Ram Mandir (temple) was officially opened on January 22, 2024, by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Damodardas Modi.
This was the day when the Pran Pratistha (Consecration) function was held and 7000 invited guests from all sectors of the society
attended.
It was a mesmerising and emotional moment for Hindus across the globe.
This iconic temple is believed to be on the site of Lord Ram’s birth.
Hence the emotional connection for the Hindus.
This site was destroyed by Mogul Emperor Babur in the 16th century and in its place Babri Masjid was built.
Hindus struggled to reclaim the site from 1528 to 2024 but all in vain as the Mogul rulers in the first place and the British rulers later refused to recognise
the claim.
In 1853, the matter was taken to court and an extensive archaeological survey was carried out and carvings of Hindu deities were found on pillars under the Babri Mosque.
In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the site really belonged to the Hindus.
This paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple.
In 1992, the Hindu nationalist had marched on to the Ram janambhumi site and demolished the Babri masjid.
This sparked a huge communal riot in which thousands of people lost their lives.
The bitterness created still continues to reverberate today.
However, the Muslim community seemed to have accepted the Supreme Court ruling.
The construction of the temple had started on August 5, 2020, with the laying of the foundation block by PM Modi.
The Government of India appointed a 15-member trust to oversee the construction of the grand temple.
The speed of the construction work was mesmerising as construction materials were collected from all parts of India and Nepal.
Ram Temple has become the beacon of hope and inspiration for Hindus. A place of spiritual and cultural awakening.
Here, millions of Hindus come for pilgrimage and millions of dollars have poured in as donations towards the construction work.
It has really become the nation’s heartbeat as the development (new hotels and business investment) and the connectivity (roads, railways and airports) of Ayodhya has made it a bustling township.
This year, the first Ram Naumi will be celebrated in the new temple.
It really has become the triumph of truth, justice and righteousness.
Truly, Ram Mandir is back with its old glory.
The world’s largest Hindu religious hub!
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj