India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Ram Temple In Ayodhya
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Monday afternoon. The temple was constructed following a Supreme Court verdict in 2019 and a decades-long legal battle. The Court had allowed the construction of the temple at the site where a 500-year-old mosque, Babri Masjid, stood. In an event that was presided over by PM Modi, the visuals of the Ram Lalla idol at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya were also revealed. The ceremony has been criticized for making a religious event a political event by many, including religious leaders and opposition political leaders. It was witnessed by millions in India and abroad.
“It is a matter of great privilege to be a part of this divine programme,” PM Modi said on the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the temple. He also added that the moment of the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya is going to leave everyone emotional.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat were also present in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The Ram Lalla idol, made by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, was unveiled during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters showered flower petals over the temple premises in Ayodhya during the ceremony.
The ceremony was witnessed by around 7,000 VVIPs from across the country. This includes politicians, actors, sportspersons, and industrialists. “Lord Ram is arriving today, January 22nd will be Ram Diwali for the entire country,” said Reliance Industries chairperson Mukesh Ambani during the event, as quoted by ANI.
The Uttar Pradesh administration has also strengthened security measures across the region. This includes patrolling on land, water, and air by the security forces. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were also deployed in Ayodhya. Earlier, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said the Ram temple will be opened to the general public for “darshan” from January 23.
