Rama Setu is sacred, place of worship: UOI & SC should NOT play with fire

[Ramaa]

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Union of India (UOI) and justice system should NOT play with fire: Rama Setu is sacred and is worshipped. It is a mandiram. It is because of Rama Setu, there is Rameshwaram, no Setupati Raja of Ramnad and Setu yatra is a pilgrimage to one of the four dhaam-s in Hindu tradition for millennia.
Just as US courts protected a mountain held sacred by Navajo, it is the duty of the State and SC to protect and safeguard the civil rights of Hindus. Failure to protect and desecration of a sacred monument, a place of worship, will invoke Section 295 and Section 304 of IPC.
Three facts should be brought to the notice of the Hon'ble SC who seem to be playing with fire.
1. There is a third S'ivalinga and mandiram in the middle of the Rama Setu. People of faith, desirous of children, go their to perform puja, sankalpa and samudrasnaanam. This is also confirmed by Guru Dasa Swamigal (1848-1929).
2. Even the Union of India (represented by Setusamudram Corpn) had stated in their affidavit to Madras HC that a viewing gallery would be built at Dhanushkodi for pilgrims to pay obeisance to Rama Setu.
3. Inauguration of the converted BG line with cantilever bridge at Pamban gap between Manamadurai and Rameshwaram was transferred from Rameshwaram to Manamadurai because people protested against the inconvenience caused to lakhs of pilgrims who visited Rama Setu for worship on that day, Ashadha Amavasya day. About 5 lakh pilgrims visit every year on that day to perform pitru-tarpanam, samudra snaanam and worship Rama Setu. This was the day on August 12, 2007 when the inauguration session of the broad-gauge line to Rameshwaram by some politicians was transferred, after pilgrims protested, to Manamadurai so as not to cause inconvenience to the pilgrims with the super security measures in place. Such actions of the State contradict the unfounded averment made by the Respondent which raises a serious question in Constitutional law: fundamental duty of the State to protect the citizens' right to exercise religion and limits to the exercise of State power burdening such exercise.
4. Today, the Rama Setu is a stretch of tidal-s with continuing ebbs and tides of the Indian Ocean leaving the Setu visible; pilgrims stand on the Setu and walk through for some distance from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar (Srilanka).
5. Madras HC order which was endorsed by the Hon'ble SC for compliance by respondents noted this statement of the respondent and cited Section 295 of IPC.

Section 295A. Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs1[295A. Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
Whoever, with deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious feelings of any class of 2[citizens of India], 3[by words, either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise], insults or attempts to insult the religion or the religious beliefs of that class, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 4[three years], or with fine, or with both.]
​

1. Ins. by Act 25 of 1927, s. 2.


2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for "His Majesty's subjects".3. Subs. by Act 41 of 1961, s. 3, for certain words (w.e.f. 27-9-1961) 4. Subs. by Act 41 of 1961, s. 3, for "two years" (w.e.f. 27-9-1961)

http://setubandha.blogspot.com/2008/04/rama-setu-is-sacred-place-of-worship.html

 

[Ramaa]

Textual evidence (19thcentury) for a third s'ivamandiram located in the middle of Rama Setu

Kumara Guru Dasa Swamigal or Pamban Swamigal 1848-1929 had sung 6666 songs. In the compilation realated to tirthasthana dars'ana, (referred to in Tamil as Tiruvalam); in the second kaanda (kat.t.al.aik kavittur-aikal.), there is a song titled: Tiruccetumatti (In the middle of Rama Setu);
Translation from Tamil rendering is as follows:
In the middle of Rama Setu enveloped by the ocean and the clouds, is the s'ivalinga worshipped by vibhuti-wearing Rama, the Kaakutsa ; I bow down with love imagining S'iva in the form of Kugesa Muruga who is searching for me and finds me.
This remarkable song emphatically provides literary evidence for the existence of a third s'iva linga on Rama Setu: one is at Rasmes'waram, the other is at Tirukkedees'varam (on the Talaimannar end) and the third is in the middle of Rama Setu.
This textual evidence matches with the tradition held sacred by people of the nation. Grandmothers recall with fondness that their ancestors had performed setutirtham at this Ramar Palam S'ivamandiram praying for the blessing of child-birth (magarperu).
It is the duty of Archaeological Survey of India to find this third s'ivamandiram.
This and other textual and archaeological evidences are contained in the Second Part of Setubandhanam (Ramar Palam), a book authored by R. Subbarayalu and published in March 2008 by Thanjavur, Mamannan Padippagam, 126 Natcattiranagar, Thanjavur 613005. All citizens of the world who adore the heritage of Sri Rama owe an immense debt of gratitude to Shri R. Subbarayulu for publishing updates of the gem of a work, a veritable garland of literary flowers adoring Sri Rama and Rama Setu or Setubandhanam.
This work adds to the evidence recorded in the Madras High Court's judgement of 19 June 2007 emphatically attesting to the ancient monument, Rama Setu.
It is possible that the cyclone which submerged some portions of Rama Setu in 1480 also submerged this third s'ivamandiram on Ramar Palam (Rama Setu).
Dr. S. Kalyanaraman


http://setubandha.blogspot.com/2008/04/textual-evidence-19th-cent-for-ramar.html

 

[Ramaa]

Dr. Subramanian Swamy cautions the judges against agnosticism.

The Duel in the court!

Dr. Swamy said the Centre was now seeking to implement the project by demolishing Ramar Sethu. It could not be destroyed as it was a place of worship and anyone who tried to damage it should be booked for criminal offence under Section 295 of the Indian Penal Code.
Judge's poser
Justice R.V. Raveendran retorted: "Who says it is a place of worship? Who goes to the middle of the sea to worship?"
Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan told Dr. Swamy: "Don't say people go there and worship." He replied: "It is an admitted place of worship and I go there every year to worship. Lordship, it is not a question of your belief, but it is the belief of the people of this country."
When the Chief Justice said, "It was a matter of perception," Dr. Swamy replied: "Hindus unanimously believe that it is a place of worship. It is not [just] my belief. It is the belief of people of this country that it is a sacred place. You [court] cannot sanction the belief of the people."
When Mr. Krishnamani joined Dr. Swamy and said, "People go to Rameswaram for worshipping Ramar Sethu," the Chief Justice said, "We don't say that it [Ramar Sethu] is not a sacred place."

 

[Ramaa]

Frivolous queries
The Pioneer Edit Desk
Let's not question popular faith

The contentious Ram Setu issue has once again attracted controversy, this time in the Supreme Court. The questions raised by the Bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justice RV Raveendran, while hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project, are gratuitous and in poor taste. The court has queried as to how the Ram Setu could be called a place of worship, adding, "Who does puja in the middle of the sea?" Nobody. But for millions of Indians Ram Setu is integral to their veneration of Ram and an indivisible part of their civilisational identity. To be fair to the bench, it has clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case. Those familiar with the working of the Supreme Court, or indeed other courts, are aware that they often pose uncomfortable questions that sound inimical to a party but are not necessarily reflective of bias on their part. Such questions do not necessarily make their way into court orders but are posed with the intention of seeking clarity on the issues before it. Yet, perhaps the bench could have rephrased these questions in a manner that would reflect greater sensitivity - popular sentiments cannot be entirely ignored by the executive, legislature or the judiciary, so long as it does not militate against the basic principles of the Constitution. It would also be pertinent to underscore the fact that the issue of Ram Setu is not at all about a place of worship in the middle of the sea where puja is performed. It is about a particular spot that people believe is the bridge Hanuman built for Ram to cross the sea to Lanka. There are many such sacred places - trees, groves, lakes, river banks and even mountains. Not all are worshipped but that does not diminish their sanctity. Also, those opposed to the destruction of Ram Setu - or call it Adam's Bridge if you must - have raised issues related to environmental and ecological concerns which belong to the secular domain. To raise frivolous questions would be tantamount to minimising these concerns. In any event, there are aspects of religiosity that are not defined by either rites or rituals associated with worship: Faith need not have a visible manifestation.
The point about Ram Setu which people often miss is that the question whether it is a crafted structure or a natural rock formation is totally irrelevant to the discourse. What is important is that the site is held sacred by a vast majority of Indians as it was held sacred by their ancestors. Such belief - which is not unique to either this country or Hinduism - cannot be held to strict tests of rationality. If the faith of others is inviolable, so is the faith associated with Ram Setu.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=EDITS&file_name=edit2.txt&counter_img=2

 

[Ramaa]

Faith, my lords

Thu, 17 Apr, 2008 , 12:54 PM (News Today Editorial)
.
When the Ramar Sethu case came up for hearing on Tuesday, in the course of arguments, the SC had asked two questions, 'Is Rama Sethu a place of worship?' and 'Who goes to the middle of the sea and worships a place,which is under the water?'

Subramaniam Swamy had argued that it is believed as a place of worship by millions of people and that many people including him visit Rameshwaram regularly and worship Ramar Sethu apart from the Ramanatha Swamy Temple.
Here, it is pertinent to point out how people worship Rama Sethu.There is a place called 'Sethu Karai' in Ramanathapuram district from where the Ramar Sethu was constructed up to Sri Lanka cutting across Rameshwaram and Danushkodi by Lord Rama and his Vanara Sena.

Close to Sethu Karai we have the famous centuries old 'Thirupullani' Temple, which depicts the entire story of Sethu Bandhanam through the Deities' postures and other sculptures. Even today one can find the remains of the bridge there, after a twenty minutes drive by a boat.
All pilgrims, who go to Rameshwaram, visit Thirupullani Temple and Sethu Karai and also go in to the sea to worship the Sethu. During the times of low tides, one can easily stand on the bridge and do poojas and prayer rituals.

There were many who used to go from Danushkodi to the present spot of contention and pray, before the commencement of the project work. So, the two questions asked by the Supreme Court is purely out of ignorance and it ought to have acquainted itself with facts before asking such questions.

Earlier, the Madras High Court was convinced on the innumerable literarary, numismatic, historical, geographical and geological evidences submitted by the petitioners and the same have been brought to the notice of the SC also.
S R Rao, President, Society of Marine Archaeology, who was a member of International Committee on Underwater Cutlural Heritage (ICUCH) consisting of under water archaeologists and who had also worked with UNESCO, had categorically said that 'the Government of India must respect the UN Convention on underwater heritage projects by ordering the NIO and ASI to undertake the survey listing and protection of underwater cultural monuments" and that, 'Rama Sethu is a sacred monument, which must not be damaged, but saved and protected'.

Here, it must be noted that S R Rao & Team had conducted great underwater excavations in discovering the submerged buidings of the ancient city of Dwaraka, the capital of Lord Krishna, which was once considered as mere 'myth'!

It is a pity that, in this great 'Hindu' land, many of its places of worship (Thirupathi, Guruvayur, Sabarimala, Amarnath, Kanchi Mutt, etc, etc) are unnecessarily doubted, questioned and interfered with, leading to the scrutiny of Law and Judiciary by the very same 'secular' governments, which are suposed to save and protect them.

Ironically, these secular governments give full freedom to other faiths and respect them! When the aggrieved community that is the majority, approaches the Court of Law to safeguard its faith, the Judiciary is expected to help them and not question them or their faith, for it has no business to interfere in the faith of millions, which is beyond its jurisdiction!
The Supreme Court can question the government on the economical viability of the project, the environmental concerns created by the project, the security threats posed by the project, the threat for the livelihood feared by thousands of fishermen due to the implementation of the project.

If Rama Sethu is 'Natural' be it. We have a very long tradition of worshipping 'Nature'! It is our 'Faith'!

http://newstodaynet .com/printer. php?id=6644

 

[Ramaa]

"Every piece of rock and soil on Rama Setu is sacred and constitutes a place of worship. It is a temple."
--Supreme Court judgement dated 16/04/1954

What constitutes a place of worship in Hindu tradition? Legal arguments for Rama Setu as a place of worship.

• This complements the arguments made at http://setubandha.blogspot.com/2008/04/rama-setu-is-place-of-worship.html regarding Skanda Purana, the Hindu religious texts prescriptions of Rama Setu as a place of worship and about rules of evidence in matters of tradition and Hindu religion.

Notes attached: 1. Famous London Nataraja case of Privy Council (what is a temple and what is an object or place of worship)
2. Famous Navajo sacred mountain case (USA court decision to scrap a sewerage project on the mountain)
3. Velanjeri copper plate of Parantaka Chola (10th century) of worshipping at Rama Setu and offering tulaabhaaram.
4. Report by Rameshwaram priest on puja vidhaanam (mode of worship) for Rama Setu.

Supreme Court judgement THE COMMISSIONER, HINDU RELIGIOUS ENDOWMENTS, MADRAS Vs. SRI LAKSHMINDRA THIRTHA SWAMIAR OF SRI SHIRUR MUTT. 16/04/1954 Seven-judge bench.
PETITIONER:
THE COMMISSIONER, HINDU RELIGIOUS ENDOWMENTS, MADRAS
Vs.

RESPONDENT:
SRI LAKSHMINDRA THIRTHA SWAMIAR OF SRI SHIRUR MUTT.

DATE OF JUDGMENT:
16/04/1954

BENCH:
MUKHERJEA, B.K.
BENCH:
MUKHERJEA, B.K.
HASAN, GHULAM
BHAGWATI, NATWARLAL H.
AIYYAR, T.L. VENKATARAMA
MAHAJAN, MEHAR CHAND (CJ)
DAS, SUDHI RANJAN
BOSE, VIVIAN
The precedent in the Nataraja case is from the Mallick v. Mallick case of 1925. A bedrock legal principle of Hindu law (1925) says, "a Hindu idol is according to the long established authority founded upon the religious customs of the Hindus, and the recognition thereof by the courts of law in India and the Privy Council a juristic entity. It has a judicial status with the power of suing and being sued."
Every piece of rock and soil on Rama Setu is sacred and constitutes a place of worship. It is a temple. Sri Rama is a juristic entity. So is Rama Setu, just as an idol is a juristic entity.

Sacredness of Rama Sethu

On 15th April, 2008, Hon'ble Supreme Court has observed that Rama Sethu is a Sacred Place, but doubted whether any people go there to the middle of the ocean to worship. The court is probably forgetting in all "Thirtha Kshetras", pujas are offered by going to the center of the Thirthams by boat and other means, e.g. in Ganges at Kaasi (Vaaranaasi) and at Triveni Sangamam at Prayag (Allahabab). Similarly pujas are offered at Rama Sethu also by using boats.

On the other hand, the observations of the Supreme Court that Rama Sethu is a Sacred Place, brings forth three important questions to be addressed by the court immediately.

1. Whether the duly elected Indian Government abiding the Indian Constitution can allow any individual or group of individuals to indulge in sacrilege of any Sacred Place (Holy Place)?
2. Whether the duly elected Government of India or its agencies, abiding the Indian Constitution on its own can indulge in sacrilege of any Sacred Place (Holy Place)?
3. Whether the Supreme Court of India, protecting the Constitution of India will allow the Government of India and its agencies to perform such sacrilege to Sacred Place (Holy Place) such as Rama Sethu?

It is for the eminent jurists and the Lawyers to bring these questions before the Supreme Court for its ruling when the next hearing of the case comes up on 29th April, 2008.


http://setubandha.blogspot.com/2008/04/what-constitutes-place-of-worship-in.html

 

[Ramaa]

Sri Rameswaram Ramsetu Raksha Manch
Sankat Mochan Ashram, Ramakrishna Puram-VI
New Delhi-110 022
Telefax: 011-26103495, 26178992 [email protected]​

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY UDUPI PEJAWAR MATH SWAMY SRI VISHWESHATHEERTHA, DATED APRIL 19, 2008
Supreme Court should consider Hindu faith on Rama Setu
In the course of its arguments on Rama Setu, the Supreme Court had asked two questions:
1) Is Rama Setu a place of worship?
2) Who goes to the middle of the sea and worship a place, which is under the water?
It must be said that Ram Setu is believed as a place of worship by millions of Hindus.
There is a place called 'Sethu Karai' in Ramanathapuram district from where the Ramar Setu was constructed up to Sri Lanka cutting across Rameshwaram and Danushkodi by Lord Rama and his Vanara Sena.
Close to 'Sethu Karai,' we have the famous centuries old 'Thirupulani' Temple which depicts the entire story of Sethu Bandhanam through the deities' posture and other sculptures. Even today, we can find the remains of the bridge there after a twenty minutes drive by a boat.
All pilgrims, who go to Rameshwaram, visit Thirupullani Temple and 'Sethu Karai' and also go into the sea to worship the Sethu. During the times of low tides, one can easily stand on the bridge and do pooja and prayer rituals.
There were many who used to go from Danushkodi to the present spot of contention and pray, before the commencement of the project work. So the two questions asked by the Supreme Court is purely out of ignorance and it ought to have acquainted itself with facts before asking such questions.
The Government of India must respect the UN Convention on underwater heritage projects by ordering the Archaeological Survey of India to undertake the survey listing and protection of underwater cultural monuments.
Rama Setu is a sacred monument, which must not be damaged, but saved and protected.
The Supreme Court - rather than questioning the faith of the Hindus - would do well to question the economic viability of the project, the environmental concerns created by the project, the security threats posed by the project, the threat for the livelihood feared by thousands of fishermen due to the implementation of the project.
Signed Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamijee, Pejawar Math, Udupi.


S. Kalyanaraman
National President, 20 April 2008 Camp: New Delhi

 

[Ramaa]

Dr. Subramanian Swamy exposed T. R. Balu's interests in Rama Setu

www.mynews.in/ ...


Janata Party President and former Union Cabinet Minister, Dr. Subramanian Swamy today circulated a letter to the petitioners in the Rama Setu case in the Supreme Court to seek time on Monday [when the Union of India is making a mention before the Chief Justice for a priority listing] to file an interloculatory application to extend the Stay granted on August 31,2007 against the damaging or destroying of the Rama Setu, to staying the entire Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project [SSCP] till the certain urgent matters of conflict of interest are heard by the Court.

In his interloculatory application, it is learnt that Dr. Swamy has documented how the ship channel project will profoundly benefit Union Shipping Minister. T.R. Baalu'''s sons and two wives [which itself is a criminal offence itself under Section 494 of IPC and carries a seven year punishment] as large shares of owners of Meenam Fisheries Limited as well as the Tamil Chief Minister. M.Karunanidhi's wife Rajathiamma and daughter Kanimozhi as major share holders of Westgate Logistics Limited.



Both companies will directly benefit from the project because at present Meenam's fishing trawlers and motorised boats presently have to travel from Port Blair to Kakinada for a longer distance around Sri Lanka for sea food exports [ about $ 2 million in value annually].



Westgate business will also boom once the project is implemented because it's main business is stevedoring, piloting and customs & freight handling which with the claimed increased ship traffic from Tuticorin to Chennai and to Kolkatta will increase business of the Westgate Logistics.



Dr. Swamy has pointed out in his application to the Supreme Court that both Baalu and Kanimozhi have admitted owning shares in these companies in their affidavits filed as candidates in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections respectively.



Dr. Swamy has also written to the Prime Minister seeking sanction to prosecute Mr. Baalu under Section 11 and 13 of the Prevention of Corrupton Act. He told Jaya TV that he was examining whether to ask the TN Governor for sanction to prosecute the Chief Minister Mr. Karunanidhi for the same reason.



He also said that he is examining whether the recent contract given for dredging in the SSCP by the Dredging Corporation of India to the Belgian company, Dredger International had anything to do with Ms. Sonia Gandhi's receiving the Belgian King Leopold Golden Cross medal and honorary citizenship.



Officers of the Dredger International were in attendance when Ms. Gandhi went to Brussels to kneel before the King and receive the award. The Election Commission has yet to pronounce on her MP disqualification petition on this matter, after sending her a Notice

 

[Ramaa]

Attacking Hindu beliefs, ignoring environmental concerns and abandoning national defense concerns in the name of development but secretly the agenda is to benefit massively the ruling clique are some of the salient features of the Sethu Samudhram Project. The final arguments for the preservation of Rama Sethu is being carried out in the Supreme Court.

http://www.dinamalar.com/fpnnews.asp?News_id=596&cls=row3

http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=NATION&file_name=nt1.txt&counter_img=1

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Anti-Setu_lobby_invokes_faith_/articleshow/3003083.cms

 

[Ramaa]

After his interloculatory application in which Dr. Subramanian Swamy has documented how the ship channel project will profoundly benefit Union Shipping Minister. T.R. Baalu's sons and two wives [which itself is a criminal offence itself under Section 494 of IPC and carries a seven year punishment] as large shares of owners of Meenam Fisheries Limited as well as the Tamil Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi's wife Rajathiamma and daughter Kanimozhi as major share holders of Westgate Logistics Limited, more skeletons are tumbling from Baalu's cupboard.

Baalu now in port trust mess
Pioneer News Service | New Delhi

Before he could steer clear of the controversy over allegedly misusing his official position to help family-owned companies, Transport and Shipping Minister TR Baalu has landed in a fresh controversy.

Private news channel CNN-IBN said on Saturday that the "Minister allegedly denied permission for a probe into complaints by the deputy chairperson of the Kandla Port Trust, Manoranjan Sharma, who alleged corruption in the Trust that functions under the Shipping Ministry".

The news channel reported that Sharma was removed from his post after he alleged that there was a scam in renewing leases for land owned by the port.

According to the news report, the Port Trust owns salt fields spread over 16,000 acres and worth several crores while private companies allegedly conspired to get the fields back cheaply when their leases got over in 2004.

Sharma, according to the news channel, alleged that the Shipping Ministry was willing to renew the leases at a rate of Rs 149 per acre for land valued at more than Rs 2 crore per acre.

When Manoranjan objected to the decision, he was allegedly threatened.

Sharma, who has got a stay order from the court on his removal from the post, is tight-lipped about the entire thing. The Shipping Ministry said removing Sharma was a mistake and it would take action on his allegations.

"Now that it has come to light, we will take action. One matter has already been referred to the CBI. Certainly, where the case is warranted we will not hesitate in taking it up with the CBI," the news channel quoted APVN Aarma, Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, as saying.

The Central Vigilance Commission had recommended that CBI probe the allegations but Baalu allegedly denied them permission to do so.

 

[Ramaa]

We don't go to sun to worship it, Swamy tells apex court

http://www.newkerala.com/one.php?action=fullnews&id=57492

New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) The Supreme Court Wednesday had to contend with a blunt answer to its poser as to who goes to the Rama Sethu in the sea to worship it. "We all worship the sun. But we don't go to the sun to worship it," said former union minister Subramanian Swamy.
Speaking before the bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Swamy passionately opposed the proposed construction of a shorter navigational sea route around the Indian peninsula if it involved the destruction of the Rama Sethu or Adam's Bridge.
The bench, which also included Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice J.M. Panchal, wanted to know last week if anyone takes to the sea to reach the Rama Sethu to worship it if it indeed had religious value.
The Janata Party president argued against the proposed breaching of the Rama Sethu due to dredging and its fallout on economy, environment and security besides of course the religious sensibilities of Hindus.
He narrated a series of five "strange coincidences" that occurred after a Dutch dredging machine deployed to breach the Rama Sethu broke down.
When a crane was pressed into service to retrieve the broken arms of the dredging machine from the sea, that too broke down, said Swamy.
The authorities then tried to conduct the retrieving operation by pressing into service another crane with the name of Hindu god Hanuman written over it. "But that too did not work."
After that the authorities summoned a Russian expert for the dredging operation but he ended up breaking both his legs, said Swamy.
And much to the amusement of the bench, he added: "Subsequently, a formal worship was organised. But a Tamil Nadu legislator who performed the worship died of heart attack the next day."
To this, the bench asked Swamy: "What do you expect from us?"
Swamy responded: "My Lord, please hold that the issue of Rama Sethu involves the religious faith and belief. Scrap the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project if the government is unable or unwilling to alter the alignment of the proposed channel and ensure that the bridge is not breached."
The former minister took pain to explain that he was not against a shorter navigational sea route per se. "Anything that touches the Rama Sethu, I am against it."
When Swamy pointed out that ship passengers could dump beef while passing through the Rama Sethu, Justice Raveendran censured him, saying: "You have already put a very strong fundamental argument. You are only devaluing that by your secondary one."
Earlier, Swamy said that section 295 of the Indian Penal Code provided for a jail term of two years on conviction to anyone defiles or damages a place of worship.
He asserted that under the same section no authority can sanction a project which involves damage or defilement of a place of worship.
And to prove that the Rama Sethu had religious value to Hindus, Swamy cited government documents that refer to the mythological bridge between India and Sri Lanka.
Among the government documents that Swamy quoted included a book tabled in parliament and released by the Prime Minister's Office.
He also cited a Tamil Nadu government advertisements on trains that say that the waters off Rameshwaram island "still carry the blessings of Lord Rama's Lotus feet because this is where from His monkey army crossed over to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita".
IANS

 

[sudarshan22]

Hi,

I have been following this thread for sometime. I would like to express my comments.

Personally, I do not even doubt the spiritual significance of the Ram Sethu bridge. I believe in Rama and I believe in Ramayanam. I think that the opposition to the project citing religious and spiritual reasons is unwarrented for. During that time, Rama did not just build that bridge. His journey to Lanka, from the forest saw him bestow his divine presence in many parts of India. Furthermore, if Ram Sethu was a temple that people could visit and experience the presence of the Lord, then I would have qualms about destroying it. Given that the bridge is undersea and is not of use for Hindus to visit nor is of any economical value, I would support the project as long as the intentions behind them are of value. Indeed, if the project was implemented and it serves the majority of the people and not just the cruel agenda of the politicians, I believe that it can be done.

Thanks.

 

[Ramaa]

Dear Sudharshan,

You may be too late with your comment. The Supreme Court is about to pronounce a judgement.

Regards,

 

[Ramaa]

Why should Rama Setu be protected? – a para-legal excursus

By Dr.S.Kalyanaraman

Here is an account of the happenings in the Supreme Court on Rama Setu protection case and the consequent introspections on why Rama Setu should be protected despite the bogus, baseless arguments advanced on grounds of non-existent abhyudayam.


When Court asked Senior Advocate Shri Parasaran as to why he was arguing on 'this' side (that is, the side of the petitioners seeking protection of Rama Setu and hence, Dharma), he responded emotionally that he is at the fag-end of his life and career and this was an opportunity provided for him to protect dharma and he also told the Court that this was an opportunity for the Court also to participate in this sacred responsibility of protecting dharma.


When Court asked Dr. Subramanian Swamy how SC can overcome the jurisdiction problem of questioning policy decisions or economic issues, Dr. Swamy responded effectively and convincingly that it was incumbent on the court to intervene when a fraud or gross illegality can be demonstrated that the economic viability of the project was a fiction created with baseless data and that the project was fraudulent. He went on to demonstrate that the project will be in the red for Rs. 56 crores in Year 1 and Rs. 150 crores in Year 9 and thereafter using the figures given by the Union of India in their documents. These losses are, in fact, understatements. The actual losses will be much larger if social costs are reckoned (as required under law), if maintenance dredging costs are fairly computed and if security costs (both capital and maintenance costs) are included in the project costs. Dr. Swamy also demonstrated the need to make Hon'ble TR Baalu a respondent because of conflict of interest with involvement in stevedoring or marine product export companies.


Senior Advocate Soli Sorabjee responded effectively to the stupid question which stated that the bhumaata is sacred, the mountains are sacred, Ganga is sacred, trees are sacred that this perception should not stop removal of stones or building of bridges. This was rebutted effectively citing the responsibility of the State under Article 25 to protect Religious Freedom and not to destroy, by desecration, the very character of the Rama Setu which is a bridge built by Rama to establish dharma. Not an inch, not a piece of rock from this ancient monument can be touched by any power on earth. Section 295 of Criminal Procedure Code makes it a cognizable offence to offend the sentiments of crores of Hindus worldwide. The Court was also told that Ganga Sagar and Sethu are places of worship in the Indian Ocean. Skandapurana which is the sacred text of identified teerthasthaanas and puja vidhaanam prescribed the worship of Rama Setu and the s'ivalinga installed in the middle of Rama Setu uttering Setumadhava and Ramanatha (Ashtakshari and Panchakshari mantras) and walking on the Setu. Every ashadha amavasya day every year, over 5 lakh pilgrims gather at the Setu tirtham and offer tarpanam to pitrus – ancestors are worshipped with the sankalpa which starts: Sri rama rama rameti… He is Maryada purushottama, Ramayana is the aadi kaavya, There can be no Ramayana without Setubandhana which is the very symbol of what can be accomplished with will and determination and the symbol of establishment and protection of dharma. This is a memory venerating Sri Rama as vigrahavaan dharmah (the very embodiment of dharma), the paramaatman in the role of an avatara to demonstrate dharma in action.

The battle is just joined. The Setu has to be declared as an Ancient Monument and World Heritage. Setu which has protected the nation's coastline and symbolizes the unity and integrity of the nation cannot be desecrated like the Taliban demolishing the Bamiyan Buddha calling it mere stone. Setu also makes us remember Sri Rama, Vigrahavaan dharma, the very embodiment of dharma. Setu is not mere stone bridge, it is the very identity, the very core of Sanatana Dharma from time immemorial, the very embodiment of Dharma identity. It just cannot be touched even by cutting a one centimeter furrow.


So many multi-disciplinary issues were joined in the court proceedings. Over 8000 pages of evidence and arguments and case laws were presented. The Court had the obligation to recognize the enormity and stupendous nature of this continuum of faith, belief and worship and respect the sentiments of crores of people, as a civil society and restoring the confidence of the people in the institutions which they have created to run this samajam. A fence cannot be allowed to eat away the crop. Institutions exist only at the service of and at the responsibilities entrusted to these institutions by the people.


Many teams of persons have contributed to this extraordinary Hindu unity and effort. Starting with Shri D. Kuppuramu who founded the Rameshwaram Rama Setu Protection Movement, Senior Advocate Shri TV Ramanujam, counsel for Shri Rama Gopalan of Hindu Munnani and Dr. Subramanian Swamy who got the Chief Justice of Madras High Court to issue the directions of HC on 19 June 2007 asking for the declaration of Rama Setu as an Ancient Monument and to ask for proceeding with any project without demolishing or desecrating Rama Setu has just been reconfirmed by the highest court of the land by the directions issued on these two momentous issues.


The directions are historic and let us hope that one of the institutions which we have given to ourselves, respects the Law of the land and does not play games with the directions (as was done by withdrawing the bogus affidavit of ASI and thereafter making false promises unfulfilled) .


The responsibility is enormous to use this opportunity given to us by Sri Rama to educate the youngest nation of the world, the 35% of the population which is less than 15 years of age, to realize the great heritage of Dharma and the importance and significance of the two great Itihaasas, Ramayana, the Aadi kaavya and Mahabharata. Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and Sri Mahes'vara united north and south, east and west and across every nook and corner of Bharata Varsha. They adorn the lithographed version of the Constitution of India published by the Govt. of India with exquisite illustrations by the artist, Shri Nandalal Bose.


No institution, not even the Supreme Court, can pass on the buck and refuse to entertain issues related to National security citing jurisdictional boundaries. In this case, ample evidence was provided on the national security implications of any decision to desecrate Rama Setu and the social upheaval that such a move will entail, destroying the very fabric of the samajam and the constitutional framework which we have given to ourselves.


The State cannot abdicate its responsibility to protect the ancient heritage by citing dubious investigation problems. The evidence is overwhelming: Rama Setu is a sacred place, a world heritage. Until this is recognized by one and all -- the organizations of governance and jurisprudence, the movement shall continue with redoubled vigour and determination. It is the court of the people that the protection of Rama Setu will be ensured. This is an occasion to recognise the possibility and ensure that it happens – the construction of a temple for Sri Rama in Ramajanmabhumi. As Srilanka, our neighbour, looks towards Bharatam, as the Indian Ocean Community beckons, let this be the start and renewal of Dharma renaissance, a start for Marine Economic Zones to benefit all the coastal people and lead to abhyudayam in their livelihood as a socio-cultural- economic imperative.

http://setubandha. blogspot. com/2008/ 05/why-should- rama-setu- be-protected- para.html

 

[Ramaa]

Justice and judgment
http://newstodaynet.com/newsindex.php?id=7286 & section=13

Fri, 09 May, 2008,03:47 PM​

Justice and judgment over their supremacy, the Judiciary has given verdicts and directions at four different places yesterday on four different, sensitive and vital cases.

First, the Supreme Court has given clear-cut directions to the center on the Rama Sethu case. It has asked center to conduct an ASI study on Rama Sethu, so that, it could be determined as an Ancient Heritage National Monument.

It has also directed the government to explore an alternative alignment without cutting across Rama Sethu to implement the SSCP, so that it is protected.

Though the SC had fixed the next date of hearing as 22 July, the government has no other alternative but to adhere to the directions of the SC, which will eventually lead to scrapping of the project, for it has already said through the eminent committee’s report that the other five alignments are useless and unviable and an ASI study, an imminent and important one that is, would take a few years.

Here ultimately, ‘Dharma’ has ruled and ‘Faith’ has won! Secondly, the Supreme Court has struck down an amendment brought into the AIIMS Act by the center ceiling the upper age of retirement of the Director of the Institute as 65 years.

This amendment, which was the result of the feud between Health Minister Anbumani and the AIIMS director Venugopal, was seen as a personal attack carried out with malafide intentions.

The eminent surgeon, who has been admired by the entire country for his yeomen services in the field of cardiology, has won the case by sheer perseverance.

The judgment has landed as a ‘real slap’ on the arrogance, autocracy and adamancy of Health Minister and callousness, coldness and cowardice of the Prime Minister.

Thirdly, the Delhi High Court has quashed the criminal proceedings against Painter M F Hussain in three cases, one each from Maharashtra, Gujarat and MP, which were transferred to Delhi HC by the Supreme Court.

Hussain is a habitual offender, who is notorious for hurting the Hindu and national sentiments through his perverted, obscene and nude paintings of Gods and goddesses.

Justice Sanjay Kishen Kaul, who had waxed eloquent on artistic freedom and cultural purity, had said that India having earned the name as the land of ‘Kamasutra’, should not shy away from it.

The painter has not painted mere man and woman, but Gods and Goddesses and that too in the most perverted and obscene ways.

Fourthly, Chittoor (AP) Session Court had acquitted Azhagiri, the prime accused in the T Kiruttinan murder case.

Immediately after the murder, the police swiftly acted and arrested Azhagiri along with 12 others for conspiring and committing the crime.

After eighty days of incarceration, he came out on bail and all these happened during the previous AIADMK regime.

With the advent of DMK government, despite being transferred out side Tamilnadu, the case proceeded fast and 81 witnesses fell in line with the acused and turned hostile.

With just one witness against the accused, the prosecution deliberately presented a weak case, which resulted in the acquittal. The accused have walked out free.

Here again, ‘power’ and ‘position’ have won over poor and hapless victims. In all likelihood, the witnesses might have been threatened or purchased.

In the first two cases, ‘Justice’ was provided and in the next two cases ‘Judgment’ was given. Fifty-Fifty! Sorry, Respected Lordships! The Nation wants Justice - One Hundred percent!

 

[Ramaa]

sdfglobal.org/images/audios/Ram%20Sethu%20Historic%20Verdict%20May%208%202008.mp3 ...


A very informative interview with Dr. Subramanian Swamy and Dr. Kalyanaraman.

 

[kunjuppu]

ramaa,

is it possible for you to give some exposure, to the opposing viewpoint too. and some calibrated summary of both. this would also vastly increase your credibility among some of us, who are not all that familiar with the issues re ram sethu, and help us formulate our opinion. thanks.

the reason, why these issues that you mentioned, go to the courts, is because while one section of our society feels it is right, another disputes it.

so to the courts of justice we go, to arbitrate, to hear and judge.

as citizens of india, we have to abide by the judgement. sometimes, it is to our favour, and other times it is not. i think it is not right, to say, that whenever the judgement is to my cause, justice is done; otherwise it is not.

it is always 100% justice. not necessarily all of them to my liking. but that is another topic for discussion. also, the other party could say the same thing.

if we do not equate judgement to justice, we do not have a judicial system per se. this would transform our society from one of law abiding, to one of chaos and lawlessness.

my humble request to you, is not to be selective in your concept of justice.

thank you.

 

[Ramaa]

kunjuppu,

I am amazed at your logic!

You are asking me to give my opponent's views!

And you are saying that if I don't then I become not credible!!

And more so you are advising me to like something that I do not like!!!!

In other words you are asking me to insult my conviction, hope that I lose my case and advise me to accept defeat by doing harakiri!!

If you really do these things on your own part such as giving your opponent's views rather than (and in addition to) your views, and hold it that you would lose your credibility if you don't do it yourself rather than the opponent doing it and be happy that the opponent wins than you do, then do you know what people will call you?

P.S: Please do not confuse me to be a reporter for some journals. Neither are you one. Such 'ethics' of reporting both sides cannot be expected of any members of any forum. By its very definition members of a forum post 'their' views and use the forum to give vent to their feelings and gripes. Internet forums have become a great outlet for people to express themselves to others in a world that is becoming increasingly disjointed dysfunctional to individuals in this great 'march' of 'civilization'.

More over if you so desire to listen to or read views that are against my views, do your own search. After all you are already surfing! You are not new to posting views that are opposed to mine. Go ahead and do it! Don't slaken! It won't be interesting here otherwise!!

 

[kunjuppu]

thank you ramaa. i see your point, re internet post 'their' views and use the forum to give vent to their feelings and gripes. that is perfectly ok.

i also wish to thank you, for separating the person from his views. you and me may disagree on views, but we will not disagreeable to each other. i read that in your posting, and i hope i can live upto it from my end. i will definitely strive for it.

re this topic, maybe, please, let me tell you where i am coming from.

first of all, i respect your conviction, depth of your conviction, and above all your commitment to your conviction.

i presume, that most of your conviction comes from the righteousness of the cause. i also assumed, that you would have some element of the wrongness or wickedness of the anti-cause. to this extent, you must have read some of the opposing views, to shore up your logic and also prove your convictions. maybe not? my mistake, and i do apologize.

to be fair to you, let me explain my stand. it is based on much more simplistic reasons, and i accept it could be simplistic enough to sound shallow.

i think karunanidhi blundered on this one. maybe deliberately too. mostly his idiotic statements re rama and his anti God rhetoric raised the stakes to a duel between the believers, (led by the tamil brahmins), and karunanidhi. it is a failed marketing process on the part of karunanidhi.

a smarter CM would have gathered the religious leaders, and be proactive in fending off any potential damage to sentiments. he would have bombarded the media with the benefits and the approvals of the religious leaders. he would have even participated in some sort of parihaarams and yagnams for blessings. in short, he would have mounted a massive p.r. campaign to fend off potential religion based opposition. i also agree that to have expected this from karunanidhi would be like to expect snow in chennai in may. not going to happen.

further extension of my thoughts? india to us hindus, is puNya bhoomi. almost every area is of religious significance. yet we have people climbing mount kailash, roads up sabarimalai, the abode of siva or we are moving the kudramukhi hill, in bits and pieces to iran as it is made up of iron ore. we accept the fact, and our religion is pretty accommodating and realistic when it comes balancing our day to day needs. Lord Rama, i did not think, will object to a breach in the bridge that He constructed to ferry his army in His quest to defeat ravana.
that is my rendering of my hindu faith, for if not our God roots for us, who else will.

there have questions of economic viability of the sethu canal, but due to the high profile of the quarrels based on theological principles, the issue of rupees spent and the return on investment has not been highlighted or has been forgotten. those against this project, did not shout loud enough that this was a bottomless money pit and will be a constant drain on the exchequer if it were ever to be functionable.

last but not the least, this has not created any uproar in any of the other southern states. even in tamil nadu, it has been only the brahmins. the majority hindus appear to consider this a non issue. something to think about, that has to be addressed, if there is to a broad based opposition to this project.

ramaa, as you can see, my arguements are fairly shallow and factual and mundane, when compared to the weight of the philosophy that you espouse. which is why, i addressed you with my query.

i hope this explains, somewhat.

thank you sir.

 

[Ramaa]

Kunjuppu,

Lord Rama, i did not think, will object to a breach in the bridge that He constructed to ferry his army in His quest to defeat ravana.
that is my rendering of my hindu faith, for if not our God roots for us, who else will.

That sums up your conviction of the sanctity of Ramasethu. Sad portrait but honest though.

In as much as I would respect your views would you in turn respect my view that I and millions of our fellow Hindus feel that any breach of the sacred Ramasethu by man would mortally wound our faith and no sane person should attempt it unless he is ready to have a 'devaasura yuddham' with the devout Hindus.

those against this project, did not shout loud enough that this was a bottomless money pit and will be a constant drain on the exchequer if it were ever to be functionable.

We did! Do you know there were thousands of padha yaathras throughout the country undertaken by the Hindus for the protection of Ramasethu some of them even had that strange stone from Rameswaram that floats on water. In Tamilnadu there were even marches linking hands. Then there was the biggest procession and convergence of 10 lakhs of Hindus at Delhi the Capital on the 30th Dec 2007 watched by 15 lakhs of people all along the way! The amount of organization that went up in the historic peaceful march for the protection of Ramasethu is a thing to marvel. Our salute goes to the VHP volunteers. Just imagine the amount of organization needed to supply water and food to the participants and the makeshift 'jons' on the way. Did the secular press report these? You were not hearing because it was the secular press that you were listening to.

By the way the only politician and the Main speaker of the event was none other than Dr.Subramanian Swamy, a Tamil Brahmin who happens to be a simha soppanam to the powers that be both at the centre and at the state! True to his name he is ready to do asura samhaaram!!

a smarter CM would have gathered the religious leaders, and be proactive in fending off any potential damage to sentiments. he would have bombarded the media with the benefits and the approvals of the religious leaders. he would have even participated in some sort of parihaarams and yagnams for blessings. in short, he would have mounted a massive p.r. campaign to fend off potential religion based opposition. i also agree that to have expected this from karunanidhi would be like to expect snow in chennai in may. not going to happen.

Oh! boy 0 boy! Did you not read about Karunanidhi's shutting down the state using his power and against the orders of the High Court when he learnt of the stay order from the Supreme Court to stay the demolition of Ramasethu. He went on his so called 'fast' for a couple of hours before calling it off because the Supreme Court took cognizance of his flouting its ruling!! So much for the 'dheeram' of this coward!

However I do like your suggestions to him! In his next project against the Hindus I will definitely suggest to him to take you as his able advisor!!

even in tamil nadu, it has been only the brahmins. the majority hindus appear to consider this a non issue. something to think about, that has to be addressed, if there is to a broad based opposition to this project

.

Less said the better on the contention of the secularist breed. I still want to be your friend.

Anyways, you can hold this opinion as you like it! However the result of our struggle speaks volumes. Now I can see that the deaf can hear and the mute can speak!! I mean the deaf and the mute were those who wanted to ignore us!!

 

[malgova.mango]

Dear Sri Kunjuppu,

You may not be aware of the Law and Order situation in India. Our Lawyers for success do not depend anymore on the knowledge of Law.

They already resort to goondas and form gangs to win a case. The art of silencing the witness, corrupting the judges are the norms.

Just a month before in Chennai there is a daylight murder of a lawyer belonging to one party . Apparently killed challenging his high-handedness.

.................................................................................................................
The Goddess Law, eyes are tied with black ribbon - so that she may not have to endure the pain of seeing the injustice.

The chennai high court with its red paint looks as if the blood of the Law spewed on its walls.

The black coat of the judges and lawyers signifies that they darkened the white law with their black coat.

...................................................................................

Regards

 

[kunjuppu]

malgova,

thanks for your info.

my brother in law thinks identically re law & order, just not in tamil nadu, but the whole of india. he says it is goonda raj.

 

[Ramaa]

Kunjuppu,

Compared to India, Canada must be heaven on earth! Hope some day we will also have dharma raajyam!

 

[kunjuppu]

ramaa,

i see the passion in your reply. i respect that, and i hope i have not wounded your feelings. it is very important to myself that whatever i express, particularly in terms of dissensiion, i should, and it should be read such, that there is decorum and decency there.

please note that i have not used the word secular or any other term bandied about in indian politics. i have tried to keep the terms as simple i can word it.
if possible, please extend the same courtesy to me.

one additional information which i failed to impart and which is probably the cornerstone of my stand on this. .. i belong to the tradition of saivite iyers. in my younger days, the summer holidays were spent in kerala, in a pattikaadu town with random electricity. at dusk, not much to do, except to sit in the thinnai, hear the foxes howls and owls hoot and stare at the rocky woods.

it was during this time that my aunt used to impart all purana stories. ofcourse i enjoyed the antics of narada. but ramayana and mahabharata was also narrated.

my aunt's interpretation of our classics was that, ravana was a poonal wearing saivite brahmin who did so much penance that snake pits formed over him. ravana was a good man and utmost siva bhaktan and also a vegetarian. that he was destined to fight rama, who was a meat eating kshatriya, and as saivite brahmins, she felt that we need to balance our sympathies with ravana.

my aunt felt that, whenever it came as a head on clash between siva and vishnu, vishnu used his wiles to outsmarten siva and the saivites. by the way this was a household, in its alter, the prominent spot went to the picture of Rama, with Seetha and Lakshmana on his side, and Hanuman in a kneeling posture. along with puttaparthi saibaba, whose picture is said to have spewed viboothi and kumkumam at odd intervals. a religious typical household.

i do not have one single reason, as you can see. just an amalgam of views, which tilts my opinion.

thank you sir.

 

[kunjuppu]

Kunjuppu,

Compared to India, Canada must be heaven on earth! Hope some day we will also have dharma raajyam!

ramaa,

i am not so sure. this country like the rest of americas, was built on the blood of the native people and the african slaves. i feel the ghosts of those martyred souls hanging over the land, much like our pithurs.

canada, is in fact badly managed. there are 30 million people in the second largest land mass. ofcourse the winters are brutal, but there is not much work ethic. the older white generation, is breeding out of existence. hence the need for immigrants, who now adays are mostly from third world and non white.

in a short span of 40 years, we have a population of about 5 million non whites i estimate, as in our census, we are not required to identify our race or gender. the attitudes towards non whites have also changed. for the better, with the growing up of canadian born children.

but india has a destiny. with one billion people, it has a future. soon it will be a player in the world arena. there is a sense of belonging and pride in the country. for all its warts, india is still a land of hope. i do not think canada is. it is a good country for second rate people like me, to eke out a troublefree living. a backwater.