Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, 28 years after the demolition of Babri Masjid at the same spot. The wait of centuries has ended and India is creating a golden chapter in Ayodhya, he said in a speech following the ground-breaking ceremony.
Mr. Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, among others. The Prime Minister also unveiled a plaque and released a commemorative postal stamp to mark the occassion.
Here are the updates:
Lord Ram our ‘Imam-e-Hind’, temple will be symbol of brotherhood: Muslim devotees
Hailing Lord Ram as “Imam-e-Hind” (prelate of India), some Muslim devotees of Lord Ram watched the entire bhoomi pujan ceremony in Ayodhya on Wednesday live on their TV sets as they could not go there due to the coronavirus health protocols.
Underlining the country’s tradition of syncretic co-existence, they said once the coronavirus situation improves they would visit the temple site and offer their services in its construction.
“It is a moment of joy for us. We’ are kar sevaks and consider Lord Ram as ‘Imam-e-Hind’, Raja Raees, the president of Sunni Social Forum (an organisation working for the Muslims) told PTI on Wednesday.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the bhoomi pujan at Ayodhya Ram Janambhoomi site, Mr. Raees said, "We celebrated the occasion by beating drums and playing harmonium. Shri Ram is our Paigambar. There is a feeling of happiness among the Muslims in the country. Members of our organisation watched the event live on TV.”
Sunny Abbas, who lives in Lucknow, railed against those who identified the Ram temple movement as a Hindus-Muslim issue.
“The bhoomi pujan is a tight slap on their faces. Most Muslims have agreed for the construction of a Ram temple respecting the sentiments of Hindus. Now the grand Ram temple will become a symbol of brotherhood,” he told PTI over phone.
Ram temple likely to be completed in 3 years, says VHP
The construction of the grand Ram temple at Ayodhya, whose bhoomi pujan was performed on Wednesday, is expected to be completed in the next three years, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) said.
VHP international president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje said there is enthusiasm among Hindus across the world over the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Ram temple. He blamed the Congress for the delay in the temple’s construction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the ground-breaking ceremony in Ayodhya for the temple at the spot where many devout Hindus believe Lord Ram was born, marking the beginning of its construction.
Mr. Kokje told PTI , “The smooth manner in which the work of temple construction has been going on after the formation of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra by the Central government is amazing. We hope that the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed in three years.”
Mamata Banerjee appeals for unity; BJP says TMC disregarding Hindu sentiments
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed bhoomi pujan for the Ram temple in Ayodhya, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday called for preserving brotherhood between communities and the age-old legacy of unity in diversity.
“Hindu Muslim Sikh Isai; Aapas mein hain Bhai Bhai! Mera Bharat Mahaan, Mahaan Hamara Hindustan." “Our country has always upheld the age-old legacy of unity in diversity, and we must preserve this to our last breath!” Ms. Banerjee tweeted.
West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh, meanwhile, accused the TMC government in the State of “disregarding Hindu sentiments” by clamping a lockdown on a day when bhoomi pujan ceremony was being organised in Ayodhya.
Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had announced that he would light earthen lamps at the Raj Bhavan on August 5 to mark the ground-breaking ceremony in Ayodhya, said the “silence” of the Chief Minister was due to her “appeasement politics“.
Foundation stone laying of Ram temple a happy moment for every Indian: Khattar
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday described the laying of foundation stone of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a happy and historic moment for every Indian.
He also said that with the laying of the foundation stone, the dreams of crores of Lord Ram’s devotees have come true.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday performed the bhoomi pujan of a Supreme Court-mandated Ram temple in Ayodhya, bringing to fruition the BJP’s ‘mandir’ movement that defined its politics for three decades and took it to the heights of power.
In a series of tweets on the occasion, Mr. Khattar said, “This happy moment is historic for every Indian.”
Moments before the Prime Minister was to perform the bhoomi pujan of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Mr. Khattar urged people to light a lamp in the courtyard of their homes and give a message of brotherhood.
Union Minister Arjun Munda hails foundation laying of Ram temple
Union Minister Arjun Munda and former Chief Ministers, Babulal Marandi and Raghubar Das, on Wednesday greeted people over foundation laying of Ram temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr. Munda said the historic shrine in Uttar Pradesh has been a symbol of faith for Hindus worldover and starting the construction work of a grand temple by the Prime Minister has given respect to their faith.
“Ram devotees have struggled for a long time for construction of Ram temple and even sacrificed their lives. This day is also to remember them, Mr. Munda, who is Union Tribal Affairs Minister, said in a statement.
Babulal Marandi said “a golden and proud age” began with the bhoomi pujan (ground-breaking rituals) for the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
“August 5 will be scripted in the pages of history after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji laid the foundation stone for construction of a grand Ram temple,” Marandi said in a statement.
He said with this historic event, a new chapter of national unity and harmony has also begun.
Ram temple will stand as tribute to best of timeless human values: Venkaiah Naidu
The construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is much more than a religious affair and the structure will stand as a tribute to the best of timeless human values, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said.
He also said that Lord Ram’s conduct and values constitute the core of the consciousness of India, cutting across all kinds of divisions and barriers, and they are still relevant today.
In a Facebook post marking the foundation laying ceremony of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on Wednesday, he said the construction of a temple for Lord Ram at his birthplace is more a re-coronation of the highest human values of truth, morality and ideals that the ‘maryada purushottam’ epitomised during his life.
“As the King of Ayodhya, he led an exemplary life, worthy of emulation by the common men and other nobles,” he said.
Mr. Naidu and his wife Usha on Wednesday also recited Ramayana at the Vice-President’s House to mark the ‘bhoomi punjan’ ceremony at Ayodhya.
The family members of the Vice-President donated ₹5 lakh each for the fight against COVID-19 and for the construction of Ram temple, an official statement said.
In his social media post, Mr. Naidu expressed happiness at the ceremony, saying the Ram temple will continue to remind and reinforce the ethos of the motherland which is universal in application without any discrimination.
Mr. Naidu also lauded Iqbal Ansari, son of late Hashim Ansari, one of the parties to the land title dispute, for urging the people to forget the past and move on in the true spirit of India.
His words of wisdom offer useful guidance for all, he said.
The Vice-President termed this day the beginning of a new era of mutual respect for all faiths and harmonious co-existence that should spur the building of an India of the dreams of every aspiring citizen of the country. — PTI
Punjab CM congratulates people
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh congratulated the people of the country on the foundation laying of Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying it fulfills the “long cherished desire” of every Indian.
“My heartiest congratulations to the people of India on the historic foundation laying of #RamMandir in #Ayodhya, which fulfills the long cherished desire of every Indian. Lord Ram’s universal message of Dharma remains the guiding light not just for India but for the world," the Chief Minister said in a tweet.
Kanchi mutt sends gold coins, material
The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in neighbouring Kancheepuram has sent gold and silver coins, holy soil collected from the Kamakshi temple and the mutt, besides Vasthu (traditional Indian system of architecture) materials to be used in the bhoomi pujan for constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday.
The soil specially obtained from the temples like Ekambranathar Swamy, Kamakshi and other Vishnu temples in the town have been sent by flight to Ayodhya ahead of the bhoomi pujan, said Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamy, the 70th Acharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
Golden chapter in history of India: Amit Shah
Terming the foundation laying of Ram temple in Ayodhya as a “historic and proud day” for India, Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said it heralds the beginning of a new era.
He said by starting the construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a golden chapter in the history of the great Indian civilisation, and asserted that the government remains committed to the preservation of Indian culture and its values.
“Today is a historic and proud day for India. The consecration of the grand Ram temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Lord Ram’s birthplace has written a golden chapter in the history of great Indian culture and civilisation and heralded the beginning of a new era,” Mr. Shah, who is recuperating at a private hospital in Gurgaon after contracting COVID-19 , said. — PTI
Struggle of years ended with Ram temple ‘bhoomi pujan’: Rupani
“Jay Shree Ram! August 5 will be written in golden letters in the history books of 21st century. Five decades, 500 years of penance and struggle materialised today with the ’bhoomi pujan’ of Ram Lalla’s temple,” Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said in a video message.
“The slogan - ‘We swear by Ram that temple will surely be built there at Ayodhya - has been realised today. A Diwali like celebration has gripped the entire nation. Many Gujaratis made a contribution in the ‘kar seva’ for building this temple,” the BJP leader said.
He credited the “two sons of Gujarat’s soil” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah — for the harmonious atmosphere in which the ‘bhoomi pujan’ was held at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on August 5.
“We always do what we promise. This is BJP’s commitment. If coronavirus was not there, today’s event would have become the biggest religious congregation. I am sure the construction of Ram temple would lead to nation-building and take India ahead with pride,” Mr. Rupani said. — PTI
Delhi CM congratulates country on occasion of Ram Temple ‘bhoomi poojan’
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday congratulated the entire country on the occasion of the ‘bhoomi poojan’ of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
“Congratulations to the entire country on the occasion of bhoomi poojan. May we continue to receive Lord Ram’s blessings. With his blessings, our country will get rid of hunger, illiteracy and poverty, and India becomes the most powerful nation in the world. May India show the path to the world in times to come. Jai Shri Ram! Jai Bajrang Bali,” Mr. Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
Lord Ram ultimate embodiment of supreme human values: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Lord Ram is the ultimate embodiment of supreme human values and can never appear in cruelty, hatred or injustice.
In a tweet in Hindi, the former Congress president said, “Maryada Purshottam Lord Ram is the ultimate embodiment of supreme human values. He is the core of humanism embedded deep in our hearts“.
“Ram is love, he can never appear in hatred. Ram is compassion, he can never appear in cruelty. Ram is justice, he can never appear in injustice,” he said. - PTI
We have to respect the sentiments of everyone, says PM Modi
Ram temple will be the harbinger of a prosperous India, said PM Narendra Modi.
"Our scriptures says there has been no ruler like Lord Ram. Lord Ram's policy was that motherland is bigger than heaven. It is also Lord Ram's policy that as a nation gets powerful, it also becomes better at living peacefully. We have to ensure that fraternity and friendship cements the bricks of this temple. We have to respect the sentiments of everyone," he said, adding that the temple will continue to inspire generations to come.
PM Modi winded up his speech by talking about the importance of social distancing and using masks to control the coronavirus pandemic. - Sandeep Phukan
Ram is in India's faith, Ram is in India's ideal: PM Modi
Continuing his speech after the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ram temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that just as every section of the society, including Dalits and tribals, extended support to Gandhi ji during the freedom struggle, today every section has supported the Ram temple.
"India's faith, the collective of the people and the strength of this collective, has been a subject of research by many across the world," he said.
PM Modi speaks at the Ayodhya Ram temple ground-breaking ceremony.
"Ram is the thread of India's unity in diversity," PM Modi said, commenting on the different traditions and names of Ram and Ramayan in different languages like Tamil, Telugu, Odiya, Bengali, Kashmiri, Malayalam etc.
"Indonesia, which has the maximum Muslim population in the world, has unique Ramayan. Lord Ram is still worshipped there," he said, mentioning the different traditions of Ramayan in Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. He added that references to Ramayan can be found in Iran and China, and that Srilanka has it's own Ramayan while Nepal's tradition is attached to Mother Janaki.
Ram belongs to everyone and Ram is in everyone, said PM Modi. - Sandeep Phukan
August 5 as important to India as August 15: PM Modi
Just as August 15 symbolises the end of our struggle for freedom, today symbolises the culmination of the fight for a Ram Mandir for centuries, said PM Modi, continuing his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
On behalf of 130 crore people, I bow my head and pay respect to all those who were associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, he said. "Whenever we have to do something, we have looked towards Ram ji. Efforts were made to destroy Lord Ram's identity, but he still reigns in our hearts," he said, adding that the temple will be a symbol of national sentiment and collective faith.
After the temple is constructed, Ayodhya will not gain importance but the entire economy will be transformed as people from all over the world will come here, said PM Modi.
"This is an opportunity to connect people with faith, connect present with the past. It is a gift to justice-loving India," he said, adding that the event has displayed the same dignity that was shown the day the Supreme Court order regarding the temple came out. - Sandeep Phukan
For years, Ram Lalla was in a tent; he will now get a grand temple: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his speech with a chant hailing Lord Ram and "Jai Siya Ram".
"Today this celebration and victory call is not restricted to Ayodhya but all over the world. Congratulations to Ram devotes across the world," he said.
"It is my fortune that Shri Ram janma Bhoomi Teertha Trust invited me and allowed me to part of this event. I express my heartfelt tribute," he said, adding that it was natural for him to come.
"India Today is creating a golden chapter. Today, the entire country is immersed in Ram. Today, the entire nation is emotional as the wait that went on for centuries ended. Crores of people may not believe that they are witnessing this event. For years, Ram Lalla who has been under a tent will see a grand temple," he added.
The tradition of breaking down and rising up again will end today, he said. - Sandeep Phukan
Before he begins addressing those gathered, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
He also released a commemorative postage stamp on the ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’.
Start temple construction immediately: Mahant Nrityagopal Das to PM, CM
The construction of the Ram temple is equivalent to the construction of India, said Mahant Nrityagopal Das, head of the Trust in charge of building the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Mahant Nrityagopal Das, head of the Trust in charge of building the Ram temple in Ayodhya
"We request Modi ji and Yogi ji to start construction immediately to respect the sentiments of the devotees," he added. - Sandeep Phukan
Many people have made sacrifices for this day: Mohan Bhagwat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at the ceremony, hailed the ground-breaking ceremony as the result of 20-30 years of work. "RSS, like-minded organisations worked for 20-30 years RSS, like-minded organisations worked nearly 30 years for fulfilment of temple construction resolve," he said, adding that many people have made sacrifices for this day.
Mr. Bhagwat mentioned L.K. Advani, Ashok Singhal, others for their contribution to temple movement.
"Advaniji who led the Rath Yatra must be watching it at his home. Circumstances are such that they cannot come for the ceremony," he said.
A physical Ram temple will be built, but it is important that we build a Ram temple in our hearts and minds too, he added. - Sandeep Phukan
CM Adityanath hails PM Modi for fulfilment of Ram temple dream
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Yogi Adityanath hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilment of dream to build Ram temple in Ayodhya.
PM Narendra Modi, CM Yogi Adityanath at the ground-breaking ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya
"This day symbolises how Prime Minister Narendra Modi managed to find a solution through the democratic tradition and peacefully. We are thankful to the Prime Minister," he said. "Today also an occasion to mark the beginning of Ram Rajya that PM Modi tried ushering in six years ago," he added.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Adityanath said that people have struggled for 500 years for this day. The UP CM also talked about developing Ayodhya as a pilgrimage and tourist destination.
He also said that while the current ceremony was in a smaller scale due to the restrictions in place to control the spread of coronavirus, this ceremony acknowleges the dreams and faith of all devotees. - Sandeep Phukan
PM Modi lays foundation for Ram temple in Ayodhya, bhoomi pujan completed
While over 170 people have been invited to the ceremony, only five persons , including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, are on stage to address those gathered, as was conveyed earlier by Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust).
Besides them, Mahant Nrityagopal Das, head of the Trust, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel are seated on the dias.
Glimpses from the ground-breaking ceremony...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya
Ram temple bhoomi poojan at Ayodhya on August 5, 2020
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at Ram temple bhoomi poojan on August 5, 2020
Ram temple to be grander than planned earlier: Architect
The proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya will be almost double the size of what was originally planned as its design was modified following the Supreme Court verdict last year, said its architect.
Proposed model of Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya.
The temple, to be constructed in Nagara style of architecture, will have five domes instead of two as envisaged earlier to accommodate more number of devotees, Chandrakant Sompura, the architect who designed it, said.
According to him, the project is likely to be completed in the next three years once the work commences.
Hope present, future generations will follow Lord Ram’s ‘maryada’ for welfare, peace: Akhilesh Yadav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that he hoped the future generations will follow the ‘maryada’ (dignity) of Lord Ram for the “welfare and peace” of all.
Starting with “Jai Mahadev Jai Siya-Ram, Jai Radeh-Krishna, Jai Hanuman”, Mr. Yadav in a tweet in Hindi said, “Let all be filled with Lord Shiva’s welfare, Shri Ram’s ‘abhayatva’ (fearlessness) and Shir Krishna’s ‘unmukt bhav’ (unfettered gesture).”
“I hope the present and future generations with true heart will follow ‘maryada’ (dignity) of Lord Ram for welfare and peace of all according to the path showed by Him,” the SP chief said. - PTI
PM offers prayers at Hanumangarhi temple
Ahead of the foundation-stone laying ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple here.
Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the PM arrived at the temple dressed in traditional dhoti-kurta. He was gifted a headgear by the chief priest of the temple. - PTI
PM Modi arrives in Ayodhya
PM Modi has arrived for the ground-breaking ceremony. Wearing traditional dhoti-kurta, the Prime Minister deboarded an Air Force helicopter which flew him here from Lucknow.
He was welcomed at the Saket helipad by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among others, following which they visited the Hanumangarhi temple and offered prayers. Both the leaders were seen sporting white masks as a precautionary measure to control the spread of coronavirus.
PM Narendra Modi with UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020.
Sculptors await green signal for 251-m Ram statue
As the countdown to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya begins, eminent sculptor Ram Sutar and his son Anil Sutar are eager to get a green signal from the Uttar Pradesh government to give a final shape to the statue of Lord Ram which will be erected on the banks of Saryu river.
A replica of the statue at the workshop of the Sutars.
“In 2018, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had selected our specimen of the statue but after that, we haven’t heard from the officials,” said Mr. Anil, speaking for his 95-year-old father. At 251 metres, he said it is going to be the tallest statue in the world. “During our meeting, the CM said he wanted the statue to be totally indigenous and we promised him the same,” said Mr. Anil.
The Ram statue, he said, would be seen holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in another.
Over 170 invitees to witness the ceremony
As many as 175 guests, including 135 seers, are expected to attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ram temple.
Besides PM Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , leading lights of Hindutva movement including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, are part of the guest list.
Baba Ramdev greets Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the venue for the Ram Temple bhoomi pujan event.
Two prominent Muslim names, Iqbal Ansari, the former litigant in the Babri Masjid case, and Mohammad Shareef, who was awarded the Padma Shri for years of performing last rites of unclaimed bodies, have also been invited. - Omar Rashid
PM Modi's itinerary
Prior to the ground-breaking ceremony, Prime Minister Modi will take part in ‘pooja’ and ‘darshan’ at Hanumangarhi, a statement by the PMO said on Tuesday.
From Hanumangarhi, the PM will travel to ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi’ where he will take part in pooja and darshan of ‘Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman’.
He will also plant a Parijat (Indian night jasmine) sapling. Mr. Modi will subsequently perform ‘bhoomi poojan’, the statement said.
He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone and also release a commemorative postage stamp on the ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’. - PTI
PM leaves for Ayodhya to lay foundation stone of Ram temple
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning left for Ayodhya where he will lay the foundation stone of Ram temple.
The Prime Minister’s Office shared a picture of Modi boarding an Air Force plane. He was dressed in traditional dhoti-kurta.
“PM Narendra Modi leaves for Ayodhya,” the PMO tweeted.
A helicopter would fly him to Ayodhya from Lucknow. - PTI
Watch | The road to the Ram Temple
A Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on November 9 delivered its judgment in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute.
In a unanimous decision, the five-Judge Bench allotted the disputed land for the construction of a temple. The Sunni Waqf Board will be given five acres of alternative land in a suitable, prominent place in Ayodhya.
A historical and emotional day, says Advani
On the eve of the bhoomi poojan (ground breaking) ceremony for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya , former deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, considered one of main protagonists of the Ram temple movement, and whose invitation to the ceremony is still shrouded in confusion, released a statement terming the proposed temple as one that would usher in Ram Rajya in India and as a representation of a “strong, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious nation” with “justice for all and exclusion of none”.
Mr. Advani, who led a Rath Yatra drumming up mass support for the movement in the early 1990s and was arrested in Bihar subsequently, is considered one of the main architects of the movement, but will not be attending the ceremony in person on Wednesday. Aides were unclear whether he would be attending it via video conference.
Published - August 05, 2020 10:03 am IST
