Shri Sudhindra Mahime | Involvement in Ayodhya Rama Mandira

Article written and shared by Shri Kamalaksha Hari Shenoy, Mumbai, in January 2024, on the historic occasion of the inauguration of the Shri Rama Temple in Ayodhya 

The First trip to Ayodhya

After HH Srimad Sudhindra Tirtha took over the baton as Mathadipathi of Kashi Math Samsthan and daily Pooja to the presiding deity Shri Ram, HHS expressed desire to Visit Ram Janma Bhoomi. 

HHS was very much aware about the dispute of Ram Janma Bhoomi and Babri masjid yet HH was nurturing this divine thought for quite a sometime and in 1960's under the leadership of B N Bhandarkar and his wife Meenakshi Mai and three others, the trip to Ayodhya was planned. This was Swamiji's first yatra to the North, from Mumbai Sri Walkeshwar Sri Kashi Math. 3 cars started for Ayodhya, by very bad muddy road  as train connectivity was very poor at this time. 

In the retinue of 3 cars, first car was Shri B N Bhandarkar, second Swamiji and third was occupied by shishya Vargas of Cochin.

As it was a long journey the retinue took the first halt at Nasik, next to Indore-Ujjain and finally to Ayodhya the birth place of Avatar Purush of Mahavishnu, Sri Ram. Swamiji was very keen on visiting Ayodhya since Ram is the presiding deity of Kashi Muth and reverred by all Bharatvarshis.

Looking at the pathetic condition of the temple housing the lord of Brahmaand, HHS was shocked and on the verge of tears and was pondering very deeply to the solution of this problem existed through out Moghul and British rule and even after the independence. Swamiji felt strongly that our daily prayer is incomplete until this problem of Ram Janma Bhoomi is solved

After reaching Prayag Math, Swamiji summoned Shri Kamalaksha Hari Shenoy from Mumbai, who immediately reached Prayag. Swamiji wanted to discuss  with Shri K. H. Shenoy, (who was closely associated with R.S.S. and VHP) as to why V.H.P or R.S.S are not taking any action over this  matter and why restoration of the Temple is not being undertaken?

HHS wanted to discuss this matter in person with the leaders of R.S.S and V. H.P on an urgent basis and HH's next halt was in Delhi's greater Kailash, Kavale Math and accordingly Shri K.H. Shenoy was asked to arrange the meeting with the top VHP leader of that time Dr. Madhav Pandurang alias Rajabhau Degvekar and after 2 days the meeting took place for 2 hours and HH had to cancel all the engagement of the day with Delhi Samaj

Dr. Madhav Degvekar was a Sanskrit scholar and the discussion took place in Sanskrit and it was a divine experience but Dr. Degvekar said HHS must also discuss this sensitive issue with Shri Moropant Pingale who was in-charge of the Rama Janma Bhoomi issue.

Swamiji's meeting with Shri Moropant Pingale in Walkeswar Mutt

Swamiji reached Bombay and summoned for Kamalaksha Hari Shenoy to initiate discussion with Sri Moropant Pingale at the earliest so they could get an update on the current situation of Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir 

Shri Moropant Pingale, one of the stalwarts of RSS of the time, had a busy schedule, organising many events in Bharat Varsh and abroad in building RSS from its roots.

KHS approached Shri Pingale and he humbly accepted Swamiji's summons to discuss on the sensitive issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir only after 2 days and said he can spare 2 hrs for the discussion between 5 to 7 in evening from his tight schedule. 

Swamiji cancelled all their engagements for that evening and asked Madde maam to call everyone after 7:30 pm 

He was right on the dot and sat at the feet of Swamiji, declining chair. He was very humble and was open to accept any suggestions. Shri Pingale asked Swami as to why HH showed no inclination to guide and bless VHP whenever their community leader requested.

Swamiji humbly replied that being Mathadipathi of Kashi Math samsthan, our Guru has laid down some norms, wherein they had to restrict themselves to work for the welfare of the Samaj only. The entire conversation took place in Marathi and English 

Finally the discussion turned to the main topic and Swamiji asked why nothing is being done about Ram janma Bhoomi?  

Shri Pingale asserted that all possible things were being done but without the support from centre and state Governments things were not moving in positive direction. Shri Pingale seeked HHS blessings for the positive outcome.

Shri Moropant Pingale was blessed by Swamiji with a Shawl and Mantrakshata and was assured of every possible assistance from Swamiji and Mutt.

Today our Swamiji would have the most happiest Saint on earth to witness the inauguration of Ram janma Bhoomi after 500 years of Vanvaas.