The sacred city of Ayodhya witnessed a somber and respectful farewell on Tuesday as final rites were performed for prominent Ram temple movement leader, Ramvilas Vedanti. The condolence ceremony saw the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alongside a gathering of saints, political leaders, and countless devotees.
Leaders and Devotees Pay Homage
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally attended the ceremony to offer his condolences. He was joined by state minister Surya Pratap Shahi and BJP leader Brijbhushan Singh, who paid their tributes to the departed leader. Before the procession began, Vedanti's mortal remains were kept at his Ayodhya residence for a final darshan, which drew saints from across the nation to the temple town.
A Procession Steeped in Emotion
The funeral procession commenced at 2:20 PM from his residence. As it moved through the city, passing by Janki Mahal and onto the main road, a wave of devotion followed. Devotees showered flowers on the procession at various points as a mark of deep respect for the late leader's contributions to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The journey took a poignant pause along the Ram Path, where participants stopped for an external darshan of the newly constructed Ram Temple and the Hanumangarhi shrine. This moment reflected the deep spiritual connection Vedanti had with the cause of the temple.
Final Immersion in the Saryu
The procession culminated at the Tulsidas Ghat on the banks of the Saryu river. Following Vedic rituals and chants, Vedanti's last journey was completed. In a carefully arranged procedure, his mortal remains, secured with four sand-filled sacks each weighing 25 kg, were lowered into the midstream of the sacred river for the final immersion.
The event marked the end of an era for many in Ayodhya, closing a chapter for a key figure in the city's recent religious history. The widespread participation underscored the significant role Ramvilas Vedanti played in the socio-religious landscape of India.
