The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has begun a 10-day purification ritual in Ayodhya to “atone” for the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple and “seek forgiveness” from the Almighty. The ritual involves the daily recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra by gurukuls across Ayodhya.
The Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra consists of chanting the 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu, a practice believed by Hindus to usher in positivity, prosperity and good fortune. “Following the incident of theft of offerings in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has initiated a special 10-day ritual for atonement and purification across the temple premises and various gurukuls to restore the temple's sanctity and dignity,” trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri said on Friday.
Giri said the trust is attempting to ensure at least 251 recitations of the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra every day during the ritual. Dinendra Das, a member of the trust, said the recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra is being done to rectify the “mistakes committed at Ram Lalla’s place”. Das said that along with the Vishnu Sahasranama recitation, Valmiki Ramayana is also being recited.
The purification ritual comes weeks after the alleged theft of temple donations triggered a political controversy. On July 5, Giri had said that the alleged donation theft had hurt devotees of Lord Ram. “We all are deeply hurt, saddened and ashamed,” Giri said, adding that the “truth” would come out with the blessings of Lord Ram.
The donation theft row erupted on June 7. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was announced on June 13 and, based on its preliminary findings, eight people associated with donation counting at the Ram temple were arrested. The then general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai, and trustee Anil Mishra quit amid the controversy. The extent of the alleged theft, when it occurred and how it took place remains under investigation.
Also read: Donation theft: SIT names Avinash Shukla as prime accused
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