AYODHYA: At a Sant Mandal Sangosthi held on July 23 at Shri Ram Satsang Bhavan, Dharma Mandapam (Maniramdas Chhawani) in Ayodhya Dham, sants expressed concern over what they described as a campaign of misinformation being spread across the country regarding the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. They said attempts were being made to create confusion with the objective of affecting Ayodhya’s religious, cultural, and spiritual dignity. The saints appealed to devotees not to pay attention to rumours and to form their opinions only on the basis of facts.
The gathering reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard Ayodhya’s unity, Sanatan traditions, and the sanctity of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. The saints also emphasised the need to dispel misconceptions among devotees, ensure the active role of the religious committee, and resolve issues through dialogue and coordination.
The sangosthi was conducted by Mahant Dr Ramanand Das Ji Maharaj, who said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ayodhya’s stature has grown across the country and the world. Referring to a recent unfortunate incident related to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, he said attempts had been made at the political level to create confusion, but the Sant Samaj would uphold the truth with discernment. He added that while every society has both good and bad individuals, it is inappropriate to place the entire Ayodhya Dham and the temple administration under suspicion because of isolated incidents.
Shri Rajkumar Das Ji Maharaj said that Ayodhya is the foremost among the Sapta Puris and a major centre of Sanatan culture. He observed that the manner in which the incident was publicised created confusion among devotees. According to him, there was an attempt to weaken the faith of the Hindu society that had united through the Shri Ram Temple, and such misinformation should be countered with facts in a timely manner.
Raghavesh Das Ji said that those who had opposed the construction of the Shri Ram Temple were now trying to create new controversies. He added that even if there had been any lapse, it should be corrected through dialogue and collective efforts.
Ramayani Ramkrishna Das Ji observed that the entire episode had affected Ayodhya’s image and that the Sant Samaj must come forward to restore it. Ramayani Kamala Das Ji said that mistakes could occur because of circumstances, but they could be resolved through organisation and coordination.
Mahant Vaidehi Vallabhsharan Ji Maharaj welcomed the inclusion of saints in the religious committee, saying it would strengthen the role of the Sant Samaj in religious matters. Mahant Shashikant Das Ji Maharaj stated that the misinformation being spread regarding the Shri Ram Temple was baseless and that society should not be misled by it.
Ramdas Ji Maharaj of Naka Hanumangarhi said that even the most difficult disputes could be resolved through dialogue. Dr Bharat Das Ji Maharaj said that maintaining the sanctity of Bhagwan Shri Ram’s birthplace is the responsibility of everyone and urged people to refrain from commenting without knowing the facts.
Mahant Girish Das Ji Maharaj said that providing correct information to society is the moral responsibility of the people of Ayodhya. Mahant Manish Das Ji Maharaj said that the Sant Samaj should play a responsible and restrained role during difficult situations and ensure that Ayodhya’s dignity is not compromised under any circumstances.
Mahant Janardan Das Ji Maharaj said that the incident had received more publicity than necessary, creating confusion among people. He stressed that the role of the Sant Samaj in religious matters should become more active. Mahant Parashuram Das Ji Maharaj called upon society to remain vigilant against forces working against Sanatan and Hindutva.
Jairam Das Ji Maharaj welcomed the inclusion of saints in the religious committee, while Satyanarayan Das Ji emphasised following the ideals of Bhagwan Shri Ram and creating a positive atmosphere in society.
Mahant Gauri Shankar Das Ji of Nirvani Ani Akhara said that those who had never been associated with the temple or Sanatan tradition were now questioning the temple administration. Ramanuj Das Ji Maharaj urged saints to conduct themselves in accordance with Maryada and the Guru-Shishya tradition.
Satyendra Das Ji said that attempts to defame Ayodhya would not be accepted. Mahant Sanjay Das Ji recalled the contributions of those associated with the Shri Ram Temple movement and said that such seminars of the Sant Samaj should be organised regularly.
Mahant Murlidas Ji Maharaj remembered the contribution of various organisations to the Shri Ram Temple movement and said that the construction of the temple is a matter of faith for crores of devotees.
Acharya Mithileshanandinisharan Ji said that whenever misinformation is spread against Sanatan or Ayodhya, it should be immediately countered with facts. He also suggested that the Sant Samaj should hold regular monthly meetings on contemporary issues so that Ayodhya’s perspective could be presented in one voice.
Presiding over the seminar, Mahant Kamalnayan Das Ji Maharaj said that all saints must work together to protect society from misinformation and preserve the dignity of Ayodhya. He expressed confidence that the truth of all facts would emerge with time and that attempts to mislead society would not succeed.
At the conclusion of the sangosthi, the saints collectively opposed what they described as misinformation being spread regarding the Shri Ram Temple issue and resolved to work in unity for the protection of Ayodhya’s religious and cultural dignity, social harmony, and Sanatan traditions.
