The top four Sanatan Hindu Dharma spiritual leaders, also known as ‘Shankaracharyas’, have decided to not attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, though two of them have issued a statement supporting the event. Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, said the construction of the temple doesn’t signify a victory of Sanatan Dharma.
Who Are Shankaracharya?
The top four Shankaracharya, who head four major Hindu mutts, are based in Uttarakhand, Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
Shankaracharya Swami Shri Nischalananda Saraswati
The Shankaracharya of Puri Gowardhanpeeth, Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati, is the 145th Sankaracharya of the Govardhana Peetha at Jagannath Puri, Odisha. He took the responsibility of the Peetha as its head on February 9, 1992.
Earlier this week, Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati Shankaracharya said that he would not attend the Ram Mandir event because it was against the scriptures.
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Will not Attend Ram Mandir Ceremony
Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand looks after all the ceremonies and activities in Jyotir Math in Uttarakhand – which is one of the four cardinal pithams established by saint Adi Shankara. He reportedly took over the responsibility in 2006.
Shankaracharya Swami Bharati Teerth
Shankaracharya Bharati Teerth of Sringeri Sharda Peeth is the 36th Shankaracharya of the Peeth. While media reports have recommended that he won’t go to the Ram mandir occasion on January 22, the Sringeri mutt as of late apparently dismissed this case. It isn’t yet clear assuming the Shankaracharya will go to the sanctification function.
Shankaracharya Sadanand Saraswati
Sadanand Saraswati is the Shankaracharya of Paschimannaya Dwarka Shardapeeth, which is one of the four cardinal peeth established by the saint Adi Shankara. Located in Gujarat’s Dwarka, it is also known as the Kalika mutt.
The Ram mandir consecration ceremony will be held on January 22, while the rituals for the event will begin on January 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the event where thousands of people, including celebrities, saints, and politicians have been invited.