In a mega rally in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the decision to build Ram Mandir in Ayodhya should have been taken right after India gained Independence in 1947. He criticized the Congress party for delaying the construction and accused them of disrespecting the temple. PM Modi also urged the people to vote for the BJP in the upcoming elections.
Yearning for Ram Mandir: The Long-Awaited Dream
The construction of a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a sacred site in Uttar Pradesh, India, has been a contentious issue for decades. The dispute stems from the belief that the site was the birthplace of the Hindu deity Lord Rama and that a grand temple should be built there to honor his memory.
Historical Context
In 1528, the Babri Masjid (Mosque) was built on the site where Hindus believed Lord Rama's birthplace was. For centuries, there were sporadic conflicts between the two religious groups over the ownership of the site. In 1949, Hindu activists entered the mosque and installed an idol of Lord Rama, sparking a violent controversy.
Legal Battle and Demolition
In 1984, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu nationalist organization, began a movement to build a Ram Mandir on the site. This led to a legal battle between the government and the Hindu groups. In December 1992, a mob of Hindu activists demolished the Babri Masjid, triggering widespread religious violence.
Recent Developments
In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the disputed site should be given to the Hindu groups to build a Ram Mandir. The government subsequently formed a trust to oversee the construction. The foundation stone for the temple was laid in August 2020.
Political Implications
The Ram Mandir issue has been politically charged for decades. The BJP has been a strong advocate for the construction of the temple, while the Congress party has been more cautious. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly invoked the issue in his speeches and has vowed to build a grand temple.
FAQs
1. When will the Ram Mandir be completed?
The construction of the Ram Mandir is expected to be completed by December 2023.
2. Who is funding the construction of the Ram Mandir?
The Ram Mandir is being funded by donations from the Hindu community both in India and abroad.
3. What is the significance of the Ram Mandir?
For Hindus, the Ram Mandir represents the triumph of good over evil and the fulfillment of a centuries-old aspiration.
4. Has the dispute over the Ram Mandir been resolved?
The Supreme Court of India has ruled in favor of building a Ram Mandir on the disputed site, but there are still some outstanding legal challenges.
5. What is the role of the BJP in the Ram Mandir issue?
The BJP has been a strong supporter of the construction of the Ram Mandir and has promised to complete it if elected to power.
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