Saraswati Aggarwal, an 85-year-old resident of Karamtand in Dhanbad, has observed a vow of silence for the past 30 years. Her commitment is linked to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Aggarwal pledged not to speak until the Ram temple was built, echoing the deep faith and devotion associated with this monumental event. However, she is now set to break her silence on January 22 by going to Ayodhya.
On January 22, the day of the consecration of the Lord Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya, she will break her three-decade-long vow of silence by uttering 'Ram, Sitaram'. Devoting her life to Lord Ram, Aggarwal spends most of her time in Ayodhya and expresses her immense joy at the construction of the temple. She considers her life to be blessed, feeling that Ram Lalla has called her to participate in the Pran Pratistha (consecration) ceremony.
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She writes, “My life has become blessed. Ram Lalla has called me to participate in the Pran Pratistha. My penance and meditation were successful. After 30 years, my silence will be broken with ‘Ram Naam’.”
Will go to ashram of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das
Aggarwal received an invitation from the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya to participate in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Her family is delighted about the invitation. On January 8, she will be taken to Ayodhya by her brothers. She will be welcomed at the Ayodhya Dham railway station by Manish Das and Shashi Das, disciples of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the head of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra. Aggarwal will stay at the swamiji's ashram, Patthar Mandir Chhoti Chhawni, for four months, where a room has been prepared for her.
Have been observing fast of silence since December 6, 1992
Aggarwal's spiritual journey began in May 1992 when she went to Ayodhya and met Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the head of Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. He instructed her to circumambulate Kamtanath mountain. Following his orders, she went to Chitrakoot and stayed in Kalpavas for seven-and-a-half months, surviving on a glass of milk daily, and circumambulated the 14-km route around Kamtanath mountain every day. After completing the parikrama, she returned to Ayodhya. On December 6, 1992, she met Swami Nritya Gopal Das, who inspired her to observe a fast of silence, with the resolve to break her silence on the day the Ram temple is consecrated.
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'Never went to school, husband gave me alphabet knowledge'
Aggarwal, who observed a vow of silence for 30 years, got married 65 years ago to Devkinandan Agarwal from Bhonra, who is now deceased. Originally from Rajasthan, she did not attend school, but her husband provided her with basic literacy. Subsequently, she learned to read and write by looking at books. She reads religious texts such as Ram Charit Manas daily and follows a satvik diet once a day.
Her husband passed away 35 years ago. The couple had eight children, four sons and four daughters, three of whom have since passed away. Upon learning about her decision to observe silence, the family welcomed and supported her in this spiritual endeavour.
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