After 500 years, on 22 January 2024, a historic day unfolded in India, garnering global attention as the city of Ayodhya hosted the consecration ceremony for the new Ram Temple. The day marked the celebration of Ram’s true homecoming in the magnificent Ram Mandir that has come to life after five centuries of being historically demolished by Mughal emperors, only to be found again in the form of a Ram idol buried beneath the land of Babri Masjid. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ceremony marked the fulfilment of a longstanding demand to build a temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram.
With over 7,000 guests in attendance, the event boasted the presence of acclaimed actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rajnikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Ram Charan, Chiranjeevi, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif. The star-studded gathering also featured sports legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, and Saina Nehwal, alongside prominent business figures including Mukesh Ambani, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Sajjan Jindal. Adding a touch of elegance, actress Alia Bhatt donned a custom-made saree adorned with hand-painted depictions of significant events from the Ramayana.
The Ambani family, which was present in Ayodhya for the Ram Lalla consecration ceremony, will contribute ₹ 2.51 crore (£25.1 million) to Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust.
The ceremony, which commenced after noon, featured Prime Minister Modi unveiling a 4.3-foot-tall, 200-kilogramme idol of Lord Ram carved from a single black stone. The subsequent consecration involved religious rituals aimed at bestowing the idol with divine powers.
The execution of such a grand event demanded meticulous planning. Over 13,000 security personnel were deployed, 10,000 CCTV cameras were strategically placed, and the entire city was transformed into a fortress. Ayodhya’s airport witnessed the arrival of over 100 flights in two days, including 40 chartered planes. The surge in demand for accommodations led hotels to elevate room rates, reaching up to Rs 1 lakh.
It is estimated that between 300,000 and 500,000 attendees graced the ceremony, posing a logistical challenge for the authorities. In the days to come, a consistent influx is anticipated as the temple opens its doors for worship, with projections indicating over 100,000 pilgrims daily.
Against the backdrop of traditional Indian instruments playing during the consecration ceremony, Indian Air Force helicopters showered flower petals over the temple premises. Prime Minister Modi's message connected the Ram Temple to India's narrative of growth, prosperity, and strength.
While the temple aims for completion by year-end, the pilgrimage is slated to endure. Ambitious plans involve transforming Ayodhya into a global Hindu pilgrimage centre comparable to the Vatican or Mecca. The anticipated cost of the temple is Rs 1,800 crore, with donations serving as the primary source of funding.
Encompassing 2.7 acres, the temple complex is just one facet of Ayodhya's comprehensive transformation. The city has recently celebrated the inauguration of a new airport, a project totalling Rs 1,450 crore (£1,37,221.20), along with upgrades to the railway station amounting to Rs 240 crore (£2,27,12,474.40). Additionally, a colossal township project, valued at Rs 2,200 crore (£2,08,189.70), has been initiated to attract new residents.
The state government envisions a substantial boost in tax revenue, estimating an influx of around Rs 25,000 crore (£23,65,792.02) attributable to the temple. This economic impact, coupled with the city's upgraded infrastructure, positions Ayodhya as a potential economic powerhouse.
The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya transcended mere religious ceremony; it unfolded as a grand spectacle capturing global attention. As Ayodhya embarks on a new era, the temple's potential to drive economic and cultural transformation in the city is unmistakable, leaving an indelible mark on India's history.
Meanwhile, international media continued to present different fabricated narratives, which were criticised by the members of the Hindu community. The BBC sent out a notification to its readers that said: “India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates huge Hindu temple, built on a site of a mosque which was destroyed by a mob in 1992”. Reacting to this, Nitin Mehta told Asian Voice, “An extremely anti-Hindu broadcast by Yogita Limaye who accused Hindus of building a temple over a razed mosque. The Supreme Court of India had passed a judgement declaring the site as a Hindu temple which had been destroyed by the Mughal rulers of India. Yogita's report encourages hatred of Hindus. Her report is factually incorrect. BBC 4 must issue an apology and take action against Yogita for biased, factually incorrect and malicious reporting.”
Today, our Ram has finally arrived, says PM
In a pivotal moment of his public career, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered one of his most significant speeches, showcasing his well-recognised prowess as a powerful orator. Skillfully combining raw emotion, rhetorical finesse, subtle political messaging, occasional humour, and numerous references to the significance of widespread prosperity and technology, Modi made a compelling impact.
In his 36-minute address, Modi masterfully conflated devotion to Lord Ram with an appeal to build a stronger nation. Extend your consciousness from ‘Dev se desh, Ram se rashtra’ (from deity to country, from Ram to nation), he repeatedly exhorted the thousands gathered at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya and the millions watching the event on myriad screens—from mobiles to multiplexes—worldwide.
The PM, who broke his 11-day fast by drinking water from the hands of a seer after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, began by chanting “Siyavar Ramchandra ki..." as the crowd joined him in saying “jai!”
“Aaj hamaare Ram aa gaye (today, our Ram has finally arrived). He will no longer stay in a tent; he will now reside in a grand temple,” said Modi in a voice choked with emotion as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Hailing the significance of the moment, Modi said, “January 22, 2024, is not just a date on the calendar. It marks the beginning of a new cycle of time. Today, we have been rewarded for centuries of patience. Rising above the mentality of slavery and taking courage from every challenge of the past, the nation is creating the genesis of a new history. Even a thousand years from now, people will discuss this date and this moment. It is a great blessing of Lord Ram that we are witnessing it happen. This time is not ordinary. These are indelible memory lines inscribed on the wheel of time with eternal ink."
"Today, I also seek forgiveness from Lord Shri Ram. There must have been some shortcomings in our efforts, our sacrifices, and our penance; we couldn’t accomplish this task for so many centuries. Today, that deficiency has been overcome. I believe Lord Ram will surely forgive us today," he added.
The Prime Minister expressed regret over the prolonged legal dispute surrounding the existence of Shri Ram, despite his inclusion in the first copy of the Constitution. He extended gratitude to the Indian judiciary for upholding the dignity of justice and facilitating the construction of the Ram Mandir. He noted that the temple of Lord Ram, symbolising justice, was constructed in a fair and just manner..
He also questioned those who portrayed Ram as a divisive figure whose appeal is confined only to one part of the country. Referring to his experiences during travels across the country as part of the rituals for Pran Pratishtha, he said, “Ram is revered from Sagar (the southern coast) to Saryu (Ayodhya) and is part of the consciousness of Indians. There cannot be a stronger source for unity." Celebrations across the world were a testament to the universal appeal of Ram, he added. He lauded the sacrifices and dedication of kar sevaks, saints, and spiritual leaders who toiled for the construction of the Ram temple, saying, “We are all indebted to them”.
Taking a dig at those who opposed the temple, Modi said, “There was a time when some people said if the Ram Mandir was built, the country would go up in flames. Such people fail to understand the purity of Indian society’s sentiments. This temple is a symbol of peace, patience, harmony, and coordination. This construction has not ignited any fire; it is giving birth to positive energy. Today, I call upon those people to rethink their perspective. Ram is not fire; Ram is energy. Ram is not conflict; Ram is resolution. Ram is not only ours; Ram is for everyone; a source of inspiration for each section to embark on the path to a brighter future.” Saying this is not just a moment of triumph but also one that requires humility, Modi praised Indians for the successful resolution of the dispute over the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. "Many countries have found it difficult to resolve such disputes. In fact, in many cases, attempts at resolution only further complicate matters. The sensitivity with which we have untangled this knot bequeathed by history shows that our future is going to be better than our past."
Striking a lyrical note, Modi said, "Ram Bharat ki aastha hain, Ram Bharat ka aadhaar hain. Ram Bharat ka vichar hain, Ram Bharat ka vidhaan hain. Ram Bharat ki chetna hain, Ram Bharat ka chintan hain. Ram Bharat ki pratishtha hain, Ram Bharat ka pratap hain. Ram pravah hain, Ram prabhav hain. Ram neti bhi hain, Ram niti bhi hain. Ram nityata bhi hain, Ram nirantarta bhi hain. Ram vibhu hain, vishad hain. Ram vyapak hain, vishwa hain, vishwatma hain (Ram is the faith of India, the foundation of India). Ram is the thought of India, the law of India. Ram is the consciousness of India, the contemplation of India. Ram is the prestige of India, the might of India. Ram is the flow; Ram is the influence. Ram is the norm; Ram is the policy. Ram is the permanence, and Ram is the continuity. Ram is vast; Ram is expansive. Ram is all-encompassing; Ram is the universe, the soul of the universe. And therefore, when Ram is established, the impact lasts not just for years or centuries but for thousands of years.”
Moving on to urge Indians to focus on creating a developed India, Modi said, “Generations a thousand years from now will remember our nation-building efforts of today. Therefore, I say, yahi samay hain, sahi samay hain (this is the time, this is the right time). We have to lay the foundation for India for the next thousand years, starting at this sacred time. All of us must pledge to build a capable, magnificent, and divine India.”
Addressing the youth, he said, “You have the inspiration of thousands of years of tradition in front of you. You represent the generation of India that is hoisting the flag on the moon, successfully conducting Mission Aditya by travelling 15 lakh km towards the sun, waving the flag of Tejas in the sky, and Vikrant in the sea. You have to write about the new dawn of India while being proud of your heritage.”
Nationwide celebrations for Ram Mandir consecration ceremony
This year, the festivities of Diwali seem to have arrived early, as the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony unfolds a sense of excitement that has spread throughout India. Individuals have gathered in Ayodhya to witness this historic day.
For those unable to attend in person, innovative ways of celebrating the Ram Mandir opening have emerged. Some are paying early morning visits to temples, organising processions, distributing sweets, and engaging in various festive activities. Additionally, the ceremony is being broadcast live in several cities.
Streets and areas throughout India are adorned with lights, balloons, and flags, creating a festive atmosphere. Numerous groups are conducting rallies and processions, resonating with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram.'
Remaking of Ayodhya
In just 10 months, Ayodhya has transformed anything seen in centuries, with the consecration of the Ram Mandir adding to the city's newfound allure. A colossal Rs 50,000 crore (£47,30,469.50) makeover is underway, marked by towering cranes dominating the skyline as thousands of engineers, painters, carvers, fitters, and other workers contribute to the city's revitalization amidst the continuous hum of generators.
The Ayodhya railway station, now unrecognisable, and a newly emerged airport both mirror the grandeur of the temple. The Saryu waterfront has been rejuvenated, and six city gates, named after Ram, Laxman, Bharat, Hanuman, Garuda, and Jatayu, now stand proudly. Also, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is making a 70-kilometre-long road. It’s all part of a plan to make Ayodhya, India’s spiritual capital, the third vertex of a religious triangle besides Prayagraj and Varanasi.
Talking about the beautification of Maharshi Valmiki International Airport of Ayodhya, Curator and Designated Partner at Infine Art Ventures LLP, Sachin Kaluskar said, “My team and I contributed to the enhancement of the beauty of the airport by creating two large and stunning artworks at the airport.”
He emphasised, “The first is a 300-foot-long wall mural at the entrance, divided into 14 equal sections created with canvas paintings and fibreglass, which shows the life of Lord Rama from birth to Ram Darbar. These are painted on canvas. Individuals deeply rooted in Ayodhya's heritage—the piece forms an arch reminiscent of temple architecture, inviting pilgrims into a sacred realm.”
“The second wall mural unfolds Hanuman's life, drawing from the Hanuman Chalisa. Spanning 16 sections, it delves into the emotional depth of Hanuman's journey, resonating with devotees. Kalamkari and Pattachitra techniques infuse vitality, crafting a visual narrative, he added.
Speaking about the artworks, Mr Kaluskar said, “These captivating artworks at the airport stand out with the blending of Indian traditional Kalamkari and Pattachitra styles."
“These artworks took so many revisions, iterations, and corrections to create such an experience, which took almost a year to finalise. Even after crafting and executing these designs, it took over 11 months to create these beautiful pieces of artwork. Many creative and engineering challenges are dealt with with precision and dedication to achieve end results,” he added.
History of Ram’s birthplace
The origins of the dispute over the Ram Mandir date back to 1528, when Mir Baqi, a deputy of the Mughal emperor Babur, constructed the Babri Masjid on what was believed to be the remnants of a Hindu temple.
During this period, Hafizullah, a court official, informed the Faizabad court that Babar had erected a mosque on the birthplace of Lord Ram. Citing the 2019 Supreme Court ruling on the Ayodhya suit, a newspaper highlighted that on July 28, 1855, a clash occurred between Hindus and Muslims at the Hanuman Garhi temple near the Babri Masjid. On that day, Hindus also gained control of Janmasthan, the alleged birthplace of Lord Ram. Subsequently, on November 30, 1858, Mohammad Salim filed an FIR against the Nihang Sikhs.
The Sikhs installed the Nishan Sahib within the Babri Masjid and also conducted a 'havan' inside it. On the same day, Muhammad Asghar, the mosque's official, initiated legal proceedings against the individual responsible for erecting a platform in the courtyard, as reported by the newspaper. In 1885, according to media accounts, Raghubar Das, a priest of the Nirmohi Akhara, filed a lawsuit seeking permission to build a temple in the outer courtyard.
During that era, the British had demarcated distinct worship areas for the two faiths, placing a railing to prevent disputes. The 2019 verdict noted, "It is said that up to that time, Hindus and Muslims alike used to worship in the mosque temple. Since British Rule, a railing has been put up to prevent the disputes, within which, in the mosque, the Muhammadans pray, while outside the fence, the Hindus have raised a platform on which they make their offerings."
On the night of December 22, 1949, the 'Ram Lalla' idols mysteriously appeared inside the mosque following a week-long Ramayan Paath organised by Goraksha Peeth chief Mahant Digvijay Nath. While Muslims assert that Hindu leaders placed the idol, the Nirmohi Akhara sought the opportunity to worship the idols, and simultaneously, the Sunni Central Waqf Board aimed to control the site, according to media reports. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru instructed the state government to remove the idols, but city magistrate Guru Dutt Singh intervened, preventing then Chief Minister Govind Ballabh Pant from doing so.
Citing law and order concerns, the district magistrate, KK Nair, also refused to remove the idols, leading to the municipal board acquiring the site where the idol remained. Media reports state that in 1989, the then-Rajiv Gandhi government unlocked the Babri Masjid, allowing Hindus to worship inside.
This marked a seismic shift in the movement, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) subsequently advocating for the construction of the Ram Mandir by 1990. BJP stalwart LK Advani embarked on his rath yatra, intensifying the momentum of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. The climax occurred in 1992, when Hindu activists demolished the Babri Masjid, sparking riots across India.
Following these events, the Lok Sabha passed the Acquisition of Certain Area in the Ayodhya Act, allowing the Centre to acquire 67.7 acres of land, including the disputed area. The Act specified that the acquisition was necessary to establish a Ram temple, a mosque, amenities for pilgrims, a library, a museum, and other suitable facilities. Dr Ismail Faruqui challenged the act, but a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled the acquisition as legal. The verdict stated that a mosque was not an 'essential part of the practice of the religion of Islam' and that namaz could be offered anywhere.
In 2002, the Allahabad High Court initiated hearings on the title of the disputed land, prompting a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India in 2003. The survey claimed to find fragments of a 10th-century Hindu temple. Subsequently, the Supreme Court ordered a status quo until the Allahabad High Court delivered its verdict.
In 2010, the Allahabad High Court, in a 2-1 ruling by Justices SU Khan, Sudhir Agarwal, and DV Sharma, declared both Hindus and Muslims as joint title holders of the disputed area. The court divided the 2.77-acre property between the Hindu Mahasabha, Sunni Waqf Board, and Nirmohi Akhara. It designated the central dome of the Babri Masjid as the 'exact birthplace of Lord Ram,' to be given to Hindus. The Muslims were allotted a third of the area in the inner and outer courtyards, while the Nirmohi Akhara received the Ram Chabutra, Bhandar, and Sita Rasoi structures in the outer courtyard.
Challenges from all three parties led to the Supreme Court's involvement in 2011, resulting in a stay on the Allahabad High Court order. In a landmark 2019 verdict led by then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, the Supreme Court ruled that the temple would be constructed on the Ayodhya land. The court also directed the government to provide Muslim parties with an alternative five-acre plot. On August 5, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ram Temple construction.
