Introduction

• In a bid to elevate the spiritual experience of devotees and bolster the infrastructure for pilgrims, the Odisha government is all set to inaugurate the grand Shree Mandira Parikrama project.

What is Shree Mandira Parikrama Project?

• This Rs 800-crore heritage corridor, encircling the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, is a pivotal part of a broader initiative aimed at rejuvenating this holy city.
• It entails the creation of a 75-meter corridor that encircles the revered Jagannath Temple complex.
• This designed corridor aims to provide pilgrims with a “visual connect” to the temple, enriching their spiritual journey.

About Jagannath Puri Temple

• The Jagannath Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in Odisha.
• The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
• The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.

Its architecture

• With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.
• The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high fortified wall.
• This 20 feet high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
• Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.

The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:

1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)

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Introduction

• The four Shankaracharyas’ decision to abstain from the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 has raised questions and garnered attention.
• To understand this decision and the significance of Shankaracharyas, it’s crucial to delve into the context and explore the life of Adi Shankara, a pivotal figure in Hinduism.

Who are the Shankaracharyas?

• Religious Leaders: Shankaracharya, meaning ‘teacher of the way of Shankara,’ is a title held by the heads of four cardinal mathas or peeths, believed to be established by Adi Shankara (c 788 CE-820 CE).
• Legacy of Adi Shankara: These religious teachers are said to belong to a lineage dating back to Adi Shankara, a revered scholar and philosopher.
• Historical Context: The existence of these mathas before the 14th century CE is disputed, with evidence suggesting retrospective establishment to legitimize these centers of knowledge and learning.

Adi Shankaracharya: A Brief Overview

• Adi Shankaracharya was a prominent Indian philosopher and theologian, often referred to as Sankara (Jagatguru). He was a staunch advocate of ancient Hinduism.
• His birthplace Kaladi in Ernakulam, Kerala, is poised to be declared a national monument.
• He received guidance from his guru, Govinda Bhagavatpada, under whom he diligently studied texts like ‘Gaudapadiya Karika,’ ‘Brahmasutra,’ Vedas, and Upanishads.
• Shankara propagated the philosophies of ‘Advaita Vedanta’ and ‘Dashanami Sampradaya,’ earning him the title ‘Shankaracharya’ among his disciples.

His Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta

• Non-Dualism: Shankaracharya’s philosophy, known as ‘Advaita Vedanta,’ espouses non-dualism.
• Ultimate Reality: It asserts that the world exists due to the creative energy (Maya) of Brahman, the ultimate, transcendent, and immanent God of the later Vedas.
• Identity of Self: In Advaita Vedanta, the transcendental self of the universe (Atman) and the experiencing self (Jiva) are both identical in truth – both are Brahman. However, the individual self appears different, akin to space inside a container seeming distinct from space as a whole.
• Overcoming Error: Mistakes and ignorance lead to a plurality (Avidya), but understanding Brahman eliminates these errors, resulting in liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and worldly servitude.

Disciples of Adi Shankaracharya

Shankaracharya’s four closest disciples played pivotal roles in propagating his teachings:

1. Padmapada: Known for his deep devotion and poetry.
2. Totakacharya: Devoted to Shankaracharya’s mission and revered for his poetry “Totakashtakam.”
3. Hasta Malaka: A child prodigy who astounded Shankaracharya with his understanding of Advaita philosophy.
4. Sureshwara: Initially a householder, he became a disciple after losing a philosophical debate to Shankaracharya.

Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya

• Shankaracharya introduced the ‘Shanmata’ system, which emphasized worship of the five principal deities and restored the Dashanami structure.
• He composed numerous devotional and meditative hymns and authored key texts on Advaita Vedanta, including commentaries on major scriptures.
• Adi Shankaracharya revitalized Hinduism at a time when it faced challenges from Jainism and Buddhism, promoting unity and re-establishing traditions.
• He established four monastic institutions (Mathas) in different corners of India, unifying the nation and codifying leadership roles:

1. Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam in Chikmaglur in Karnataka
2. Jyotir Matha in the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand
3. Kalika Matha in Dwarka in Gujarat
4. Govardhana Matha in Puri in Odisha

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Introduction

• A recent joint study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has uncovered significant findings in Vadnagar, PM Modi’s native village.
• Contrary to the common belief of a “Dark Age” following the Harappan collapse, the study suggests a continuous cultural presence in the region.

Vadnagar: Mysteries Revealed 

• Historical Significance: The discovery is crucial as it fills a gap in Indian archaeological history between 1,500 BCE and 500 BCE, suggesting a continuous human settlement over 5,500 years.
• Multicultural Settlement: Vadnagar was identified as a site with diverse cultural and religious influences, including Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Islamic.
• Cultural Continuity: Evidence suggests that Vadnagar could date back to 1,400 BCE, aligning with the late phase of the post-urban Harappan period.
• Archaeological Artifacts: The site revealed a variety of artifacts, including potteries, copper, gold, silver, iron objects, and intricately designed bangles.
• Climatic Influence on History: The study indicates that climatic changes significantly influenced the rise and fall of kingdoms and invasions in India over a 3,000-year period.
• Successive Rulers: Radiocarbon dating shows that Vadnagar was successively ruled by various kingdoms and empires, including the Indo-Greeks, Indo-Scythians (Kshatrapa kings), Maitrakas (Gupta kingdom), Rashtrakuta-Pratihara-Chawada kings, Solanki kings (Chalukya rule), Sultanate-Mughals, and Gaekwad/British.
• Migration Trigger: The team inferred that cold arid/hyper-arid conditions might have triggered migration from central Asia.

Challenging the “Dark Age” Narrative

• Redefining Historical Gaps: The findings challenge the notion of a ‘Dark Age’ following the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization around 4,000 years ago and before the emergence of Iron Age cities like Gandhar, Koshal, and Avanti.
• Vadnagar’s Significance: Evidence from Vadnagar challenges this narrative, suggesting it as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities within a single fortification in India.
• Potential Harappan Continuity: Preliminary radiocarbon dating indicates that Vadnagar’s settlement could date back to 1400 BCE, aligning with the late phase of the post-urban Harappan period.

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Introduction

• The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), entrusted with the construction of the mosque in Ayodhya, is embarking on a renewed effort to fund and develop the project.
• The project’s scope has expanded significantly, with plans to build one of India’s largest mosques and other unique features, making it distinct from its initial design.

Ayodhya Grand Mosque

• From Modest to Grand: The original plan, conceived by Prof. S.M. Akhtar, included a hospital, community kitchen, library, and research center. However, the new vision aims to create one of India’s grandest mosques, surpassing the Taj Mahal in grandeur.
• Redesigned Architecture: The earlier design was deemed inadequate for a mosque, and a new design by Pune-based architect Imran Shaikh will be revealed soon.
• Five Minars: The Ayodhya mosque will boast five minarets, a distinctive feature among Indian mosques.
• Water-and-Light Show: Plans include synchronizing water displays with prayer times and automated lighting that mimics sunset and sunrise.
• Giant Fish Aquarium: A massive fish aquarium, larger than Dubai’s, will be added to attract youth and visitors.

Project Background

• Land Allocation: The mosque project was allocated a five-acre plot in Dhannipur, Ayodhya, in February 2020, following the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the construction of both the temple and mosque.
• Cultural Significance: The mosque construction aims to promote harmony and cultural exchange, paralleling the construction of the Ram temple nearby.

Path to Construction

• Commencement Date: Construction is anticipated to begin in the second half of 2024, following the holy month of Ramzan.
• Symbolic Brick: A brick inscribed with Quranic verses will travel to prominent dargahs in India and Madina, Saudi Arabia, before being placed at the construction site.
• Media Campaign: Special songs and videos related to the mosque are being produced, featuring notable artists and voices to generate awareness.

Fundraising Approach

• Digital Fundraising: Instead of door-to-door fundraising, IICF plans to launch a website with QR codes for easy and convenient donations, aiming to replicate the success of the Ram temple fundraising campaign.
• Broad Appeal: The goal is for Ayodhya to become a symbol of cultural diversity and coexistence, attracting visitors to both the temple and mosque.

Conclusion

• The Ayodhya mosque project is undergoing a significant transformation, evolving into a grand and iconic structure.
• With a focus on architectural magnificence, innovative features, and a modern fundraising approach, the mosque aims to contribute to Ayodhya’s cultural richness and serve as a symbol of unity and harmony.

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Introduction

• The Kalaram Mandir, located on the banks of the Godavari in Nashik’s Panchavati area, has recently garnered attention with visits from prominent political leaders, including Prime Minister.
• This temple, steeped in historical, religious, and social significance, has been a focal point for major political and social movements in India.

Kalaram Mandir’s Legacy

• Temple’s Name and Idol: The temple gets its name from the black statue of Lord Ram (‘Kala Ram’ means ‘Black Ram’). The sanctum sanctorum houses statues of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and a black idol of Hanuman.
• Construction and Features: Built-in 1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar, the temple features 14 steps representing Ram’s years of exile and 84 pillars symbolizing the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism.
• Historical Significance: The temple is renowned for its association with the epic Ramayana, where Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman, is said to have spent time during their exile.

Panchavati’s Role in the Ramayana

• Significance in the Epic: Panchavati, the area where the temple is located, is significant in the Ramayana. It’s believed to be the site where Sita was abducted by Ravan, leading to the epic war in Lanka.
• Name Origin: The name ‘Panchavati’ is derived from the presence of five banyan trees, making the region auspicious according to the epic.

Temple as a Site of Social Reform

• Dalit Satyagraha: In 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and social activist Pandurang Sadashiv Sane (Sane Guruji) led a historic agitation at the Kalaram Mandir, demanding temple entry rights for Dalits.
• Ambedkar’s Protest: The protest involved a sit-in outside the temple, with participants singing songs and raising slogans for equality.
• Continued Relevance: The temple remains a symbol of the struggle for Dalit rights, highlighted by Uddhav Thackeray’s plan to visit on the day of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya.

Political Significance

• Recent Political Visits: The temple has seen visits from major political figures, reflecting its continued relevance in contemporary politics and social issues.
• Symbol of Unity and Equality: Leaders visiting the temple often emphasize its role in symbolizing unity and the fight for social justice in India.

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Introduction

• The Indian History Congress (IHC), a prominent body of historians, has recently taken a stand against the proposed demolition of the Sunehri Masjid, a late medieval mosque in New Delhi.
• Since 1984, the IHC has consistently advocated for the protection of monuments, emphasizing that all structures over 200 years old should be strictly preserved under the Protection of Monuments Act.

About Sunehri Masjid

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