Ram Mandir Ceremony: Advani and Joshi asked not to attend

Veteran BJP leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, key figures in the Ram temple agitation, have reportedly been requested not to attend the temple’s consecration ceremony in Ayodhya next month. This comes as a big shock as the presence of two veteran leaders is anticipated. The reason behind this is the age of both leaders.

Ram Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai mentioned on Monday that, considering their age and health, both leaders were asked not to attend, which both accepted. Advani, aged 96, and Joshi, turning 90 next month, will not attend the consecration ceremony.

Preparations for the consecration ceremony on January 22, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are underway, with completion expected by January 15. The ‘pran pratistha’ puja will commence from January 16 and continue until January 22.

Champat Rai detailed the list of invitees, which includes Shankaracharyas of six ancient schools, around 150 saints and sages, approximately 4,000 saints, and 2,200 other guests for the ceremony.

Other notable personalities like Dalai Lama, Mata Amritanandamayi, Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, and industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani, have also been invited.