The Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla’s murti in Ayodhya’s revered Mandir has captivated the nation, drawing crowds of devotees eager to catch a glimpse of the divine murti. Amidst the rituals of Pran Pratishtha, a significant moment unfolded, captured live and watched fervently across the country. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reverently offered prayers, Udupi’s Pejawar Mathadhisha Swami Vishwaprasanna Tirtha momentarily covered his face, sparking curiosity and inquiry.
This seemingly enigmatic gesture finds its roots in profound scriptural tradition. According to the revered Sanatan tradition, when offering Naivedya, or sacred food, to the deity, it must not be visually perceived. The act of covering one’s face during this offering is symbolic of averting any hint of greed or attachment upon witnessing the divine offerings. This gesture underscores the sanctity of the offering, ensuring that it remains pure and untainted by worldly desires.
If you were watching the Prana Pratishta ceremony of Ram Lalla closely, you would have seen how Udupi's Pejawar Mathadhisha Swami Vishwaprasanna Tirtha covered his face at one point during the rituals. This was when Naivedya was being offered to the Bhagwan. (1) pic.twitter.com/FF0fbP7lQp
— Sahana Singh (@singhsahana) January 23, 2024
Such customs are not unique to the Ayodhya Mandir; rather, they echo across Mandirs and monasteries, particularly those affiliated with the Madhava sect and its revered saints. Mandirs like the Shri Krishna Mandir and Bihari Ji Mandir of Mathura exemplify this tradition, where curtains are drawn, or doors are closed during the offering of food, preserving the sacredness of the ritual.
While the live broadcast of Pran Pratishtha captured this momentous occasion, it also ignited a flurry of inquiries and discussions on social media platforms. Influencers and devotees alike have delved into the significance of the Acharya’s action, unravelling the deep-rooted spiritual meanings behind it.
In essence, the covering of the Acharya’s mouth during the offering of Naivedya serves as a poignant reminder of the purity and devotion required in divine worship. It transcends the realm of mere ritualistic practice, offering profound insights into the spiritual ethos that permeates such sacred ceremonies.
Swami Vishwaprasanna Tirtha had taken charge as the 35th seer of Pejawar Mutt, succeeding Vishwesha Tirtha Swami. Born on March 3, 1964, in Haleyangady-Pakshikere, Dakshina Kannada district, he was given the name Devidas Bhat before his initiation into the monastic order in 1988.
Having undergone Vedic studies at Admar Gurukula and Vedanta Vidwat at SMSP Sanskrit College, the Swamiji is well-versed in all four Vedas. He holds a B.A. degree from Poorna Prajna Evening College in Udupi and is proficient in languages such as Kannada, Tulu, Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English.
Apart from his spiritual pursuits, Swamiji is recognised as a skilled swimmer and yoga practitioner. Notably, he has contributed to the dissemination of knowledge by teaching shastas to Kaniyooru Seer Vidyavallabha and publishing the monthly magazine ‘Achara Vichara.’
Under his compassionate supervision, approximately 2,000 cows are cared for at the Neelavara and Kodavoor goshales. In addition, Swamiji is actively involved in various educational and agricultural initiatives. He oversees a special school at Neelavara, runs higher primary schools at Ambagilu and Yellur, and manages the Prahlada Gurukula behind Pejawar Mutt, emphasising both the Indian system of education and general education.
Recently, Swamiji had asked the Hindus to embrace their own culture and choose the names of their children from the Vedas and the Puranas.
As devotees continue to flock to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the consecration of Ram Lalla’s life stands as a testament to the enduring faith and reverence for Sri Ram. Each ritual, steeped in tradition and symbolism, carries forth the legacy of devotion that has endured through the annals of time.
The incident during Pran Pratishtha not only sheds light on the intricacies of scriptural tradition but also underscores the timeless wisdom embedded within religious practices. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound depths of devotion and spirituality that permeate every facet of divine worship.
