Prime Minister Modi to Grace Ram Temple Inauguration in Ayodhya
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially confirmed his presence at the inauguration of the much-anticipated Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024. The event promises to be a historic moment, and the Prime Minister’s participation adds to its significance.
The invitation extended to PM Modi came from the office bearers of Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, along with religious leaders associated with the project. It’s worth noting that it was Prime Minister Modi who laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple on August 5, 2020, a momentous occasion in itself.
Upon receiving the invitation, Prime Minister Modi expressed his joy and gratitude. He shared his sentiments on social media, stating, “I feel very blessed. It is my good fortune that in my lifetime, I will witness this historic occasion.”
Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, revealed that the idol of Lord Ram will be consecrated at the temple on January 22, and PM Modi has graciously accepted the invitation.
The consecration ceremony is expected to be a grand affair, with over 4,000 Hindu religious leaders from 136 Sanatana traditions set to participate. In addition to these spiritual leaders, 25,000 dignitaries are also expected to attend the event.
The Ram Temple complex will be a sprawling structure, spreading across 71 acres of land. The temple itself will occupy 2.77 acres, divided into six parts, including the main sanctum sanctorum (Garbh greh) and five pavilions – Gun Mandap, Rang Mandap, Nritya Mandap, Kirtan Mandap, and Prarthna Mandap. This magnificent temple is set to reach a towering height of 161 feet, featuring three floors, each 19.5 feet high.
Within the complex, there are plans to include temples dedicated to other deities, including Shiva, goddess Annapurna, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Surya. Additionally, temples of mythological saints like Valmiki, Vashisth, Viswamitra, Jatayu, and Sabri are also on the agenda. The complex will provide various facilities, such as Yagya/Anusthan Mandap, a rest house for religious leaders, and an administrative building, all designed with an environmentally conscious approach.
To minimize the environmental impact, the complex will feature zero discharge infrastructure. Two sewage treatment plants are planned, with treated water to be utilized for flushing and irrigation purposes, reducing the burden on the Municipal Corporation.
To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, the temple construction committee has acquired 71 acres of land for public utilities near the temple.
To prevent overcrowding in Ayodhya, the temple trust has issued a request to the people of the country to avoid visiting the temple during the initial days of the inauguration. Additionally, VIPs have been urged to refrain from visiting Ayodhya on the day of the inauguration to ensure efficient management of the event.
Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, in a recent Dasara speech, encouraged people across India to organize programs at temples near their homes as a way to celebrate the inauguration of the Ram temple.
This momentous event follows a landmark Supreme Court verdict in November 2019, which paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple. The verdict allocated the disputed land in Ayodhya for the construction of the temple, acknowledging its historical and cultural significance.
In addition, the Supreme Court ruled that the demolition of the Babri Masjid at the site in 1992 was illegal. To address this, the court ordered the allocation of five acres of land in a prominent place in Ayodhya to the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board.
It’s essential to note that in September 2020, a special Central Bureau of Investigation court acquitted all individuals accused of involvement in the demolition of the Babri Masjid. This included prominent Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti.
The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is set to be a historic and culturally significant event, and Prime Minister Modi’s presence will undoubtedly make it even more memorable.