50TH PEETHAROHANAM FUNCTION OF SRI JAYENDRA SARASWATI SWAMIJI
OF KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETHAM - ADDRESS BY THE PRIME MINISTER
Following is the
English rendering of the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s
address at the 50th Peetharohanam function of Sri Jayendra
Saraswati Swamiji of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, here today:
"Today’s function
is unique in many respects. Pujya Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji
has completed 50 years as Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth.
On this occasion, I pay my respects to him.
The Kanchi Kamakoti
establishment occupies an honoured place in the religious and
national history of India. It was established by Adi Shankaracharya
himself. Over the centuries, many Acharyas have enhanced its prestige.
Today it is natural
for us to remember Paramacharya Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati.
He gave such an attractive exposition of sanatana dharma that
it not only created pride in our ancient culture but also helped
us understand the challenges and needs of modern India.
Today as we pay
our respects to Sri Jayendra Saraswatiji, we also honour the Kanchi
Kamakoti establishment. When any institution has such a long and
unbroken tradition of highly evolved religious leaders, it acquires
extra-ordinary spiritual power.
The Kanchi Matt
today is not only engaged in the promotion of studies in Vedas,
Upanishads and other religious scriptures, but is also making
an important contribution in taking modern education to the masses.
Many educational institutions are being run with Swamiji’s inspiration.
What is truly remarkable is that, while popularizing Sanskrit
language and literature, he is also promoting with equal enthusiasm
the knowledge and wisdom contained in Tamil literature.
Equally remarkable
is Swamiji’s endeavour to promote social justice for dalits and
social harmony among the people of different castes.
Swamiji is the
69th Shankaracharya of Kanchi Matt. His successor Sri
Vijayendra Saraswati Swamiji, who is with us this evening, will
be the 70th Shankarachara. It is natural for us to
ask: What kind of a religious institution is this, which has continued,
generation after generation, in such an unbroken manner? What
is the secret behind its longevity and continuity?
We see different
kinds of institutions in the society. Political parties, professional
organizations, business houses, voluntary agencies etc. Each of
these, serves society in its own way. Yet, why do these institutions
get washed away in the flow of time? Why do they lose their relevance
and utility with change in circumstances?
On the other
hand, we see many religious institutions which have been in existence
for centuries. What explains this contrast?
The reason for
this is that religious institutions, in India or else where, are
linked to that Truth which is permanent and timeless. It is that
Truth which connects this world to the world beyond, which connects
the individual to the universe, which explains the meaning of
death and which helps human beings in taking to the path of mukti
or liberation.
Which is why,
man reposes his faith in such Truth, or the symbols of that Truth.
It is this popular faith which provides continuity and permanence
to religious establishments.
The secular institutions
of society, by their very nature, cannot be permanent. Yet, they
can live longer and become more effective if they connect themselves
to a higher Truth, to some larger purpose.
Therefore, is
it not possible to connect politics to some larger purpose which
flows from some higher spiritual Truths ? Yes, it is possible.
It is necessary too.
When we think
of Kanchi Kamakoti Matt, it is natural for us to recall its great
contribution to the strengthening of India’s unity and integrity.
Adi Shankaracharya, who was born in Kaladi in Kerala, went to
Kedarnath in the North, Cuttack in the East and Dwarka in the
West. He established four matts in four corners of India and thereby
infused new life in the bonds of our national unity.
Adi Shankaracharya’s
work of promotion of Dharma and re-awakening of the national spirit,
was continued by Sri Paramacharya. And the same is now being continued
by Sri Jayendra Saraswatiji.
Swamiji’s efforts
at finding the solution to Ayodhya problem are in keeping with
this tradition of strengthening Indian’s unity and integrity.
Today, India’s
prestige is growing around the world. There are many reasons for
this. One of them is that we have taken India into what can be
called a "problem solving phase". Slowly but steadily, we have
been trying to resolve the problems that have come to us as a
legacy of the past.
We have been
trying to improve our relationship with our neighbours. We have
taken steps to establish peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir,
and to promote all round development in the State. We are already
seeing some positive outcome of these efforts.
Efforts to resolve
the Ayodhya issue are a link in the same chain. We wish to see
an early resolution of this vexed problem. For how many more years
can we afford to see it lingering ?
We have been
saying right from the beginning that the solution to this problem
lies either in dialogue leading to a mutually acceptable agreement,
or in a verdict of the judiciary. However, these two options are
not mutually exclusive. They can be made complementary.
Today, the matter
is before the judiciary. And all of us expect that the judiciary
gives its verdict soon.
At the same time,
it is necessary that the representatives of Hindus and Muslims
begin to talk to each other to find an amicable and mutually acceptable
solution. These talks should be focused both on Ayodhya as well
as on such other matters that will promote goodwill and harmony
between the two communities. The more we create goodwill and mutual
trust, the easier it becomes to solve this contentious issue.
It seems difficult
that such fruitful talks can take place between political parties
and their leaders. It is also clear that the Ayodhya issue can
be resolved only when it is freed from politics and when political
parties stop looking at it from the point of view of who gains
and who loses.
Swamiji made
a sincere effort in this direction last year. It is true that
he faced some difficulties and roadblocks. But he did not lose
faith in his effort. He has been meeting Muslim leaders wherever
he goes. He has earned the respect and trust of people belonging
to other religions. And such trust is always the most precious
capital, which helps us in resolving the gravest of problems.
It is not difficult
to see how he has managed to earn the trust of others. The Kanchi
Matt practices secularism in its true sense of the term. For some
secularism is a slogan. But the true meaning of "sarvapantha
samabhav" can be seen in action in Kanchi.
There is a masjid
beside the Kanchi Matt. Both puja and namaz take place at the
same time. This has been going on for several centuries. It is
a beautiful example of peaceful and harmonious co-existence. Perhaps,
such a picture can be seen only in India.
Someone, once
asked Swamiji "Doesn’t this masjid disturb you ? Would you not
like it to be shifted?"
Swamiji replied "No,
the mandir and masjid have been together and will remain together.
This is our tradition."
Swamiji has been
not only trying to resolve the Ayodhya issue but he is also doing
a lot to promote developmental activities in Ayodhya. He has established
a Trust for this purpose. This Trust has been working for meeting
the needs of education, health care and self-employment among
the local people.
Swamiji has recently
written to me a letter urging that the Union Government launch
a special project for all round development of Ayodhya. Ayodhya
is the birth place of Lord Rama. There are many temples and religious
places here. Lakhs of pilgrims come there. But the facilities
for them are highly inadequate.
When I think
of the present condition at this important centre of pilgrimage,
I often ask myself "How was Ayodhya of the past, the capital of
Dasharath? And how is Ayodhya of today?"
We should make
Ayodhya an ideal pilgrimage centre. It is also necessary to improve
the conditions at other pilgrimage centers, belonging to different
religions. We seek the guidance of religious leaders like Swamiji
in this endeavour.
On this auspicious
occasion, I pray for a long and healthy life for Swamiji and seek
his blessings for all our people".
