As the nation celebrates the return of Bhagwan Ram in Ayodhya with the construction of the Grand Ram Mandir, certain elements of society have attempted to sow confusion and cast doubts on the pran prathistha and have called it politically motivated. These dissenting voices, with little contribution to the cause, aim to create scepticism among the devoted.
In response to these concerns, Sri Brahmasri Ganeshwar Dravid Sastri, Vidwan of Vallabhram Shaligram Sangved Vidyalaya in Varanasi and an authority on Vedas and Agamas associated with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, has provided insights based on Pancharatra Agamas and Vedic texts.
Key Questions Addressed by Brahmasri Ganeshwar Dravid Sastri:
A Thread 🧵
Vidwan of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Preetam Sri Brahmasri Ganeshwar Dravid Sastri, 85 years priest has answered 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐲𝐨𝐝𝐡𝐲𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚
on 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒂 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒂 & other Vedic texts pic.twitter.com/dGXTL8DEqn— Tinku Venkatesh | ಟಿಂಕು ವೆಂಕಟೇಶ್ (@tweets_tinku) January 15, 2024
1. Can Prana Pratishtha be done without the entire temple complex being constructed?
Brahmasri Ganeshwar Dravid Sastri emphasises that Prana Pratishtha can proceed when the Garbagriha, the sanctum sanctorum, is fully built. He cites examples like the Somnath Mandir, where pran prathistha took place after the completion of Garbagriha, and the subsequent construction of the temple complex.
2. Can Prana Pratishta be done without the Kalasham on top?
Kalasha Prathista is performed only when the entire temple complex is complete, and this ritual is exclusive to sanyasis. Performing it as a grihastha, a householder, contradicts the Shastra’s guidance and may result in the individual having no descendants.
3. When can the Pran Pratishta of a temple be done?
Before Prana Pratishtha, specific rules and rituals must be observed:
- Completion of one level of construction.
- Installation of doors (golden door).
- Vastu Puja, followed by the opening of temple doors.
- Brahmana Bhojanam.
- Vastu Shanti Homa.
- Masha Bali & Payasa Bali.
4. Why only a Sanyasi should do a Kalasha Prathista in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
Performing Kalasha Prathista as a grihastha is discouraged by Shastra, as it may result in not having any descendants. This is supported by references in Bruhan Naradiya Puranam (46th Adhyaya, slokas 697 and 698) in complete alignment with the Dharma Sastra.
The Prana Pratishtha of Bhagwan Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya is a momentous occasion steeped in tradition and spiritual significance, guided by the wisdom of ancient scriptures.
