Seer performs symbolic 'shilanyas' of Ram temple in Kashi

Varanasi, Feb 21 (IANS) Jyotish and Dwarka Sharda Peeth Shankracharya Swamy Swaroopanand Saraswati on Thursday performed a symbolic 'shilanyaas' in Varanasi of the proposed Ram temple at Ayodhya.

The seer, who called off his proposed march to Ayodhya following his failing health, performed the symbolic 'shilanayas' of the temple in Kashi, an aide informed IANS.

As a symbolic gesture, the Shankracharya placed silver miniature bricks at the Kedar Ghat on the banks of the Ganga after which the 'shilanyas' was performed of a model of the proposed Ram temple. 

Devotees and followers of the seer then raised 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans and announced the foundation laying for the grand Ram temple had been done as promised.

Swaroopnanad had, at the ongoing Kumbh in Prayagraj, announced that he along with others from the fraternity would march to Ayodhya on February 17 to lay the foundation stone for the Ram temple on February 21. 

The seer was thereafter admitted to a hospital with diabetes and kidney-related issues and was admitted in the ICU for four days. 

Later Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke to him and the seer withdrew the call for the march, especially in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, the aide said.