Sri Swamiji comments on Sri Shankaracharya's arrest

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Sri Swamiji comments on Sri Shankaracharya's arrest

 

Sri Swamiji has announced the following message:

 

THE SHANKARACHARYA OF KANCHI KAMAKOTI MATTHAM, HIS HOLINESS SRI JAYENDRA

SARASWATI SWAMIJI IS A VIBRANT SPIRITUAL PERSONALITY. HE HAS INSPIRED NOT ONLY

HINDUS, HERE IN OUR COUNTRY, BUT ALL OTHER CREEDS WITH AN ATTRIBUTE OF

EQUANIMITY.

WE HAVE A DEEP AFFINITY OF THE SPIRIT AND SIMILARITY IN OUR FUNCTIONING.

THE RECENT HAPPENINGS HAVE SHOCKINGLY DISTRESSED US AND LEFT A DEEP SCAR IN THE

INTEGRATED INDIAN PSYCHE.

WE SHOULD JOIN TOGETHER AND OFFER OUR DEEP ROOTED FEELINGS TO THE SHANKARACHARYA

AND NORMALCY SHOULD RETURN SOON BY THE GRACE OF LORD DATTATREYA. THE MORAL AND

POLITICAL EQUATION SHOULD BE RESTORED WITH A PERMANENT INTEGRATED VISION THAT

THE WHOLE HUMANITY IS ONE AND TO UNDERSTAND THAT GOD-DIRECTED FORCE RULES THIS

WORLD.

 

Jaya Guru Datta

Prasad

Secretary to Sri Swamiji

14 November 2004

 

 

Hindu Press International <hpi.list wrote:Today's Stories:

1. Kanchi Shankaracharya Arrest

2. What Lies Beneath the Kanchi Murder

3. Shankaracharya Plea Hearing Adjourned, Clashes Break Out

4. VHP Calls for Nationwise Protest

5. Hindu Leaders Condemn Arrest

6. Kanchi Mutt Controls Trust Funds Worth US$1.14 Billion

7. Deepavali Observations Held In White House

8. Sabarimala Shrine Ready For Pilgrims

 

1. Kanchi Shankaracharya Arrest

HPI

 

CHENNAI, INDIA, November 13, 2004: The sensational arrest of the

Shankaracarya of Kanchi, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, has resulted in over

100 news stories. A few are summarized below. For the complete list,

click

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&ie=UTF-8&ncl=http://

in.rediff.com/news/2004/nov/13kanchi2.htm

 

2. What Lies Beneath the Kanchi Murder

http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?

ID=IET20041113122633&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=337

 

KANCHEEPURAM, INDIA, Sunday 14, 2004: "I am going to remove you from

the leadership of the Kanchi Math," goes the letter purportedly written

by an angry middle-aged man on August 30 this year and reproduced in a

leading Tamil daily. "You are misusing your authority." On September 3,

four days after he supposedly shot off that letter, five men in the

temple he managed attacked 52-year-old Sankara Raman. The stab wounds

were deep and numerous and within 15 minutes he was dead.

 

Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati, who is accused of

masterminding the murder, will have to stay in Vellore prison at least

until Wednesday, as his bail hearing was postponed on Saturday. The

prosecution claims it has records of phone conversations between the

assailants and the Shankaracharya before and after the murder. It

claims that the Kanchi Math had withdrawn the currency notes seized

from the alleged killers from a leading bank. The public prosecutor,

while accepting he is a "believer" in the institution of the

Shankaracharya, has described the 69th pontiff as "a most undeserving

criminal."

 

That may be a harsh way to speak of a man who once mediated on the

Ayodhya dispute and saw himself - and not the Sangh Parivar - as the

true custodian of Hindu interests, but one man who knew him for decades

had repeatedly challenged his authority. The biggest crisis in the

Math's history may have its origins in an improbable and apparently

mismatched rivalry.

 

Sankara Raman, now dead, may have argued that his association with the

Kanchi Math went back as long as the Shankaracharya's. His father

Anantakrishnasharma had worked there for 60 years and was among the

four men who walked from Kanchi to Kashi with the previous

Shankaracharya, the late Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati. When his

father died, Sankara Raman, a matriculate, was given the job. In his

own mind, he was the watchdog who would make sure that the Math stayed

true to its traditions. It was, perhaps, inevitable that he should

clash with Jayendra, the man who would become an unconventional seer.

 

This article goes on to describe some of the incidents between Sankara

Raman and the Math.

 

3. Shankaracharya Plea Hearing Adjourned, Clashes Break Out

http://www.ndtv.com/topstories/showtopstory.asp?

slug=Seer+plea+adjourned%2C+clashes+break+out&id=15665

 

CHENNAI, INDIA, November 13, 2004: Shankacharya of Kanchi Jayendra

Saraswati will have to stay in lock up at least till Wednesday. The

Madras High Court has adjourned the hearing of the bail application of

Shankacharya till Wednesday. After the order, clashes broke out between

Shankacharya supporters and Dravida Kazhgam movement (DK) workers.

However, the police have now restored normalcy and brought the

situation under control. Justice R. Balasubramaniam issued the order

after the senior defence counsel from Delhi, Ram Jethmalani, sought

time to file a detailed affidavit after meeting the seer. Jethmalani

said the Shankaracharya was denied his fundamental right under Articles

21 and 22 of the Constitution as he was not allowed to speak to his

lawyers. The judge pointed out that the allegation was not mentioned in

the bail application and gave the counsels of the Shankaracharya time

to meet him. The court also directed the public prosecutor to accord

all facilities to counsels for meeting the Shankaracharya. During the

dramatic hearing the prosecution made a startling revelation. The

lawyers have claimed that they had evidence that the Shankaracharya was

planning to flee the country. But Jethmalani has said there are enough

grounds to grant bail to Shankaracharya.

 

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has announced a Tamil Nadu bandh and

demonstrations in all state capitals in protest against what it calls

the "politically motivated" arrest of the seer. VHP Leader Acharya

Giriraj Kishore said that the seer had been arrested for political

reasons and has been put in jail like an ordinary criminal. Former

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today spoke to Home Minister

Shivraj Patil and expressed concern for the security and safety of the

Shankaracharya. BJP had yesterday expressed shock over the pontiff's

arrest and questioned the step and the "haste" with which it was taken.

 

4. VHP Calls for Nationwise Protest

http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=13609244

 

NEW DELHI, INDIA, November 12, 2004: Reacting strongly against the

arrest of Kanchi Shankaracharya Swami Jayendra Saraswati in a murder

case, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Friday called for a two-day

nationwide bandh from Saturday to lodge its protest. "The

Shankaracharya had been implicated in false cases, and his arrest has

shocked Hindus all over the world turning the festival of lights into a

'black Deepavali for them," VHP general secretary Praveen Togadia said

over phone from Nagpur. It was still more unfortunate that the police

swooped on him when he was engaged in trikal puja on Deepavali eve, he

said. "No government could dare to arrest a Muslim religious leader

like that," he added. It is a great conspiracy by the governments of

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the Centre, alleged Togadia.

The action against the Shankaracharya had hurt the Hindus and they

would not be silent spectators to the insult to the symbols of their

religion and culture, he said. Togadia asked temple priests not to

bless ministers in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

 

5. Hindu Leaders Condemn Arrest

http://in.rediff.com/news/2004/nov/12kanchi8.htm

 

 

NEW DELHI and CHENNAI, INDIA, November 12, 2004: Kanchi Shankaracharya

Jayendra Saraswathi's arrest following an investigation into the murder

of Shankararaman, who managed the accounts of the Kanchi Mutt a few

years back, has shocked his critics and devotees alike. "Can the Pope

be arrested from the Church of England?" International Secretary of

Vishwa Hindu Parishad Praveen Togadia asked while talking to

rediff.com. "Why was the Shankaracharya arrested from Andhra Pradesh, a

Congress-ruled state? Why was he arrested at midnight? And why was his

arrest made on Deepavali day, the most auspicious Hindu festival?"

Togadia alleged that for the past 15 days pressure was being built on

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to arrest the seer "as part of

Congress conspiracy." He also alleged that information about the

investigation was leaked in a planned manner to R. Gopal, the editor of

Tamil weekly Nakkeeran, which had carried a report with the details of

the investigation. On the basis of that story, Jayalalithaa's opponents

increased political pressure on her. Last week, the Dravida Munnetra

Kazhagam announced that Jayalalithaa's "Brahminical bias" was impeding

the investigation. The DMK, known as an anti-forward caste party,

declared it would launch an agitation if the investigation was stalled.

After the Nakkeeran report, the pontiff's devotees became active.

According to sources, during the last four days former president R.

Venkataraman, who is a staunch devotee of the Shankaracharya, had been

trying to contact Jayalalithaa, but could not get in touch with her.

His office refused to comment when contacted by rediff.com.

 

Togadia alleged that in view of the Bihar and Jharkhand elections the

Congress party wanted to create an image about itself amongst Muslims

of being a party under whose rule powerful Hindus could be punished. He

said that the arrest of the Shankaracharya would establish Congress'

credentials as an "anti-Hindu and anti-forward caste" party, which

would help it in the elections. Togadia, a vocal supporter of

neo-Hindutva, also contended "games were played" in such a way that

Jayalalithaa had no option but to arrest the Shankaracharya. "The news

of his arrest is shocking. It is time we understood that religion and

secular state are different entities and should remain separate. Godmen

should remain above politics," former cabinet secretary T. S. R.

Subrahmaniam told rediff.com. Subrahmaniam has criticized the

Shankaracharya's active involvement in the Ayodhya issue in the past.

"I can't comment on the police case, but [shankaracharya's] arrest is a

proof of the falling standards of the great glorious tradition of

Hinduism. It is a great letdown," he remarked.

 

Hindu Munnani leader Rama Gopalan said he felt "sorrow" over the manner

in which the Shankaracharya of the Kanchi Mutt was arrested, but

refused to say comment on allegations of conspiracy and political

motive behind the arrest. "I really do not understand what is behind

all this. I do not see any reason. I have absolutely no idea." He said

the Hindu Munnani was planning demonstrations throughout Chennai on

Saturday. The organization would also arrange prayer meetings in many

temples, he said.

 

The Tamil Nadu state unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh condemned

the arrest and appealed to the government to allow the seer to perform

all rituals and pujas without hindrance. "We are scared that some

anti-social elements may do some mischief, which should not be

allowed."

 

A spontaneous conglomeration of some prominent citizens of Chennai

signed a memorandum and submitted it to Governor S. S. Barnala in the

evening. "We requested the governor to keep the Shankaracharya in a

place where he will be able to perform his pujas (daily worship) and

rituals without any hindrance," one of the signatories said.

 

Hindu Makkal Katchi President Ashok Sampath said the Shankaracharya was

a "law-abiding citizen" and he would have been available for

interrogation at any time. There was a warrant against Imam Bukhari of

Delhi in the Kerala High Court for the last 15 years, but no policeman

had arrested him. A Dalit leader in Tamil Nadu had been charge sheeted

in two murder cases and there were arrest warrants against him, but the

Tamil Nadu police had not yet arrested him, he said. "Why then did they

arrest our Shankaracharya at night, and when he was on tour?" he asked.

 

The arrest was politically motivated, he said, adding it was because of

DMK president Karunanidhi's relentless pressure on the government. He

said the case had been foisted on the Shankaracharya and the police

officials had provided wrong information to Jayalalithaa

 

The Hindu Makkal Katchi would lodge a complaint with the Human Rights

Commission as human rights were violated while arresting the

Shankaracharya.

 

6. Kanchi Mutt Controls Trust Funds Worth US$1.14 Billion

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/921981.cms

 

BANGALORE, INDIA, November 13, 2004: He is known to give audiences to

the most powerful in the country and even the world. He stands before

no one and is perceived to be the seventh most powerful man in the

country ahead of the President and Prime Minister and behind the likes

of Ambanis and Tatas. His address is Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam,

Kancheepuram, and he is Kanchi Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi.

But his arrest by Tamil Nadu police and being sent to Vellore Central

Jail has rattled his devotees, who cut across all castes and creed

among the Hindus, apart from Muslims and Christians including several

foreigners. The Kanchi Shankaracharya, who has been in several

controversies in the past, deviated from the tradition of being a

Brahminical Mutt to one that served the Dalits as well. Of course, his

senior, Paramacharya Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal started

that tradition. Most of the work undertaken by the Mutt has been in

rural India, and that has been one primary reason for their high

visibility in the last 50 years. In fact, it has moved from being a

religious institution to that of a social organization. While Sri

Jayendra Saraswathi played a major role in the Ayodhya negotiations, he

got into a tiff with the Vaishnavite Mutt jeers after "interfering" in

the administration of Tirupati and got flak from them.

 

The 2,500-year old Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt, which is perhaps facing its

worst crisis since being set up, has devotees from the world over South

Africa, Ghana, France, Germany, England, America, and controls a

network of assets which is estimated to be over Rs. 50 billion (US$1.14

billion) (The Sringeri mutt in Karnataka is said to be richer than the

Kanchi mutt). Traditionally, the Kanchi mutt has followers among

Smarthas (those who worship both Siva and Vishnu, which means they are

neither Saivites nor Vaishnavites) and are mostly in Tamil Nadu and

Andhra Pradesh, and some in Karnataka.

 

The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam runs through its various trusts over 200

schools, several hospitals including the Shanakara Netralaya and Childs

Trust Hospital in Chennai and at Guwahati apart from various other

cities, about 25 colleges including the deemed university at

Kancheepuram - Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi Vishwamahavidyalaya which

runs colleges for MCA, an Engineering college, degree colleges and a

management school. The deemed university has an international library

which has material to do research on all religions. The Mutt was

planning to start a medical college and as part of it acquired the

defunct, but full-fledged Tamilnad Hospitals in Chennai sometime last

year. The Mutt had also started the Venkateshwara College of

Engineering at Sriperambudur near Chennai over a decade ago and then

handed it over to corporations to run it. For example, the Shankara

School in Adyar in Chennai is run by India Cements.

 

7. Deepavali Observations Held In White House

http://news.newkerala.com/india-news/?action=fullnews&id=42250

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 11, 2004: US President George W Bush has

sent his greetings to the Indian community on the occasion of

Deepavali, the festival of lights, the first celebration to be held in

the White House after his re-election. "I send greetings to all those

celebrating Deepavali, the Festival of Light. Observed by millions

round the world, Deepavali is a time for the Hindus to give thanks for

their knowledge, happiness and other blessings received," Bush said in

his message. "Laura joins me in sending our best wishes. May the coming

year be filled with goodwill and prosperity," he said.

 

Several Indian community leaders attended the White House festivities

yesterday, during which former US Ambassador to India and a senior

official in the National Security Council Robert Blackwill assured the

community that President Bush plans to visit India next year. During

the invocation, Deepavali blessings were bestowed upon President Bush,

his family, and the people of the USA and the prayer was offered for

the world peace and the prosperity of the mankind. Praising the Indian

American community, he said Indians must now move beyond writing the

checks to the politicians and start asking for return on their

investment and begin to participate in the political process more than

what was being done currently. The traditional lamp was lit in the

presence of about 150 invited guests by Ambassador Blackwill, and the

Community leaders.

 

8. Sabarimala Shrine Ready For Pilgrims

http://autofeed.msn.co.in/pandorav3/output/News/100b009c-b3df-4df6-

b3b2-2a43ae7a18d6.aspx

 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA, November 12, 2004: The centuries-old

Sabarimala hill shrine in Kerala is readying to receive millions of

pilgrims. All arrangements are complete for the commencement of the

Sabarimala pilgrimage season that begins Nov 16 and goes on to the

third week of January. "Taking into consideration the dramatic increase

of pilgrims every season, several new pilgrim-friendly facilities like

better healthcare, many more resting places and more information

counters have been set up," said Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.

Last year, around 30 million pilgrims visited the Sabarimala temple

situated on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, 914 metres above

sea level, and four kilometres uphill from Pamba in central Kerala. The

shrine is only accessible on foot from Pamba. Last week, Chandy met his

ministers to discuss arrangements for the pilgrimage. His cabinet,

however, ruled out construction of a helipad atop the hill following

protests from devotees that it would spoil the essence of the arduous

pilgrimage. Even though the temple is now open throughout the year, the

peak pilgrimage season is between November and January. Pilgrims coming

to the temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa undertake an intense 41-day

penance when they go around barefoot, wear only black clothes and avoid

meat. Pilgrims also carry a cloth bag carrying ghee-filled coconuts

that is cracked open at Sabarimala. The ghee is poured on the deity.

This, believe devotees, unites their soul with the God's, taking the

pilgrimage to its zenith. The Travancore Devasom Board, which runs the

temple, has earnings of around $12 million a year from offerings in

cash and kind.

 

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