AYODHYA, India, Jan 22 — In a momentous occasion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the consecration ceremony on Monday for a grand temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Ram. The temple, erected on a site believed to be Lord Ram’s birthplace, signifies a celebratory event for the Hindu majority in the world’s most populous nation.
Key Points:
- Historical and Religious Significance: The consecration of the Ram temple holds immense historical and religious significance for India. Hindu groups, including Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), view the temple’s opening as part of a Hindu renaissance, symbolizing a resurgence after centuries of perceived subjugation by Muslim invaders and colonial powers.
- Fulfillment of a Long-Standing Promise: The temple’s inauguration fulfills a 35-year-old promise by the BJP, a pledge that played a pivotal role in propelling the party to prominence and power. This historic moment is expected to boost Modi’s standing as he aims for a rare third term in the upcoming elections due by May.
- Controversial Temple Site: The temple site in the city of Ayodhya has been a contentious issue for decades, leading to nationwide riots in 1992. The riots resulted in the death of 2,000 people, primarily Muslims, after a Hindu mob destroyed a 16th-century mosque that had stood on the site. The Supreme Court of India resolved the dispute in 2019, handing over the land to Hindus and allocating a separate plot for the construction of a new mosque.
- Symbolic Gesture: Modi, addressing an invitation-only gathering, declared the event as the “beginning of a new era.” Referring to temporary structures that previously housed a Ram idol, he stated, “Lord Ram has arrived. Our Ram lalla (child) will no longer live in a tent; our Ram lalla will reside in this divine temple.” The ceremony marks a symbolic departure from historical grievances and a step towards a new chapter in India’s history.
- Opposition Boycott: Most opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the inauguration, considering it a political event. Pakistan condemned the consecration, expressing concerns about growing majoritarianism in India and urging protection for minorities, including Muslims.
- Cultural and Religious Celebrations: The ceremony involved Modi participating in Hindu religious rituals, chanting verses, placing flower petals at the deity’s feet, and circling a sacred flame. The streets outside were filled with thousands clad in saffron, dancing and chanting religious slogans, creating an atmosphere of jubilation.
- Security Measures: With nearly 8,000 people invited to the ceremony, security measures were stringent, involving more than 10,000 police personnel guarding the city. Security was heightened nationwide, especially in areas with a history of Hindu-Muslim tension.
- Public Access and Religious Fervor: The temple opens to the public on Tuesday, and its management anticipates around 100,000 visitors each day in the coming months. The event has sparked religious fervor across India, prompting states to declare a holiday, stock markets to close, and homes and businesses to illuminate in celebration.
In conclusion, the consecration of the Ram temple marks a historic and significant moment in India’s cultural and religious landscape, symbolizing a departure from past conflicts and a stride towards a new chapter in the nation’s history.