In a significant spiritual event preceding the grand unveiling of a monumental statue, two leading Madhva monastic institutions came together in a rare display of unity in Canacona, Goa. This convergence, involving the heads of the Palimaru and Partagali mutts, set a powerful tone for what many are calling a defining chapter in India's contemporary spiritual landscape.
A Historic Gathering of Seers
A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the towering 77-foot statue of Lord Ram at the Partagal mutt, a historic meeting took place on Thursday. The gathering featured Shrimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Swami of the Palimaru mutt and Shrimad Vidyadheesh Teerth Shreepad Wader Swami of the Gokarna Partagali Jeevottam Mutt, who jointly offered their blessings for the momentous occasion.
Both spiritual leaders drew powerful parallels between the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the installation of the massive Ram statue in Partagal, emphasizing the nationwide resurgence of faith.
Decoding the Symbolism of the 77-foot Statue
The head of the Palimaru mutt delved into the deep symbolism of the newly unveiled statue. He explained that Lord Ram is depicted holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other. "When the arrow is tied to the bow, it means no one should fall victim to adharma (unrighteousness)," he stated, highlighting its message as a deterrent against forces seeking to destroy Sanatana Dharma.
Drawing inspiration from Ayodhya, he added, "The flag of dharma is flying in the sky. It means that there is no fear of unrighteousness in India. In every house, in every country, dharma is flourishing." He further revealed that the specific 77-foot height is profoundly meaningful, representing the seven 'kandam' or realms detailed in the epic Ramayana.
Reinterpreting Lord Ram's Exile and the Essence of the Event
The Palimaru pontiff offered a refreshing reinterpretation of Lord Ram's exile, challenging conventional narratives of sorrow. "Everyone says that Ramadeva spent 14 years in exile and was in pain. We have to remember one thing — Ram is always happy," he told the attentive gathering, pointing out the serene expression captured on the statue's face.
He reframed the period of banishment not as a time of helplessness, but as a purposeful divine mission. "He came to the forest and blessed devotees, killed demons everywhere. The king's love for the people is great. Bhagvan went there out of happiness, not sadness or helplessness."
Emphasizing that the event transcended mere idol installation, the seer noted, "The pratishtha (establishment) of Ramadeva is not the pratishtha of an idol but the pratishtha of good qualities. Rama means the embodiment of all virtues."
Both spiritual leaders underscored the significance of Partagal, elevating its status as the 'Ayodhya of the South'. As the session concluded, the Partagal swami offered a unifying prayer, expressing the hope that the establishment of Lord Ram would take root in the hearts of all devotees. He envisioned a nation united through Ram bhakti (devotion), with Sanatana Dharma thriving from the northern peaks of Badrinath to the serene environs of Partagal in the south.
