PHULBANI, ORISSA, INDIA, September 7, 2008:Rituals associated with the death of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati — the Sodoshi Mohatshov, 16th day function — were held amidst unprecedented security measures at his Chakapada Ashram, 61 km from here today.
Devotees from other parts of the state could not reach Chakapada and the scheduled Kalas Yatra (urn carrying the soil) of the place where Laxmananandaji was buried also did not take off today due to prohibitory orders. Chakapada turned into a military garrison of sorts with paramilitary forces deployed in large numbers to avert any incident.
The administration urged ashram authorities and devotees of the slain VHP leader to conduct the rituals before sunset. The function was held in four sessions and was attended by hundreds of devotees including about 100 sadhus, most of them from within the district. The sealing of the district borders and the prohibitory orders have restricted people’s rights to pay homage to Swamiji, some sadhus decried.
A Shivalingam was installed at the samadhi of Laxmananandaji. Prior to the installation several yagnas were performed. The rituals were followed by a memorial meeting in which devotees vowed to carry forward his battle against illegal conversion and cow slaughter. Paying glowing tributes to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, speakers said he had laid down his life for the Hindu cause. “The religion is under threat from forces who indulge in illegal conversion.” they said.