On behalf of the Govt of India, representatives of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) arrived in Amritapuri today to officially invite Amma to the consecration of the newly built Sri Rama Temple in Ayodhya. Sri Viji Tampi, Kerala President, VHP, handed over the invitation to Amma. This sacred and historic event will take place on January 22nd and be presided over by Hon’ble Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi.
About 6,000 guests are invited and include people from various faiths and many different walks of life. Among them are His Holiness the Dalai Lama and renowned yoga guru Swami Ramdevji. There are also prominent movie stars, celebrities, business leaders, athletes, scientists, judges, writers and poets.
Ayodhya is the birthplace of Sri Rama, who symbolises dharma or righteousness. The temple is a restoration of one that was destroyed about five centuries ago. It is a landmark event for India in that it draws together diverse communities in a shared celebration of unity, reverence, and devotion for all of humanity.
Yesterday, representatives of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also arrived to seek Amma’s blessings for the new temple. Sri Sethu Madhavan, Senior RSS Pracharak of Kerala, brought Amma akshata from the site, which includes sacred rice and fruits.
“Rama is a symbol of the traditions of Sanatana Dharma like a mother who breastfed all the world. He is the symbol of dharma or righteousness,” said Amma as she reverently accepted the offering.
“Heaven is not somewhere else. It is on Earth itself. Rama taught us to imbibe dharma in our lives and find the light of this knowledge within and without. With the prayer that there be peace, prosperity, and knowledge for all, Amma is accepting this, surrendering everything to the Paramatman [Absolute Self].”
The RSS is leading a campaign to distribute the akshata to as many homes and ashrams as possible across the country. It is an effort to include all citizens of India in the grand celebrations, encouraging them to participate in prayers from home or at their local places of worship.
