Ram Mandir A Symbol of Piety Beyond Politics

The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has been a monumental event that goes beyond the jurisdiction of politics, emitting the essence of piety and spirituality. While the Ram Janmabhoomi and disputed structure issue has been entangled in political controversies for decades, the completion of the Ram Mandir stands as a testament to the deeply rooted religious sentiments of millions of Hindus across the world.

The Ram Mandir is not merely a political endeavor, as it happened to be on the political agenda of the BJP, it represents a spiritual aspiration that resonates with the hearts of millions of people beyond caste colour or creed. The devotion to Lord Ram and the desire to see a grand temple at his birthplace have been firmly established in the cultural fabric of Hinduism for centuries. The completion of the Ram Mandir fulfills a long-standing dream, a journey that traverses much beyond the short lived and temporary nature of political narrative.

The history of the Ram Janmabhoomi and the disputed structure is complex and highly misinterpreted by the self entered political bodies, However, the resolution through the construction of the Ram Mandir marks a departure from the contentious political debates. It signifies a collective effort to move beyond historical grievances and focus on the spiritual and cultural significance of the site which not only carries a religious essence attached to it but also the emotions of crores of Sanatanies across the globe.

The construction of the Ram Mandir has brought people from diverse backgrounds together in a shared celebration of faith. Hindus, irrespective of political affiliations, have united to witness the realization of a sacred dream. The piety associated with the temple has the potential to imbibe a sense of unity and inclusivity among people who may differ in their political ideologies. However what is needed the most is the maturity to be able to rise above party line.

For many, the Ram Mandir is not just a place of worship; it is an embodiment of cultural identity. The temple stands as a symbol of the rich heritage and traditions of Hinduism, reflecting the cultural continuity that has persisted through centuries. This cultural identity extends beyond political boundaries, emphasizing the universal values embedded in the teachings of Lord Ram.

The completion of the Ram Mandir acknowledges the spiritual reverence attached to the site. It signifies a return to the roots of faith, a pilgrimage for devotees seeking a connection with their religious heritage. The temple, with its grand architecture and sacred sanctum, is a place for spiritual solace and communion with the divine.

In essence, the Ram Mandir is a manifestation of piety that transcends the realm of politics. While the historical context may have been politically charged, the completion of the temple signifies a shift towards unity, cultural identity, and spiritual reverence. As the grand structure stands tall in Ayodhya, it serves as a beacon of piety, inspiring millions to embrace the values of faith, harmony, and cultural richness that define the tapestry of India’s diverse society.

Coming to the political aspect of the developments that have been taking place during the course of construction of the Ram Mandir and now when the long awaited dream has reached its completion, political narratives of different political parties have left the common man thinking as to what is so political about the fulfilment of aspirations of billions of people in the country and elsewhere. But, whatever the stand different political parties have taken, the truth is that Ram is the centre of Humanity and politics is not above the divine faith people have in Ram.

This is an occasion of celebration, devotion and joy. And there is no room whatsoever for cheap politics and baseless confrontation demeaning thereby the grace and grandeur of such a historical and religious event which is dear to every Hindu and everyone who has faith in the existence of Lord Ram. Why, because some people even questioned the very existence of Lord Ram. which is not only derogative but very much hurting. Such political stunts need to be avoided at all costs. No matter what religious faith you profess but no religion teaches you to demean other religions. That too when you happen to be a member of an age old political party and you ought to refrain from making statements that can infringe the sentiments of a particular sect of society.

Ram Mandir is a dream come true. Ram Mandir is a reality. Ram Mandir is fulfilment of aspirations and religious belief of billions of people around the world.

Kanyadan Or No Kanyadan

Social media has really made the world a very small place.

You can see, chat or even comment on what you feel needs to be.

You can even feel the psyche of the people in their expressions on the social media.

I am going to touch one of the very common phenomenon among our Kashmeeri girls, who after their marriage continue to use the surname of their parental side, alongwith the surname of the family to which they get married. e.g So and So…Gadoo Talashi,  So and So…. Goja Fotedar, So and So…Dhar Khazanchi etc. etc.

My concern is not regarding the carrying of two surnames. Let them carry two surnames, if at all they think they are doing it the right way.

My only concern is about the Kanyadan.

Even if we go by the literal meaning of the word, it means that the father gives his daughter in “dan”. Thereby giving her to the other side i.e. the boy’s side.

So long the daughter carries the name of her father’s side, the significance of Kanyadan gets marred.

In present setup one can even get the surname changed, in the academic certificates, only if one wishes to,  simply going through some formalities.

So what is the fun of stretching your name.

There should be, no sentiments associated with the religious rituals.

I would like my daughters, who wear the traditional kashmeeri dress “feran’ and other  accessories associated with the traditional dress like targa, zooj, pooch, loungi etc. etc. with pride, to just have an insight of the traditions regarding sur names prevailing during the olden golden days.

I would not suggest as to what should actually be the practice, but yes I would like my readers to  understand for themselves, whether the contention is right or wrong.

Kanyadan or no Kanyadan………..customs say that girl can only carry the name of her spouse and not of her father after the kanyadan.

Once out of Gotra, means beyond any doubt, that you have to part with the gotra and caste of your parents, only to ensure the legitimacy of the Kanyadan.

Carrying father’s surname after the marriage, only nullifies  the purpose of the festivities of marriage and that of the Kanyadan itself.

This is not meant to hurt some of my daughters who carry dual identity, but yes I would like them to give a thought to the very essence of kanyadan.

The most sacred form of marriage for 2500 years in India has been kanyadan, “the gift of a girl.” The concept has a prominent place in ancient Hindu lawbooks.

when the father hands over all his rights and duties towards his daughter to her prospective groom. This way the father gives her daughter as a gift to the groom. As per tradition, groom is considered a form of Lord Vishnu.

And what is the harm if you are exclusively known as a member of the dynasty of Vishnu.

Well, in certain cases there happens to be no need to change the parental caste, as the destiny plans like that. What happens, the bride and the groom happen to be from the same caste and gotra, but not related to each other. In such cases also marriages take place. Though the caste and the gotra remain the same but Kanyadaan also doesn’t get nullified.

What is important  to understand is that Kanyadaan basically means shifting of caste and gotra, though it remains the same in some exceptional cases. But that doesn’t mean that the bride has not left the parental caste and gotra.

There can be an elaborate discussion on the subject. Here I have just tried to evaluate the importance of Kanyadaan.

I hope the message is conveyed in the right perspective.

 

2018 Sai Baba’s 100th year, Rich temple, Poor sanitation, Unhealthy Shirdhi

Crores of rupees, quintals of gold silver and diamonds. All in the safe custody of the mandir trust.
Lakhs of devotees thronging the shrine everyday. Not a single convenience complex within the vicinity of the shrine except in the lodges and hotels around.
Not to speak of the devotees, the residents of shirdhi face the wrath of unhealthy shirdhi.
What kind of Sai Bhakti is this.
Sai never dreamt of being rich with the followers fighting severe health hazards.
Keeping museums and libraries in the shrine premises would seem to be of some credence if there would have been a proper sanitary infrastructure in place.
God save shirdhi and the name of Sai.
Jai Bharat.

Depleting Humanity And Human Values- Religious Festivals A Succour

Religious festivals are the succour to, otherwise, depleting humanity and human values.

Today is eid-ul-azha,a day of festivities for our muslim brethren.Very shortly hindu sect of society will be celebrating Dewali.and on 25th dec.Well all of us know,our christian sect of society will be celebrating christmas.Similarly our sikh brethren celebrate gurpurab etc.etc.

We may not be able to have an exhaustive reading of all the religious books belonging to all these different religions.But one thing, which all of us can believe in, is the sacred message that is enshrined in these pious books.The message of oneness and mutual belief.brotherhood and tranquillity,peace and patience…………………and…………..yes you can add many more.

please go ahead and take the lead.

I will appretiate your gesture.

GOD BLESS.