RAMESHWARAM, JAN 10
Gujarat-based eminent spiritual leader Morari Bapu held the 853rd Ram Katha at Dhanushkodi near Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. As per the Ramayana, this is the place where Lord Ram built a ‘Ram Setu’ or bridge to Lanka to rescue his consort, Sita.
The place holds immense religious value for millions of devotees. During the 9-day Ramayana recital event held from January 2 to January 10, Morari Bapu also undertook the task of distributing ration kits to 15,000 homes in Rameshwaram along with 1,008 Pongal sets. Besides, 108 sewing machines are being distributed to the needy.
Addressing the media, the Ram Katha exponent said that the initiative is an extension of the concept of ‘Annakshetra’ during his Ram Kathas where thousands of people are served meals with respect and equality.
While those living on the shore were partaking meals near the Katha Mandap, Bapu was keen that locals of the entire Rameshwaram also benefit. Thus Madan Paliwal, who is the main organiser of the Ram Katha event, came up with the idea of the distribution of ration kits to people’s homes.
Morari Bapu welcomed this thought whole-heartedly and expressed pleasure that “Ram Kaam” also happens along with “Ram Naam”. He further stated that Ram Katha is both Brahmakshetra and Annakshetra because Upanishads say “Anna Brahmeti Vyajanam”.
Morai Bapu felt that the entire activity is meant to reach out to people much in the same way that Lord Ram did during his journey from UP to MP, Panchvati in Maharashtra and Kishkindha to finally Rameshwaram in the South with the purpose to build bridges between people, castes, classes, provinces, states, communities, nations, languages and to spread goodwill.
Bapu expressed great reverence for this pilgrim centre which had a physical Ram Setu also. He then urged the media too to play a constructive role in society and help build bonds through their work.
Morai Bapu said that his Vyas Peeth continues to sing Ram Katha in the country and across the world to put forth the message of truth, love, and compassion. He thanked the local people and administration for assisting in the Dhanushkodi Ram Katha endeavour and greeted them for the upcoming festival of Pongal.
