Gandhi, Vivekananda, Tagore, and the Consecration of the Ram Temple

The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024, at the site where the Babri Mosque was demolished in 1992, raises concerns about the departure from the ideals advocated by Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Rabindranath Tagore. This article explores the divergent views of these eminent figures on religious tolerance and pluralism, contrasting their visions with the controversial events surrounding the temple consecration.

Gandhi's Vision of Temple Consecration: In 1939, Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Delhi, emphasizing the significance of temples in promoting religious pluralism and rejecting communal hatred. He envisioned temples as spaces that propagate equal respect for all religions, aiming to eradicate communal jealousies and strife. The question is raised whether the consecration of the Ram Temple, following the demolition of the Babri Mosque, aligns with Gandhi's vision of respecting the rule of law and fostering religious harmony.

Vivekananda's Pride in Hindu Tolerance: Swami Vivekananda, in a speech in 1897, took pride in Hindus building churches for Christians and mosques for Muslims in India. He championed the idea of universal toleration, stating that no civilization can grow without putting an end to fanaticism and embracing charity towards different religious convictions. As the consecration approaches, Vivekananda's words serve as a reminder of the importance of religious tolerance in the face of increasing religious fervour.

Tagore's Poetic Critique: Rabindranath Tagore, through his poem 'Deeno Daan,' composed in 1923, provides a poetic critique of a king's arrogance in building a grand temple. The saint in the poem questions the king's claims of God's presence in the temple, pointing out the absence of true spirituality. Tagore's verses serve as a conscience-keeper, challenging the notion of a temple devoid of the values of truth, peace, compassion, and love. The poem questions the ethical foundation of the temple construction, resonating with contemporary debates on the consecration of the Ram Temple.

As India prepares for the consecration of the Ram Temple, the thoughts and teachings of Gandhi, Vivekananda, and Tagore echo as a reminder of the ideals that shaped the nation. The controversial circumstances surrounding the temple's construction raise pertinent questions about the alignment with these ideals and the potential impact on religious harmony and tolerance in modern India.