Temple belongs to Ramanand sect, not Sanyasis, Shaiva or Shakta: Champat Rai triggers row
New Delhi: Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has stated in an interview with Amar Ujala that there is no rush to complete the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
He explained that the initial plan estimated completion within three years, with the foundation alone taking 18 months. Rai emphasized that the temple follows the Ramanand tradition and is not associated with Sanyasis, Shaiva, or Shakta.
When asked about the method of worship in the new temple, Rai said that since it’s a Ram mandir, Ramanand tradition will be followed.
“The temple belongs to the Ramanand sect, and not to the Sanyasis, not to Shaiva or Shakta,” he added.
Shankaracharya Nishchalananda Saraswati, who had confirmed that he would not be going to Ayodhya for the January 22 event, criticised Rai’s remarks, advising him not to diminish his stature while holding a position of power.
Criticism has arisen regarding the extravagant event planned for the consecration of the Ram Mandir on January 22. Shankaracharya Nishchalananda Saraswati, suggested that it is being turned into a political spectacle.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the grandeur of the event, attributing it to the upcoming general elections and cautioning against turning pilgrimage sites into tourist attractions.
Four Shankaracharyas have reportedly refused to participate in the organization of the Ram temple, highlighting concerns about the event's political undertones. While praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to Hindutva, Shankaracharya Nishchalananda Saraswati raised concerns about pilgrimage sites becoming commercialized in the name of development.
Despite the Trust's assurance of a meticulous construction process, critics worry about the potential politicization of the Ram Temple event, emphasizing the need for a balanced and non-partisan approach.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
