On January 22, Ayodhya will witness the Pran Pratishtha or consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, boasting a guest list meticulously curated to include representatives from over 150 communities across the country. Regarded as the second “Ram Mandir Andolan” by the Sangh Parivar, this event aims to unite Hindu society, transcending caste divisions.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar highlights the inclusivity of the guest list, spanning saints from Dalit and tribal communities, individuals from impoverished families who contributed to the temple fund, and those involved in its construction. The extensive list, featuring 4,000 saints and 2,500 eminent persons, emphasizes representation across all sections of Hindu society, with attention to sub-castes.
Aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)’s “samajik samrasta (social harmony)” campaign, the VHP endeavors to counter the opposition’s focus on caste census, promoting the narrative of unity through the “Kamandal” concept.
VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal underscores the movement’s core objective of uniting the Hindu society, referencing the historical significance of individuals like Kameshwar Chaupalji, a Dalit VHP leader involved in the foundation stone laying in 1989. The careful selection of saints, irrespective of caste, emphasizes inclusivity, encompassing diverse worship traditions.
The guest list also includes a variety of eminent personalities, spanning politicians, artists, poets, and sportspersons, chosen to represent different professions while ensuring a shared belief in Lord Ram. This diversity mirrors the sacrifices made across castes during the Ram temple movement, even amidst economic challenges like the pandemic.
In preparation for the temple’s inauguration, the VHP initiates a nationwide fervor, distributing sacred rice (akshat) and organizing aarti ceremonies in temples across the country simultaneously with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in Ayodhya. The VHP aims to unite millions of people, urging individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate actively in the ceremony, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Diwali.
To facilitate widespread viewing, the VHP collaborates with Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and other groups to install five lakh LED screens in temples, promoting a sense of community by encouraging larger temples to support smaller ones. This initiative aligns with the Sangh’s broader campaign advocating “one village, one temple, one cremation ground, and one well.”
Highlighting their longstanding priest training program, the VHP notes the training of 50,000 priests from Dalit and tribal communities, fostering support from major temples like the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs) in South India. The comprehensive efforts aim to amplify the resonance of the temple’s inauguration, symbolizing unity across diverse communities and regions.
