BHUBANESWAR: Puri Shankaracharya Nischalanand Saraswati on Thursday warned that both
Nepal and its government could head towards “ruin” if the present dispensation of the Himalayan nation tilts towards China.
In a series of tweets, the Govardhan Math, the seat of the
Puri seer, attacked China as well as Nepal’s recent decision to incorporate three areas, located in Uttarakhand, in its map.
Many in India feel that China is behind Kathmandu’s move to claim Indian territories as its own.
“If the centre of #Nepal government’s loyalty and sympathy is #China which is adept in executing devious moves; Then ruin of #Nepal’s government and #Nepal is certain,” the Govardhan Math tweeted.
“If the Government of Nepal is loyal towards Nepal but its sympathy is towards devious #China; then too ruin of Nepal’s government and Nepal is certain,” the Math stated, adding, “If the loyalty and sympathy of Nepal’s government is towards #Nepal and #India; Then success of Nepal’s government and Nepal is assured. Well Wisher-Conscious for Well being-Working for Welfare, Swami Nischalanand Saraswati, Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Puri-Peeth.”
Puri seer held in high esteem in NepalPeople from the former Hindu kingdom hold the Puri Shankaracarya in high esteem. The Jagannath Temple in Puri shares a special relationship with Nepal. As per tradition, the musk (kasturi), which is applied on its deities, comes from the Himalayan musk deer that are found in Nepal.
This apart, members of Nepal’s erstwhile royal family enjoy a special status in the 12th century Puri temple. In 2018, Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Nepal’s last king, attended the ‘pattabhisekha’ of the Shankaracharya, which is considered as a special religious ceremony related to the seer.