Though two of them have released statements endorsing the event, the top four Sanatan Hindu Dharma spiritual leaders, popularly referred to as “Shankaracharyas,” have chosen not to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, stated that the building of the temple does not represent a victory of Sanatan Dharma. The top four Shankaracharyas, who head four major Hindu mutts, are headquartered in Uttarakhand, Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
Shankaracharya Swami Shri Nischalananda Saraswati
The 145th Sankaracharya of the Govardhana Peetha at Jagannath Puri, Odisha, is Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Puri Gowardhanpeeth. On February 9, 1992, he assumed the Peetha’s leadership role.
Previously this week, Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati Shankaracharya declared that the Ram Mandir event was against the scriptures and that it had become a political display. He added that he would not be attending.
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand
One of the four cardinal pithams founded by saint Adi Shankara, Jyotir Math in Uttarakhand, is overseen by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand, who also handles all rituals and events there. According to reports, he assumed the role in 2006.
“We are not anti-Modi but at the same time we also can’t go against our Dharma Shastra,” he averred.
Shankaracharya Bharati Teerth
The 36th Shankaracharya of the Peeth is Shankaracharya Bharati Teerth of Sringeri Sharda Peeth. Although there have been rumors in the media that he won’t be at the Ram temple ceremony on January 22, the Sringeri mutt has allegedly denied this. Whether the Shankaracharya would be present for the consecration event is still unknown.
Shankaracharya Sadanand Saraswati
One of the four cardinal peeth that the saint Adi Shankara founded is Paschimannaya Dwarka Shardapeeth, whose Shankaracharya is Sadanand Saraswati. Known by another name, the Kalika mutt, it is situated in Dwarka, Gujarat.
Reports state that Shankaracharya Sadanand Saraswati will not be present as well, but the spiritual master has not yet provided an official statement to support this claim.
The rites for the celebration will start on January 16 and the consecration ceremony for the Ram temple will take place on January 22. There are hundreds of people attending the event, including politicians, celebrities, and saints, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest.
