Rape accused Nithyananda says 'formally invited' to attend Ram Temple ceremony

Self-styled godman and rape accused Nithyananda claimed on January 21 that he has been invited to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Nithyananda, who fled the country, confirmed his participation through social media X, and said that he was invited by an RSS worker.

"Don't miss this historic and extraordinary event! Lord Rama will be formally invoked in the temple's main deity during the traditional Prana Pratishtha and will be landing to grace the entire world!"

"Having been formally invited, the Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism, Bhagavan Sri Nithyananda Paramashivam will be attending this grand event," the post added.

The so-called spiritual leader has been under trial since June 2018 in a case of rape, unnatural sex, cheating, and criminal intimidation after a complaint was filed by two of his former devotees.

Police claimed that he left India after he was charged with rape.

In 2020, Nithyananda claimed that he had established a new country exclusively for Hindus, and named it "Kailasa". There is, however, no confirmation of where this country is located.

A BBC investigation claimed that it might be based on an island off the coast of Ecuador.