The Ram Mandir, also known as the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, is a
Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. Many Hindus believe that
it is situated at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the mythical birthplace of Rama,
a principal deity of Hinduism. The site was formerly the location of the Babri
Masjid mosque, which was built in the 16th century CE.
In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a verdict to
give the disputed land to Hindus for the construction of a temple, while
Muslims were given land nearby in Dhannipur to construct a mosque1. The
groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the construction of Ram Mandir
was performed by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on 5 August 202
The temple complex, currently under construction, is being
supervised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. On 22 January
2024, Modi served as the Mukhya Yajman (chief patron) of rituals for the event
and performed the prana pratishtha (consecration) of the temple1. The temple
has attracted a number of controversies due to alleged misuse of donation,
sidelining of its major activists and politicisation of the temple by the
Bharatiya Janata Party.
History Of Ram Mandir
The Ram Mandir, located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, is
believed by many Hindus to be situated at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the
mythical birthplace of Rama, a principal deity of Hinduism. The site was
formerly the location of the Babri Masjid mosque, which was built in the 16th
century CE.
In 1949, idols of Rama and Sita were placed in the mosque¹.
The mosque was attacked and demolished in 1992, leading to nationwide riots. In
2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a verdict to give the disputed land
to Hindus for the construction of a temple, while Muslims were given land
nearby in Dhannipur to construct a mosque. The court referenced a report from
the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as evidence suggesting the presence of
a structure beneath the demolished Babri Masjid, that was found to be
non-Islamic.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the
construction of Ram Mandir was performed by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of
India, on 5 August 2020¹. The temple complex, currently under construction, is
being supervised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. On 22
January 2024, Modi served as the Mukhya Yajman (chief patron) of rituals for
the event and performed the prana pratishtha (consecration) of the temple.
Significance of Ayodhya
In Hinduism
Ayodhya holds profound significance in Hinduism for several
reasons:
1. **Birthplace of Lord Rama**: Ayodhya is revered as the
birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The city's
association with the birth and rule of Rama is depicted in the great Indian
epic poem, the Ramayana.
2. **One of the Seven Sacred Cities**: Ayodhya is regarded
as one of the seven sacred cities, or Mokshdayani Sapt Puri, in Hinduism. These
cities are believed to aid in achieving Moksha, the ultimate liberation from
the cycle of birth and death.
3. **Historical and Cultural Significance**: Ayodhya is a
repository of historical and cultural significance. The city has witnessed the
rise and fall of various kingdoms and empires, making it a living testament to
the evolution of Indian civilization.
4. **Spiritual Connection**: The belief that Ayodhya is the
divine abode of Lord Rama has been passed down through generations, fostering a
deep emotional and spiritual connection for Hindus.
5. **Symbol of Dharma**: Ayodhya is depicted as a symbol of
Dharma (righteousness) and the epitome of an ideal kingdom.
6. **Pilgrimage Site**: Ayodhya is considered one of the
most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism⁴. Pilgrims seek spiritual elevation
and a connection with the divine in Ayodhya's sacred sites.
