India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in August 2020, laid the foundation stone of Ayodhya Ram Mandir. In 1992, a right-wing Hindu mob, Kar Sevaks, destroyed the Babri Masjid. This action led to nationwide religious riots, claiming the lives of over 2,000 people, especially Muslims. Dr K.R. Narayanan, Former President, termed it as the greatest tragedy for India since the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
What Is History Of Ram Mandir In Ayodhya?
Ayodhya is a holy city in Uttar Pradesh. It holds major historical and religious significance as the birthplace of the Lord Rama. It was formerly known as Saketa and has a prosperous heritage that dates back to the 5th or 6th century BC.
While the Hindus thought the Babri Masjid was named after the Mughal emperor Babur, it was built in Ayodhya in the sixteenth century after destroying the Ram Temple. Several organizations, notably the Muslim community, denied this statement.
However, the Babri Mosque was destroyed in 1992 by some Hindu activists, starting the Liberhan Commission to scrutinize the case.
The Allahabad High Court ruled in favor of dividing the disputed area between the Nirmohi Akhara, Sunni Wakf Board, and Hindus who supported the installation of the Ram idol in 2010.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir Movement
In the 2010 judgment, the Allahabad High Court divided the Ramjanmabhoomi Babri Masjid area into three parts. It is divided into the Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board, and Nirmohi Akhara, each receiving a third of it.
However, in 2019, the Supreme Court awarded the disputed area to Ram Lalla. The 5-judge bench said that the belief of Hindus that Lord Ram was born in the area was undisputed. Also, he is symbolically the owner of the land.
The very first police complaint in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute dates back to 1858, and the first cases were filed in 1885. The VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad) did a ‘Shilanyas,’ foundation stone laying, at the debated Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site, and the main thrust of the Ram Mandir movement came to light in 1989.
The ‘Shilanyas’ took place with the blessings of Rajiv Gandhi, the then-Prime Minister. Buta Singh, Home Minister, met the late VHP leader Ashok Singhal and permitted Rajiv Gandhi to lay the foundation stone. As the communal strains rose, the Union government asked VHP to conduct it outside the dispute side. However, the VHP disobeyed the government.
LK Advani, in 1990, started his rath yatra. It was the most noteworthy milestone in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir movement. Advani ventured on his first Toyota Rath yatra, catalyzing a chain of affairs that resulted in the demolition of the Babri Masjid after two years.
What Is The Row About Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
The origins of the dispute trace back to the 16th century when Mir Baqi built the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya under the Mughal Emperor Babur.
The controversy arose from the belief held by many Hindus. They said that the mosque was constructed on the destruction of a Hindu temple demolished by the Muslim invaders in the exact century. Muslims argued that they offered prayers until December 1949 at the Mosque, when the Hindus placed a Ram idol inside, initiating worship.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inaugration
India’s PM Narendra Modi laid the inaugural stone of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in August 2020. Critics claimed that the foundation stone for the Ram Temple marks the downfall of a secular India and the beginning of a Hindu nationalist one.
It has been the major electoral matter for the BJP. After a prolonged legal batter and decades of anticipation, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is now ready. A grand opening ceremony is all set to be scheduled for January 22, 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections.
The grand inauguration ceremony is expected to be a major event, with more than 6,000 people. It will include some key figures like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and some other important people participating in the ceremony of Pran Pratistha at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
How to Reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
As the highly anticipated Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration on 22 January approaches, interest in this respected city heightens. We have mentioned some of the ways from which you can reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
- Reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir By flight: The nearest airport to Ayodhya is Faizabad Airport at a distance of 8 km. The nearest major airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow. You can hire a cab to reach Ayodhya, which will cost you about Rs 2,000. Also, a major airport is the Bamrauli Airport, Allahabad.
- By Road: A good road network connects Ayodhya to all the other major cities in UP. Tourists can book a cab from any city nearby, like Allahabad (166 km), Varanasi (209), Lucknow (134km), and Faizabad (7km).
- Reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir by train: Ayodhya Railway Station, located on the Northern Indian railway’s Broad Gauge Mughalsarai-Lucknow line. Daily trains include Delhi Faizabad Express, Lucknow Express, and Varanasi Doon Express.
- Reach By Bus: The nearest bus stand is the Faizabad Bus Stand with UPSRTC. These buses run daily to Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, and other key cities in UP. You can also easily take a cycle rickshaw from the Faizabad Bus stand to the station, which costs around Rs 30.
When Will Ayodhya Ram Mandir Complete?
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is set to be worshiped amid much fanfare on January 22, 2024, at 12:20 pm. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some important figures, including film stars, spiritual leaders, industrialists, and athletes, will be present in Ayodhya to attend the major event.
But do you know why January 22 has been chosen for the Ayodhya Ram temple’s consecration (Pran Prathishtha)? According to a report by News9, this date has been decided and syncs up with the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat. On January 22, the Muhurat lasts from 11:51 am to 12:33 pm.
Communal Tension on Mumbai’s Mira Road:
Vehicles displaying Lord Ram flags were reportedly attacked on Mumbai’s Mira Road on Sunday night, sparking tensions in the area. Details remain unclear, but online videos show damaged cars and slogans shouted. Police have intervened, making arrests and conducting a flag march to maintain peace. While the situation has calmed, the incident highlights the city’s delicate balance of religious sentiment. Further updates are expected, but concerns remain about potential escalations.
Similar incidents have been shown in other areas of Mumbai on the day of Pran-Prathistha:-
- In the Vakola area, at the Pimpleshwar temple, a 27-year-old was found disrespecting the flag of Lord Ram.
- The posting of a provocative statement on social media by a 23-year-old has led to arrest by Govandi Police.
- An old man was arrested at Bhoiwada for removing a flag with Lord Ram’s photo.
- On VP Road in Mumbai, unidentified individuals allegedly threatened participants of a bike rally in Islampura.
Conclusion:
According to Hindu Mythology, Ayodhya was Lord Rama’s birthplace and the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. Ayodhya Ram Mandir has remained a much-debated topic over the past few years. There have been major movements and Supreme Court Judgements over this topic.
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FAQ’s
Q. What is the status of Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
A section of Ayodhya Ram Mandir will be opened and inaugurated in January 2024. The temple’s consecration (Pran Pratishtha) ceremony is scheduled for January 22, 2024.
Q. How big is Ram Mandir in Ayodhya?
The temple will be 380 feet long, 161 feet high, and 250 feet wide. After completing, the temple complex will be the world’s third-largest Hindu temple.
Q. Can we visit Ram Mandir Ayodhya?
For the tourists, Ayodhya Ram Mandir is almost ready, and they can visit it on the inauguration day on January 24, 2024.
Q. When was Ayodhya Ram Mandir destroyed?
A group of Karsevaks demolished the structure on December 6, 1992. The nearby Sita Rasoi and Ram Chabutra also went to the Nirmohi Akhara.