The Archaeological Survey of India recently released a report on the Ram Mandir site in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The report describes the architectural elements found at the site, including various stones and structures that are typically seen in temples. The report’s main author suggests that the site has a strong possibility of being a significant temple site in North India. The report was published several years ago, and since then, preparations for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir have been underway.
The Construction of the Ram Mandir
The construction of the Ram Mandir is being done in three stages. The first stage, Archaeological which involves completing the ground floor, is already complete. The ground floor houses the garbhagriha, where the idol of Lord Ram will be placed. The completion of this stage is expected to be followed by the inauguration of the temple in January, according to the Hindu calendar.
The second stage of construction, which involves completing the first and second floors of the temple, is expected to be completed by December 2024. The third and final stage will involve the completion of the entire structure, including the engravings on the pillars. This phase will be completed when the entire structure resembles an auditorium.
During the construction of the Ram Mandir, various ceremonies and rituals will be performed. These ceremonies will be conducted by prominent Hindu religious leaders, such as the Shankaracharyas, who hold significant positions in the Hindu faith. The construction of the temple is seen as a momentous event for the Hindu community, and the ceremonies will be conducted in accordance with the scriptures and traditions of Hinduism.
The Historical Significance of the Ram Mandir
The history of the Ram Mandir dates back several centuries. According to historical evidence, the original Ram Mandir was destroyed to build the Babri Masjid during the reign of Mughal emperor Babar. However, historical sources differ on the exact details of the construction of the Babri Masjid at the site. Some historians mention the presence of a temple in Ayodhya during the time of Emperor Akbar, while others refer to the accounts of Tulsidas, a prominent devotee of Lord Ram, and his interactions with Emperor Akbar.
The conflict over the disputed land in Ayodhya came to the forefront in 1855 when a dispute arose between Hindu saints and Muslims regarding the construction of the Babri Masjid. This conflict ultimately led to a riot between the two communities on 30th November 1858. A core incident during the riot resulted in the arrest of Fakir Nehang Singh. The tension between Hindus and Muslims continued for decades, with various incidents and legal cases being filed.
In 1949, a significant incident took place when idols of Lord Ram were discovered inside the Babri Masjid. This incident led to a dispute over the ownership of the land, and the Babri Masjid was locked. The issue remained unresolved for several years until the demolition of the Babri Masjid on 6th December 1992. The demolition of the mosque resulted in widespread tension and legal cases being filed.
The Legal Cases and the Supreme Court Verdict
Several legal cases were filed regarding the ownership of the disputed land in Ayodhya. The Allahabad High Court’s decision in 2010 divided the disputed land into three parts, with one-third going to the Hindu community and the remaining two-thirds going to the Muslim community. However, all parties involved appealed the decision, and the case eventually reached the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court’s verdict, which was delivered in 2019, ruled that the disputed land belonged to the Hindu community. The court based its decision on various legal principles and the evidence provided by archaeologists and historians. The court rejected the claim that the Babri Masjid was constructed on the site of a pre-existing Hindu structure and acknowledged the presence of Hindu elements at the site.
The Supreme Court’s verdict has put an end to the long-standing dispute over the Ram Mandir and Babri Masjid. The court’s decision has been widely accepted, and preparations for the construction and inauguration of the Ram Mandir are currently underway.
The Impact of the Ram Mandir
The construction and inauguration of the Ram Mandir hold significant religious and cultural importance for the Hindu community. It is expected to attract religious tourism to Ayodhya and have a positive impact on the local economy. Major hospitality chains, such as Taj and Radisson, have already recognized Ayodhya as a potential tourist destination and are making efforts to cater to the increased demand.
The political implications of the Ram Mandir are also noteworthy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been a strong advocate for the construction of the temple and has used it as a major campaign issue. The party’s success in the 1989 elections, where it won 85 seats, played a significant role in the formation of the BJP-led coalition government. The BJP’s ideological stance and its commitment to the construction of the Ram Mandir have been instrumental in shaping its organizational structure and election strategies.
Overall, the construction and inauguration of the Ram Mandir mark a significant milestone in the history of Ayodhya and the Hindu community. It is a testament to the cultural and religious heritage of India, and its completion will be a moment of pride for millions of Hindus across the country.
