Make proper arrangements for Ramanuja's birth anniversary celebrations: Madras HC
Chennai: The Madras high court has directed the authorities to make proper arrangements for the smooth conduct of 1000th birth anniversary of Sri Ramanuja at his birthplace Sriperumbudur, scheduled to be held from April 22 to May 1. A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh and Justice M. Sundar gave the directive on a petition from International Sri Vaishnava Ramanjua Sarajaya Sabha represented by its secretary Swami Govinda Ramanuja Dasa, which sought a direction to the authorities to provide necessary infrastructure facilities and safety measures for the smooth conduct of the 10 day festivities relating to 1000th birth anniversary of Sri Ramanujacharya at his birthplace Sriperumbudur.
“The authorities to look into the matter and make proper arrangement for smooth conducting of function and also provide safety measures taking into consideration the participation of the large number of devotees”, the bench added on thursday. According to petitioner, Sri Ramanuja was born at Sriperumbudur in the year 1017 A.D. His 1000th birth anniversary falls on May 1. Apart from penning high philosophical treatises and establishing reformatory practices, Ramanuja also took upon himself the task of setting right the administration of various temples by laying down detailed guidelines for the conducts of all temple activities.
His unparalleled mastery and exposition of vedic philosophy, his concern for the people from all walks of life, his forgiving nature and his inclusiveness have earned him a matchless place among the saints this country has produced. While so, it was matter of great concern that no arrangements have been made by the authorities towards preparing for the huge influx of devotees to Sriperumbudur, he added.
He said given the momentous occasion, the Sriperumbudur town and the temple therein, which even goes by the name of Sri Ramanuja was expected to be the focal point of festivities.
The roads in and around the temple were in extremely in bad shape. Debris and garbage have been deposited on the sides of the roads making it difficult for pedestrians to use the roads. Bathing facilities for the people were in poor shape. Ample fire-safety equipments and medical facilities were to be kept ready. Uninterrupted power supply should be ensured. Therefore, he sent a representation to the authorities to provide all basic infrastructure facilities. But, there was no response, he added.
