Four prominent Shankaracharyas, overseeing significant Hindu shrines, have chosen to abstain from the ceremony at Ayudhya, alleging a violation of Sanatan Dharma rules and a perceived injection of political motives. 

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Reports reveal that the four Shankaracharyas hailing from Joshimath, Dwarka, Puri, and Sringeri have opted out of attending the Ayodhya consecration ceremony, contending that it contravenes the tenets of Sanatan Dharma. Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Govardhana Peeth in Puri, articulated his decision last week, emphasizing the necessity for installing Ramlala’s idol in accordance with the principles outlined in Shastras.

Source: KP News 24×7

Expressing concerns about the ceremony’s adherence to traditional practices, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati firmly declined the invitation, stating that the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony had acquired a political dimension. He underscored the need for the ceremony to align with scriptural guidelines and disapproved of the involvement of political figures in the ritual, emphasizing that the sanctity of Lord Ram should be maintained without political influence.

Source: The New Indian Express

Contrastingly, Swami Avimukteshwaranand, the Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth Math, offered a different perspective. Asserting his decision to not visit Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir on January 22, he clarified that the temple’s construction doesn’t symbolize a victory for Sanatan Dharma. Swami Avimukteshwaranand highlighted that Ayodhya had a Ram Mandir previously and viewed the temple’s reconstruction as a matter unrelated to the triumph of religion. He expressed his intent to visit Ayodhya once cow slaughter ceases in the country, emphasizing a celebration aligned with religious principles.