Ayodhya Ram Mandir: The consecration (Pran-Pratishtha) of Ramlala in Ayodhya will take place on January 22, 2024. Champat Rai, the Secretary-General of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, is providing all the information related to the temple and the consecration from time to time. However, a recent statement by Champat Rai has garnered significant attention where he mentioned that the Ayodhya Ram Mandir belongs to the Ramanandi Sampradaya.
Before we delve into Ramanandi Sampradaya, let's know what sampraday is.
What is a Sampradaya?
In Hindu tradition, there are many sampradayas, such as Vaishnav, Shaiv, Shakta, Smarta, Vaidik, and Chavark Sampradayas, among others. Each of these sampradayas has sub-sampradayas. Vaishnav Sampradaya is the one that primarily worships Lord Vishnu. This sampradaya is divided into four main sects, with the Shri Sampradaya being the most prominent. It has two branches - Ramanandi and Ramanuja. Followers of the Ramanandi Sampradaya worship Lord Ram and Sita. Their main mantra is 'Om Ramaya Namah.'
It is said to be the only sampradaya that exclusively worships Lord Ram and Sita. However, this does not mean that other sects of Hinduism do not worship Ram and Sita. Other sampradayas have different primary deities. In contrast, the Ramanandi Sampradaya emphasizes only the path of devotion and does not involve caste distinctions. The followers of this sampradaya apply tilak of Shukla Shri, Bindu Shri, Rakta Shri, Lashkari, etc.
Who Initiated Ramanand Sampradaya?
The initiation of the Ramanandi Sampradaya is credited to Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanandacharya. However, before Shrimad Ramanandacharya, this tradition was known as the Shri Sampradaya. After the manifestation of Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanandacharya, he renamed it as the Shri Ramanandi Sampradaya in honour of his teacher. This decision was made, as Lord Ram himself had appeared in the form of his teacher. Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanandacharya is also credited with spreading devotion in North India. He established the Vaishnav Bairaagi Sampradaya, which is known as the Ramanandi Sampradaya.
The Birth Of The Sampradaya To Eradicate Untouchability:
After completing his pilgrimage, Ramanand reached his guru's ashram. At that time, his fellow disciples expressed hesitation in having meals with him, suspecting that during his pilgrimage, Ramanand might not have maintained the practice of avoiding untouchables. In response, Ramanand proposed the establishment of a new tradition that would not involve distinctions based on caste or untouchability in religious or spiritual activities. Thus, Ramanandi Sampradaya was born with the aim of eradicating untouchability and promoting equality.
Sampradaya And Their Deities:
- Shaiva- Worships Lord Shiva
- Vaishnav- Worships Lord Vishnu
- Shakta Tradition- Devi Puja (Worships the Goddess)
- Nath Tradition- Guru Puja (Worships the Guru)
- Smarta- Acknowledges the various forms of the Supreme Being