it should be according to scriptural guidelines. I won't oppose it, nor will I attend. I have taken my stance. Let's not mix half-truths and half-lies; everything should align with scriptural knowledge" he said.
On the other hand, Swami Avimukteshwaranand, Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth Math took a different approach, asserting that he won't be visiting Ayodhya's Ram Mandir on January 22.
He emphasised that the construction of the temple doesn't signify a victory for Sanatan Dharma.
"Ayodhya already had a Ram Mandir before, and its construction isn't a gift or triumph for the religion. Political leaders not going to Ayodhya on January 22 may be due to their political constraints, but no such constraints bind me. When cow slaughter ends in the country, I will visit Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, celebrating with enthusiasm. Since the honourable court's decision, the land belongs to Hindus, and its use or misuse depends on their discretion" Swami Avimukteshwaranand said.