Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Aug 6: Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji, head of Pejawar Math, is a member of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi temple trust. Daijiworld interviewed Swamiji on the occasion of Bhoomi Puja organised on August 5 for Sri Ram temple at Ayodhya.
The Swamiji said he is the only member of the said trust from south India. "I got this honour because of the good deeds of my Guru. My Guru, Sri Vishwesha Theertha, had served the cause and got this recognition. Efforts were put in by him," he explained.
"History tells us that Sri Vadiraja, during the pilgrimage, found the idols of Lord Hanumantha and Lord Garuda in a neglected state in a dilapidated shrine at Ayodhya. He brought them here and consecrated them here, it is said. We also treat him as the third incarnation of Lord Hanumantha. He played a stellar role in ensuring that Lord Ram incarnates in this world. Madhwacharya happens to be the third incarnation of Lord Hanumantha. All these things make it clear that Udupi and Ayodhya are always connected with each other. In the past, two important decisions arrived at Udupi relating to Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. In the past, the shrine of Ram was locked up, and no religious rituals were performed. With the pressure on the government, puja was allowed later," he explained.
The Swamiji asserted that Lord Ram and Lord Krishna are one and the same, and with the inspiration provided by Lord Krishna, Ram Mandir works are now getting a concrete shape.
He said that if Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji, his Guru, was alive, he would have been elated. He recalled that the late Swamiji had become very happy when the judgement of handing over the land came in favour of the trust.
On the role of Modi in the Ram Mandir becoming a reality, he said Modi would have played a role. The verdict of the Supreme Court changed the course of the efforts, he said. "It happened during Modi's time. It could also be a matter of coincidence. He could have removed obstacles in the deliverance of judgement by the Supreme Court," Swamiji explained.
He clarified that the Mandir does not mean that it will be small. It can be spacious and grand, he commented, duly adding that making a controversy out of name is not desired.
In the matter of Nepalese politicians claiming that Lord Ram had taken birth in their country, he said we have to go by the Supreme Court verdict, and there is no need to unduly worry over such disputes.
On how grand will Lord Ram temple be, the Swamiji said that preparations for the temple construction and its concept were evolving since long, and now, with the addition of different angles, it will come out grander and greater, he remarked.
When questioned why Pravinbhai Togadia and L K Advani are not members of the trust, he said he does not like to interfere in these matters, and that his duty is to discharge the responsibility given to him.
On the issue of what things Ram temple will have, he said Lord Ram always is accompanied by others, and the shrines presently standing there will be reconstructed. "Construction committee has been chosen. They might provide exact details shortly. A basic design will be the same with changes as might suit changing times. He said because of coronavirus infection he could not hold elaborate discussions personally and he will soon decide on the matter.
On funding of the project, he said that the current estimate is Rs 300 crore. "There is 70 acres of land. Development activities will be undertaken in remaining land. Work on the entire land might need about Rs 1,000 crore. These things will move on. Corporation social responsibility funds of different companies may be used. The temple does not belong to anyone. With the support of people, we will execute it. We have proposed to collect a minimum of ten rupees per person and Rs 100 from a family. We have not requested the government to help. If they give, we might take, but we do not expect funds from the government,” he explained.
He said that Ayodhya currently witnesses a rural style of life. There is a likelihood of the place growing into a huge city. It will be appropriate if ancient relics are untouched and a new city is built separately. It will grow into a religious centre. Everyone is devotionally charged now, he added.
On the issue of undertaking projects to see that Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji's name gets permanently etched in history, he said that nothing needs to be done on this issue as his works and achievements will achieve these things. "We can conserve things he used. His contributions like educational institutions he set up, cow shelter, student hostels etc are serving people. I will try to see that his name remains in our memories by developing the projects he has left behind,” he added.
When questioned whether the administration on Rama's style of the ruling can be expected in India, he recalled that the system of kings and emperors is gone. "If the country has to turn into a 'Rama Rajya (welfare state), every citizen should turn into Lord Ram. If we adhere to ideals of Ram, 'Ram Rajya' will materialise automatically," he stated.
About comments being made by some people about the construction of a huge temple at a time when coronavirus is haunting the people, he felt that those who make these comments are neither knowledgeable nor rationalists. "People keep commenting when such huge projects are undertaken. This is a kind of attack on Hindu culture. In spite of such tirades, good work continues," he stated. He also wanted to know how many schools, colleges and hospitals were built by these rationalists and advised them to speak based on their contributions to society."
When his message to the people was sought, Swamiji said that a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram does not mean building four walls. "The main aim is the renaissance of Hinduism. For that to happen, we have to follow the culture of lofty ideals preached by our ancestors. We have to keep chanting the name of Lord Ram. Because of the following western culture, we have faced so many ills. We have already begun to move towards Hindu culture because of COVID. I desire that people will adopt ancient lifestyles, traditions and culture and imbibe them in their daily life," he commented.