Chitrakoot, India – Chief of Defence Staff and Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited the holy town of Chitrakoot, where he met and received blessings from renowned Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. The meeting, described as a spiritual dialogue, took a unique turn when the seer claimed to have initiated the army chief with the sacred Ram Mantra—and symbolically asked for Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) as a spiritual “dakshina” (offering).
A Sacred Ritual with a Patriotic Undertone
According to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, he bestowed upon General Dwivedi the same Ram Mantra that, according to Hindu mythology, was once given to Lord Hanuman by Goddess Sita. The mantra, he said, enabled Hanuman to defeat Ravana and conquer Lanka.
“I have given General Dwivedi the same Ram Mantra. In return, I have humbly asked for POK as dakshina,” the seer said. “You fight with weapons; I shall fight with scriptures,” he added, referring to his non-violent spiritual path.
This unusual request has stirred curiosity and raised eyebrows across both religious and strategic circles, as it blends spirituality with symbolism linked to national security.
What Is the Process of ‘Diksha’?
In Hindu tradition, ‘Diksha’ is a sacred initiation ritual where a disciple formally receives a mantra or spiritual instruction from a guru. It is seen as a transformative step, marking the beginning of one’s journey on a spiritual or disciplined path. The guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) bond is central to this practice.
While it is uncommon to see military leaders participate in such rituals publicly, the act itself is not prohibited or against protocol, especially when done in a personal or spiritual capacity.
Who Is Jagadguru Rambhadracharya?
Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, born on January 14, 1950, in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most revered Hindu spiritual leaders. Despite losing his eyesight at the age of two, he has mastered 22 languages and authored more than 80 scholarly and devotional works. He is a renowned scholar of Sanskrit, a poet, philosopher, orator, and composer.
He is also the founder and chancellor of the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang University in Chitrakoot, a pioneering institution dedicated to differently-abled students. His contributions span literature, music, drama, and theology.
Symbolism or Strategy?
While Rambhadracharya’s request for POK as an offering is clearly symbolic, it reflects the deep intertwining of spiritual nationalism and public discourse in India. Though there’s no official comment from the Army on the matter, the gesture underscores the cultural and emotional dimensions of national security for many Indians.
Leave a Reply