Ayodhya Ram Temple: Triumph of Faith, Struggle and Sacrifice.

On August 5, 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya; it was the culmination of a long journey that began three decades ago. Being the organiser of Lal Krishna Advani’s nationwide Rath Yatra launched on September 25, 1990, Narendra Modi emerged as a crucial figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, as mentioned by BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani in his recent article.

BY Ramneek Manhas

In the spirit of divine celebrations, Ayodhya is set to witness the auspicious Praan Pratishtha ceremony of ‘Ram Lalla Virajman’ on January 22. The devotional melodies resonating across Uttar Pradesh since 14th January have set the platform for a spiritual journey beyond the ordinary. The atmosphere is filled with joy as the city prepares for this momentous occasion, with the state government making meticulous arrangements for safety and security to ensure a comfortable and unforgettable experience for all the invitees and participants.

However, a few people associated with certain political parties are trying to create confusion among people across the country regarding the funds that are being used for the construction of the Ram Temple. But it is imperative to clarify that the entire construction cost so far has been met by generous donations from millions of devotees who harbour steadfast faith in Lord Ram. Just as Ram devotees are visiting door-to-door in villages and cities across the country and inviting people for Ram Lala Virajmaan Pran Pratishtha ceremony by Akshat Vitaran Abhiyaan, similarly, Ram devotees across India reached out to crores of people in India and abroad to inspire them to donate money for the construction of Ram temple. As a result, billions of rupees were deposited in the account of ‘Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’. The government didn’t have any role in the collection of funds. This trust was set up for the construction and management of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with its announcement in the Lok Sabha by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 5, 2020.

Throughout centuries, the Hindu society of India eagerly awaited the advent of this auspicious day. Through innumerable sacrifices numbering in millions, the Hindu society patiently realized its deeply cherished aspirations. The sacrifices made by the Hindu society during this struggle cannot be overstated. It involved not only legal battles but also emotional and personal sacrifices made by individuals who dedicated their lives to the cause.

The saga of the Ayodhya Ram Temple dates back to 1528-29 when the Mughal emperor Babur ordered his commander Mir Baki to build the Babri Masjid at the birthplace of Lord Ram. Over centuries, this led to religious tensions and disputes. A unanimous landmark verdict in favour of Ram Mandir by the Supreme Court of India on November 9, 2019, has led to this historical event and put an end to the age-old dispute between Hindu – Muslim communities.  

In the mid-80s, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated social and political organizations played a pivotal role in starting the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement and mobilising public awareness and support for the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and later, in the year 1990, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took center stage in channeling the sentiments of millions of Hindus who sought to reclaim the sacred site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. Through a coordinated effort, these organizations conducted mass awareness campaigns, rallies, and events to unite people across India in support of the cause. Their collective efforts not only enthused the Hindu society but also played a significant role in shaping the discourse around the Ayodhya issue, eventually paving the way for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

On August 5, 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, it was the culmination of a long journey that began three decades ago. Being the organiser of Lal Krishna Advani’s nationwide Rath Yatra launched on September 25, 1990, Narendra Modi emerged as a crucial figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, as mentioned by BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani in his recent article.

In his article, BJP veteran articulated that destiny has chosen Prime Minister Narendra Modi to realise the longstanding aspiration of constructing a majestic temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The article, titled ‘Ram Mandir Nirman, Ek Divya Swapan Ki Purti,’ is featured in a special edition of Rashtra Dharam Magazine.

Reflecting on the transformative journey that began with the Rath Yatra 33 years ago, Advani, was at the forefront of the Ram Mandir movement. Referring to the presence and participation of Narendra Modi during the Rath Yatra, he has written that even then Lord Ram had chosen him for the reconstruction of the temple.

Since Ayodhya Ram Temple is a symbol of faith and unwavering spirit of the Hindu society. The journey towards the construction of the temple has been marked by decades of struggle, legal battles and sacrifices, which is going to culminate with the historic Praan Pratishtha ceremony of ‘Ram Lalla Virajman’. This monumental event not only symbolises the physical construction of a grand temple but also holds deep spiritual and cultural implications for the Hindu community.

The global spotlight on this monumental event will not only showcase Bharat’s cultural heritage but will also help in fostering a sense of unity and understanding among diverse communities. With its grandeur, cultural richness and historical significance, this temple is poised to attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, which will also contribute to solidifying Bharat as a major global spiritual hub.