Karnataka priest claims getting death threats for fixing muhurat of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan, FIR filed

A priest in Karnataka, who claimed to have fixed the auspicious time for Ram temple bhoomi pujan in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, has allegedly got death threats. NR Vijayeendra Sharma, of Vidhya Vihar Vidyalaya in Belgave, is said to be receiving calls from several parts of the country asking him to reverse the date or face the outcome.

Talking to India Today, the priest stated that the callers would ask him why he gave the date for muhurat and why did he get involved in the ceremony?

"They (organisers) requested and I have obliged. As a Guru, I have done my duty. They (the people who call) don't give names; the calls come from various places," the priest said.

A case has been registered in the Tilakwadi police station in Belagavi. The police have positioned a few personnel for the priest's safety.

However, NR Vijayeendra Sharma says he doesn’t take such threats seriously.

The 75-year-old was approached by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust for setting the muhurat for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The priest gave four dates: July 29, July 31, August 3 and August 5.

5th August was picked by the Prime Minister's Office after due considerations with other people involved. Preparations are in full swing for the bhoomi pujan of Ram temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday.

The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath, among others. Tight security arrangements have been put in place.

Also Read: Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan: Religious rituals get under way, muhurat to last only for 32 seconds