A quick glance across media platforms in the country do give a deep impression that all roads are leading towards Ayodhya as people converge in this Uttar Pradesh town to witness the consecration of the Ram Temple there.
Over the past few weeks, as one looks around flags hailing Lord Rama are being sold along neighbourhood streets and many houses/buildings hosting the ‘pataka’. The build-up to the grand event on Monday January 22, 2024 is clear with communities planning to hold ceremonies around the auspicious appointed hour when the consecration ceremony or ‘Pran Pratishta’ will be held.
Festoons, illumination dot several places and other events like fireworks celebrating the return of Lord Rama at his birth place in Ayodhya, and a permanent place in the temple suggest the strong religious pull of people who have immense and abiding faith in Maryada Purshottam Rama.
Having being raised on Ramayana and its variants in various parts of the country, the emotional connect of the people in Lord Rama and his family is deep-rooted. Yet, there are discordant voices too on several counts.
Many of the revered Shankaracharya sages who hold the seat of learnings in separate regions of the country, announced their decision to keep away from the January 22, and through public declaration one objected to the ritualistic practice being followed as the case in point; several political parties including the Indian National Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party and the Left prefer to give the event a miss, viewing the event as attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party to convert it as a party effort; and finally, some low-key conversations wondering whether it is appropriate for governments to formally associate with what essentially is an event organised by the Ram Temple Trust, set up after the Supreme Court verdict to oversee the construction at Ayodhya.
The government on its part, maintained that invitations to personalities to be part of the consecration was extended by the Trust with office-bearers personally handing over the invites.
The programme itself was drawn by the Trust and the key event includes presence of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U P Governor Anandiben Patel, State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat and Trust Chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Reports across various media platforms inform that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is observing strict religious rituals or Anushsthan ahead of the consecration, which any devout follower of the faith will appreciate.
Looking at the larger issue is how should this development be viewed? Since several state governments and the Central government declared a holiday, half or full, on Monday to enable the devotees to witness the consecration at the Rama Temple, coming into being after several decades of contestation. The break from routine should allow the pious to adopt a ritual the faith allows. No doubt it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for members of the community and those with deep faith in Lord Rama and his ideals.
There have been voices, muted to an extent wondering should the state get involved in this at all. The declaration of a holiday, half or full, is seen as an extension of patronage by this section. The issue being debated is the separation of state and religion. These conversations are in an early phase and could continue in some form and fashion post the January 22 event.
There will be plenty of instances of “whataboutery”. Those in the current landscape who view it from a different prism may have to face an uncomfortable question– how should one view the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi permitting conduct of a ‘Shilanyas ‘ or foundation stone for Rama Temple at Ayodhya in 1989 and a promise of Rama Rajya? And, much against an opinion in his own Council of Ministers, the then sole television channel Doordarshan commissioned and beamed popular Sunday serial ‘Ramayana”.
Interestingly, those descending at Ayodhya are mesmerised by the grandeur of the town and how Ram Ki Paidi has been transformed. Many from the Congress are not sure of how the government of the party played a role in developing it just as another party Chief Minister facilitated a religious journey organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to Delhi via Ayodhaya. The lines can get blurred. Yet, it is for this generation to illuminate the path ahead and forge a country as one that works for an inclusive world.
—The author, K V Prasad, is an author and political analyst. The views expressed are personal.
Read his previous articles here (Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)
First Published: Jan 21, 2024 12:46 PM IST
