The Hindu : Ayodhya tangle

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 24, 2003

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Ayodhya tangle

Sir, — There is little light at the end of the tunnel for the protracted Ayodhya tangle which is diverting attention from essential issues. The archaeological evidence after digging at the disputed site is likely to be confusing with no clear cut proof for or against the existence of a Ram temple at the site where now stands the make-shift temple.

The Kanchi Sankaracharya, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, is actively involved in finding an amicable solution with the blessings of the Centre. However, it is doubtful whether the ticklish issue could be amicably resolved through the seer's good offices.

D.B.N. Murthy,

Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — The Udupi Pejawar Swamiji has stated ( June 22 ) that Ramjanmabhoomi belongs to Vaishnavites of the Ramanuja tradition. His stand is historically incorrect. Ramanuja lived in the 11th - 12th centuries, while the Ramjanmabhoomi proponents claim the site is several centuries older. In fact, several centuries before the birth of Ramanuja, many villages in Tamil Nadu called their shrines and places Ayodhya and Rama the Lord of Ayodhya.

It is historically incorrect to reduce Rama's stature to that of a God of the Vaishnavites. The Saiva — Vaishnava divide in the case of Rama does not exist in northern India. Rama symbolises the concept of virtue and grace of the entire Indian nation and even the whole of South East Asia.

R. Nagaswamy,

Chennai

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