The long-awaited consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is set to take place today, marking a historic moment for India. This monumental event, a 50-year project of the BJP, has been eagerly anticipated by many across the country.
1. A Diwali-like Celebration
The consecration ceremony will be celebrated nationwide, with special prayers and various programs held at local temples. The festivities surrounding this occasion are reminiscent of Diwali, the festival that commemorates Lord Ram’s homecoming after his victory over Ravan. Temples and houses have been adorned with vibrant lighting, adding to the joyous atmosphere.
2. PM Modi’s Preparation and Participation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been observing a series of strict 11-day religious rituals to prepare for the consecration ceremony. He will address the gathering and play a significant role in this historic event.
3. A Gathering of Spiritual and Religious Representatives
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be attended by representatives from various spiritual and religious sects across the country. Additionally, people from diverse backgrounds, including tribal communities, will participate in this momentous occasion.
4. Recognition of Laborers and Visit to Kuber Tila
PM Modi will take the opportunity to interact with the dedicated laborers who have been involved in the construction of the Ram temple. He will also visit Kuber Tila, where the ancient temple of Lord Shiv has been restored, to offer his prayers.
5. The Grandeur of the Ram Temple
The Ram temple, built in the traditional north-Indian Nagara style, spans an impressive 380×250 feet. It boasts 392 pillars, 44 doors, and intricately carved walls depicting various gods and goddesses. At the sanctum sanctorum, the idol of a five-year-old Lord Ram has been placed. Adjacent to the temple stands the Kuber Tila, while a well known as Sita koop, believed to date back to ancient times, can be found nearby.
6. Ayodhya’s Transformation and Economic Boost
Ayodhya, once a sleepy temple town, has undergone significant changes in preparation for the inauguration. An international airport has been established, and the railway station has been renovated. The influx of visitors has led to the development of numerous hotels, guest houses, and homestays, bringing forth an anticipated economic boom.
7. Political Divide and Opposition Parties
While the Ram temple inauguration is a momentous occasion for many, it has been met with indifference by several opposition parties, including the Congress, Left, Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party. Accusations have been made against the BJP, claiming that they are exploiting religion for political gains during an election year.
8. BJP’s Response to Opposition
The BJP has strongly criticized the opposition parties that declined the invitation to the inauguration, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury from the Congress. Labeling these parties as anti-Hindu, the BJP believes that they will face consequences from the people in the upcoming elections.
9. Controversies and the Role of Shankaracharyas
The absence of the Shankaracharyas from four premier monasteries has stirred controversy. The Shankaracharyas from Puri and Joshimath have stated that the consecration of an incomplete temple cannot be held. They have also raised concerns about PM Modi being inside the sanctum sanctorum while they have been assigned seats outside. These issues have led to allegations of a political angle being associated with the event.
10. The Legal Journey and the Birth of the Ram Temple
The construction of the temple began following a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court in 2019. The court awarded the disputed land for the construction of the temple and directed that an alternate plot be provided to Muslims for a mosque. The legal battle, which commenced shortly after India’s independence, intensified when a 16th-century mosque was demolished by hundreds of Karsevaks who believed it stood on the birthplace of Lord Ram.
The inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is a momentous occasion that holds great significance for the people of India. It symbolizes the culmination of a long-standing dream and the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s history.
