Ram temple in Ayodhya not for holy men, but for people: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar bats for mandir

Nov 4 (AZINS) Religious leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Sunday batted for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and for the Supreme Court to review its Sabarimala verdict.

While addressing his followers at Sant Sammelan in New Delhi, the Art of Living Founder said that the Ram Temple was not for the saints, but was for the people of India. "A grand temple must be built in Ayodhya," he said.

He also said that the Supreme Court should review its Sabarimala verdict.

In a veiled reference to the ongoing Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid case, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday asserted that work for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya will start soon.

"Light a Diya for Lord Ram this time, work there (Ayodhya) will start very soon. We have to take this up after Diwali," Yogi Adityanath said. He was speaking at an event in Bikaner.

His statement comes amid reports that the Chief Minister is likely to announce a 151-metre tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of Sarayu in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, With the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala set to open for monthly poojas on November 5, the police is on high alert and tight security arrangements are in place in the backdrop of violent protests over entry of women of menstrual age last month.

According to a Kerala police release, 1,500 personnel, 100 of them women, are keeping vigil at Sabarimala and nearby areas.A 20-member commando team has been deployed at Sannidhanam, Nilackal and Pamba, the release said.Meanwhile, the BJP's state unit said its president P S Sreedharan Pillai has received a death threat.Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru and chief priest Unnikrishnan Namboodiri will open the temple doors and light the lamp at the 'Sreekovil' (sanctum sanctorum) on November 5 at 5 pm.

Besides the usual poojas, "Sree Chitira Atta Thirunal" special pooja, will be held on November 6 and the shrine will be closed at 10 pm.Prohibitory order under section 144 CrPc banning assembly of four or more people will come into force at Pamba, Nilackal, Elavungal, and Sannidhanam from midnight Saturday till November 6 midnight.Barricades have been erected at many places en route to Nilackal and police personnel are allowing vehicles only after checking.