Ayodhya lights up for grand unveiling of Ram Mandir: PM Modi leads celebrations

In an event that is set to be etched in the annals of Indian history, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today consecrate the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, bringing to fruition a 50-year dream of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and millions of devotees worldwide. This landmark ceremony, to be telecast live, is not just a religious event but a cultural phenomenon, likened to Diwali, symbolizing Lord Ram’s victorious return home. As the temple town prepares for an influx of over 11,000 visitors, festooned with lights and brimming with anticipation, the nation and Indians abroad gear up to celebrate with prayers and programs.

PM Modi’s engagement in an 11-day religious observance ahead of the ceremony underscores the profound spiritual significance of this event. The Pran Pratishtha ceremony will see a diverse assembly, including spiritual leaders from all major religious sects in India, representatives from various walks of life, and tribal communities, highlighting the unifying spirit of the occasion. Modi’s planned interaction with the temple’s construction workers and his visit to the restored ancient temple of Lord Shiv at Kuber Tila further emphasize his deep involvement in the temple’s establishment.

The temple, a marvel of traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style, boasts 392 intricately carved pillars, 44 doors, and an idol of a five-year-old Lord Ram at its sanctum sanctorum. The surrounding developments, including the sprouting of hotels and guest houses and the enhancement of transport facilities with a new international airport and railway station, signify a long-awaited economic revival for Ayodhya.

However, the temple’s inauguration has stirred political waters, with most Opposition parties, including Congress and the Trinamool Congress, distancing themselves, accusing the BJP of politicizing religion. The BJP’s rebuttal denounces such criticisms as anti-Hindu, predicting electoral repercussions for the dissenters. The event has also sparked debates among religious leaders, with some Shankaracharyas expressing reservations about the ceremony’s timing and questioning the political overtones.

This monumental event follows the Supreme Court’s historic 2019 judgment that resolved the long-standing land dispute in favor of the temple, a decision that marked a turning point in India’s socio-political landscape. The temple’s construction, deeply intertwined with India’s cultural and religious identity, signifies more than just architectural achievement; it represents a milestone in the nation’s journey towards reconciling its past with its aspirations for unity and progress.

As Ayodhya stands on the cusp of history, the Ram Temple’s consecration by PM Modi is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the relentless spirit of a civilization in pursuit of its cultural and spiritual ethos. This event is not merely a political statement but a mosaic of India’s multifaceted heritage, a beacon of hope and celebration for millions.