The dream project of RSS, BJP and their numerous affiliates is taking final shape on 22 January 2024. It is quite another matter that the Ram Temple at Ayodhya is only half-built. Shankaracharyas and several other Hindu religious leaders are strongly objecting to this violation of traditional principles of Hindu Shastras. But BJP has its own electoral compulsions. The Chief Priest of Hindutva, whom some call the avatar of Vishnav, has his own principles and political objectives.
In the midst of increasing controversies vitally important questions are being asked which require answers. One pressing question is about the fundamental nature of the Hindu religion. Hinduism is polytheistic (Bahudevvad), then why it is being shaped on the pattern of Islam which is based on Unity of God or Tawheed. This question has been raised by some Hindu intellectuals. They wonder what will happen to other Avatars like Krishna. Common Hindus who believe in 33 crore gods and goddesses also object to this preference to Ram over other avatars and gods and goddesses.
Political rivals, who do not see eye to eye with Hindutva stalwarts, are more concerned about the erosion of their value in the political arena. They say religion is being misused to attract common people. They assert that social, economic and material problems deserve greater attention as they only can assure a prosperous India in future. They allege that the BJP is exploiting religion to win votes and divert the attention of populace from the pressing day-to-day problems of the 140 crore Indians. They assert that the consecration of temple building is a divisionary tactic and out and out political gimmick.
Another question is related to the claim by temple protagonists who had claimed that the idol of Ram Lalla had appeared as a miracle of Ram on 23 December 1949. Then why a new idol is being installed instead of that miraculous idol?
Most of these questions are being suppressed in the din of the enthusiasm and frenzy created on the occasion of consecration or Pran Pratishtha of the freshly made idol. It appears that the controversies will linger on and never die and the temple remain a centre of controversies.
A powerful section of Hindu intellectuals is concerned that the temple-centered frenzy will turn attention away from the scientific thinking and make Hindus obsessed with senseless pseudo-religious thoughts and rituals.
In this hour of frenzied religiosity, nobody can predict what shape the future turns for the largest concentration of humans in this most populous country. This is the time when the standard bearers of divine message should call their fellow countrymen towards True God, real religiosity, which is the panacea for not only this country but the whole mankind.
Come, let us light the torch of truth, scientific thinking and universal brotherhood. Because only this approach can save us from loss in this life and failure in the everlasting eternity.