Why 22 January 2024 Is A Historic Moment For Hindus
Many might not understand the “might” of the date 22.01.2024 but the pranpratishtha (of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram is one of the most important geopolitical event.
To understand its significance fully, we must delve into the pages of history and explore the age-old clash between monotheistic and polytheistic worldviews.
The Clash Of Clans
Throughout history, we have witnessed a continuous clash between monotheistic and polytheistic worldviews.
This clash traces its origins back to the Rig Vedic era, over 5,500 years ago, when the Battle of Ten Kings erupted over the philosophical interpretation of Ishwar (God/Supreme).
It wasn’t merely a territorial war. Those defeated included a tribe which would migrate to Persia, where Zarathustra established first faith system tending to monotheism.
Mind you, the Zoroastrians too initially had concept of dividing timeline into four parts (as our Yugas). There is a specific reason that why the Zend Avesta is bit too identical to Rig Veda and even Zoroastrians saw Sapta Sindhu (Hapta Hendu) as their homeland. That schism ended up being one of the biggest change maker of world order. A few tribes that migrated out of India, would later become Egyptians, Greeks etc.
The Shift Towards Monotheism
Along with migration of people the idea of faith and philosophy too had made route into the lands where people migrated. Building on the ideas of Zoroastrians, people of Canaan, began to observe Yahwehism which would mature to become Judaism (Jewish Faith).
As the Hellenic world and nearby vicinity came in contact with Buddhism & when those ideas (along with memory of Vaidik fold) came in contact with the Judaic principles, Christianity came into being.
The movement towards monotheistic worldview always came with condition to see problem in polytheism and hence rejection of later. By virtue of inherent philosophy, while polytheism won’t ever have problem with monotheistic views, latter would always pose threat for former.
Rightfully so, the Christian world brought upon massive crackdown of polytheistic pagans. The forceful conversion of places and people to Christian character became the virtue. In contrast jewish world largely lived in peace with the pagans and other faiths even through many Judaic texts called upon annihilation of idolatrous people.
Perhaps, it was for the reason that Judaism was more like a transit station where pagans didn’t appear like enemies for practical purposes. However we can’t deny a few skirmishes.
The Christian World And Its Impact
Coming back to the Christian world, they had been restlessly dangerous for Jews, pagans and Zoroastrians. In the Christian world, religious dominance and political authority became intertwined. The idea of messiah and prophets with a book had become the idea of religion and polity. The religious dominance and political dominance had become equivalent and hence persecution of different faiths was vogue. They built churches breaking temples and many temples were converted as one.
Not only pagans, but the Jewish Temples were destroyed in mass. The template of persecution and forceful conversion graduated to epitome as youngest Abrahmic faith came in being. According to the traditional Muslim accounts almost all important Muslim places (Ka’aba, Al-Aqsa, Dome-of Rock etc) got erected over existing Jewish Temples or place of Pagan Idols. Al-Aqsa is indeed built on Temple Mount where Jewish Temples existed. Hagia Sofia has been converted into a Mosque.
There are numerous examples where Mohammedans converted other religious places into Mosque.
The Resurgence Of Bharat
In India we have thousands (approximately 2k as per SR Goel’s documentation). The reverting to original religious character speaks of a big slap to most bullish, terrorising worldview on earth.
Not many reverts have been possible and Ram Janmabhoomi is ought to be a great precedent for the way forward. Terrorism and bullish trait must die.
Aabhas Maldahiyar is an author and a columnist for The Print, Firstpost, Swarajya and Organiser.
