Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke at an event in Ayodhya commemorating the first anniversary of Lord Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishtha, or consecration, at the Ram Temple. Adityanath emphasized the importance of religious unity and the construction of the temple as a symbol of reclaiming rights through democratic means. He also highlighted the historic journey that led to this momentous occasion, including the judiciary's ruling on the disputed site and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to inaugurate the temple's construction.
Ram Mandir: A Symbol of Religious Unity and Democratic Triumph
The Ram Mandir, a grand temple dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, is a revered symbol of Hinduism in India. Located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the temple has been a site of religious and political significance for centuries. Its construction has been a long-standing demand of Hindu devotees, who have been seeking to reclaim the site where Lord Rama is believed to have been born.
Background of the Ayodhya Dispute
The Ayodhya dispute traces its origins to the 16th century, when the Babri Masjid was built on the site where Hindus believed Lord Rama was born. Over the centuries, the site became a flashpoint of religious tensions, with periodic conflicts erupting between Hindu and Muslim communities.
In 1992, a mob of Hindu nationalists demolished the Babri Masjid, triggering widespread communal violence. The Supreme Court of India ruled in 2019 that the disputed site belonged to the Hindu community, paving the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir.
Construction of the Ram Mandir
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir in August 2020. The construction of the temple is a massive undertaking, with an estimated cost of over $250 million.
The temple is being built in accordance with traditional Hindu architectural principles, using sandstone and marble from various parts of India. It will feature a central sanctum sanctorum housing idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. The temple complex will also include a museum, a library, and a research center.
Inauguration and Consecration
The first phase of the Ram Mandir's construction was completed in March 2022, and the temple was opened to the public for darshan (viewing of the deities) on August 5, 2022. The inauguration was a grand affair, attended by Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries.
On August 5, 2023, the Ram Temple marked the first anniversary of Lord Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishtha, or consecration. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke at an event in Ayodhya to commemorate the occasion, emphasizing the importance of religious unity and the construction of the temple as a symbol of reclaiming rights through democratic means.
Top 5 FAQs Related to the Ram Mandir
1. When was the Babri Masjid demolished? Answer: December 6, 1992
2. When did the Supreme Court rule that the disputed site belonged to the Hindu community? Answer: November 9, 2019
3. When was the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir laid? Answer: August 5, 2020
4. When was the Ram Mandir opened to the public? Answer: August 5, 2022
5. What is the significance of the Ram Mandir? Answer: It is a symbol of religious unity and the reclaiming of rights through democratic means, and a revered place of worship for Hindus around the world.
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