News Analysis India

Tag: Ayodhya

  • Destiny decided construction of Ram temple, chose PM Modi for this: L K Advani

    Destiny had decided that a grand temple of Lord Ram will be built in Ayodhya and it chose Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this, BJP stalwart L K Advani has said in an article to be published in a special edition of the ‘Rashtra Dharma’ magazine next week. In his article ‘Ram Mandir Nirman, Ek Divya Swapna Ki Purti’, Advani referred to the ‘Rath Yatra’ he took out 33 years ago for Ram temple construction and said he believes the Ayodhya movement was the “most decisive and transformative event” in his political journey which allowed him to “re-discover India and, in the process, re-understand himself”.

    The BJP veteran, who was at the forefront of the Ram temple agitation, also remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying he is feeling his absence ahead of the grand consecration event at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

    “Today the Rath Yatra completed 33 years. When we started the Rath Yatra on the morning of September 25, 1990, we did not know that the faith in Lord Ram with which we were starting this Yatra would take the form of a movement in the country,” a source quoted Advani as saying in his article. In his article to be published in a special edition of the 76-year-old Hindi magazine ‘Rashtra Dharma’ on January 16, sources said Advani has noted that current prime minister Narendra Modi was with him throughout the Rath Yatra.

    “He was not very famous then. But at that very time Lord Ram had chosen his devotee (Modi) to rebuild his temple,” a source quoted the BJP veteran as saying in his article.

    “At that time I felt that destiny had decided that one day a grand temple of Shri Ram would definitely be built in Ayodhya,” Advani said, adding, “Well, now it’s only a matter of time”. The consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is set to be organised on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, thousands of seers from across the country and other dignitaries have been invited for the ceremony. More than a lakh devotees are expected to descend on the temple town on the occasion of “Pran Pratishtha (consecration)”. “When Prime Minister Narendra Modi consecrates the (Lord Ram’s idol at the) temple, he will represent every citizen of our India. I pray that this temple inspires all Indians to adopt the qualities of Shri Ram,” Advani said.

    “During the Rath Yatra, there were many experiences which influenced my life. Unknown people from remote villages would come to me overwhelmed with emotion after seeing the chariot. They would do ‘pranam’, chant Lord Ram’s name and leave.

    “This was a message that there were many people who dreamt of the Ram temple… With the consecration of the temple on January 22, the suppressed desires of those villagers will also stand fulfilled,” he added.

    According to the Vishva Hindu Parishad, 96-year-old Advani will attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

    “He has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modiji for bringing this moment, building a grand Ram Lala temple and fulfilling his resolution,” a source said referring to Advani’s article for the magazine.

    A copy of the special edition of the magazine with Advani’s article will be shared with all those who will attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, sources added.

  • Ram temple inauguration: Assam CM Sarma slams Congress after party declines invitation

    Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said by declining invitation for Ram temple inauguration in Ayodhya on January 22, Congress party has missed the chance to atone for its past sins. Sarma said that after Uttarakhand and Gujarat, Assam will be the third state to bring a legislation for Uniform Civil Code.

    Sarma while talking to media persons on Thursday said, “Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) knowingly or unknowingly, they have given golden opportunity to Congress leadership to repair some of their sins. Congress has all along fought against Hindu community. VHP has given them an opportunity to repair sins committed against Hindu community and Hindu civilisation.”

    He said, “By not accepting the same Congress now for decades to come will remain an anti-Hindu party. You don’t have to be anti-Muslim, but you should not be anti-Hindu. This tradition was started by Jawaharlal Nehru when he boycotted Somnath temple function, same tradition is continued by the present generation of Congress. In my view they should not have been invited at all, but VHP gave them an opportunity to atone for sins they missed the bus again, I am feeling pity and sadness for them.”Sarma said that Uttarakhand and Gujarat will bring the law of UCC first, Assam will follow them with some modification. “I am waiting for the Uttarakhand bill once I see that, we will bring the bill with local adaptation. We will consider that Assam is working against the child marriage, polygamy, so there will be some Assam’s innovation. In Assam we will exempt the tribal community from the ambit of UCC.”

    A bill to ban polygamy will be introduced in the next session of the Assam assembly to be held in February. Sarma said, “We are working hard to bring the bill.”

    The Assam government had formed an expert committee to study the legislative competence of the Assembly to enact a law banning polygamy, and the report stated that the state legislature is competent to enforce such a ban.The Assam government had invited public comments on proposed law banning polygamy. The government received “strong public support” for its suggestion to ban polygamy in the state, Sarma said earlier, adding that his government will now set in motion the legislative process to enact a law that will make polygamy illegal.“We have received a total of 149 suggestions in response to our public notice. Out of these, 146 suggestions are in favour of the bill, indicating strong public support,” Sarma had said in a tweet on social media platform X. “However, three organisations have expressed their opposition to the bill. We will now proceed to the next stage of the process, which is to complete the final drafting of the bill in the next 45 days.”

  • Ram Mandir inauguration: “People will reject them in upcoming elections,” Anurag Thakur slams Congress

    Union Minister Anurag Thakur slammed the Congress party for declining the invitation to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, scheduled later this month and said that people too will “reject” them in the upcoming elections.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Congress declared that it would skip the massive inauguration ceremony being planned for the Ayodhya Ram Temple, saying it was a “political project” of the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

    “Whenever Congress criticised Sanatana, whenever it insulted Hindus and whenever it questioned the existence of Lord Ram, we all have seen the condition of Congress after that,” Thakur told reporters on Thursday. He further asserted that Congress only boycotts the events, whether it is the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Temple or anything else.

    “Whenever there is a Parliament session, Congress boycotts it. Whenever there is a speech by Modiji, Congress boycotts it. Whenever good work is done, Congress boycotts it. The people of the country will do the same thing by boycotting Congress in the next elections and will show the way out,” he added.

    Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav termed it unfortunate and claimed that the grand old party is insulting the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony.”This is very unfortunate. First, Congress created obstacles in (the construction) of Ram Temple. Now, they are insulting the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. In a way, it has hurt the sentiments of the majority of the population of the country. Congress should apologise,” MP CM said. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said that the grand old party has rejected the invitation to the ‘pran pratishtha’ of Ram Temple, and people too will reject them.

    “This is wrong. They show double standards. They sometimes question the existence of Lord Ram and become ‘Chunavi Sanatani’ at other times…They have rejected the invitation to the ‘pran pratishtha’ of Ram Temple today, people too will reject them,” Chhattisgarh CM said.

    Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said that Congress always questioned the existence of Lord Ram.

    “Congress never looked at Lord Ram from the point of view of reverence, they said that he is imaginary so for them Lord Ram is not the centre of faith. This is an insult to the public sentiments of the country and the public will respond to it in the upcoming elections,” Vijayvargiya told on Thursday.

    Bihar BJP President Samrat Chaudhary also hit out at Congress and said that we are supporters of Sanatana Dharma, when Lord Ram is worshipped, BJP will stand.

    Meanwhile, RJD MP Manoj Jha said that Mahatma Gandhi did not become a devotee of Lord Ram by going to the temple but still he went to heaven.

    “It is wrong to do politics in the name of Lord Ram. There is a direct connection between me and Lord Ram. Gandhi did not become a devotee of Lord Ram by going to the temple, that concept was inside him, and that is why he went to heaven and went saying ‘Hey Ram’,” he added.

    Moreover, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai said that said that all the Congressmen will visit Ayodhya on Makar Sankranti.

    “The name of Ram is the basis of life in this world. This Makar Sankranti, all of us Congressmen will go to Ayodhya from the state headquarters, Lucknow, to have darshan of Ramlala. We will also visit Hanuman Garhi and worship,” Rai posted on X.

    On Wednesday, senior Congress leaders–Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury–‘declined” the invitation for the grand event in Ayodhya.

    “Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has obviously been brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgement and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event,” the Congress said in its statement.

    Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life.

  • ‘RSS-BJP Event’: Congress Says Won’t Attend Ram Temple Inauguration In Ayodhya |

    NEW DELHI: In a major political development, the Congress party on Wednesday said that it has decided to skip the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya slated to be held on January 22. The move, according to a party statement, is attributed to concerns over the event being strategically advanced for electoral gains by the BJP and RSS. ”The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been brought forward for electoral gain,” the statement issued by the Congress party said.

    Congress Leaders Decline Invitation 

    The statement emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to upholding the 2019 Supreme Court judgment while respecting the sentiments of millions who hold Lord Ram in high regard. Notable party figures, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, have gracefully declined the invitation, characterizing the event as distinctly aligned with the RSS and BJP, according to the statement. 

    “Last month, the Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury received an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya to be held on January 22nd, 2024,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in the statement.

    “Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event,” the statement added.

     

    Here is the statement of Shri @Jairam_Ramesh, General Secretary (Communications), Indian National Congress. pic.twitter.com/JcKIEk3afy


    — Congress (@INCIndia) January 10, 2024

     

    Sonia, Kharge, Chowdhury On The Guest List

    Previously invited to the consecration ceremony on January 22, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were individually extended invitations. The ongoing invitation process is expected to include former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, along with various other opposition leaders in the coming days.

    Diverse Guest List Raises Eyebrows

    While the heads of major national political parties have received invitations, chief ministers and governors are notably absent from the list, despite their party leadership roles. The inclusive guest list features figures from various domains, including spiritual leaders, actors, industrialists, and heads of temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Vaishno Devi.

    Advani, Joshi Invited Amid Health Concerns

    In a notable move, the Vishva Hindu Parishad has extended invitations to BJP veterans LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, key figures from the ’90s Ram Mandir movement. Both leaders, now in their nineties, expressed their intent to participate, contingent on their health conditions.

    PM Modi To Attend Idol Installation

    The grand ceremony is set to witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be attending the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla. As per temple officials, the ceremony will be held over seven days starting from January 16. Preparations are underway in full swing for the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ on January 22, which will draw dignitaries and people from all walks of life. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22. 

    Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony. A priest from Varanasi, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. From January 14 to January 22, Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahotsav. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds great spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India.

  • Jackie Shroff, Tiger Shroff Receive Invitation To Attend The Prestigious Ram Mandir Inauguration In Ayodhya

    Actor Jackie Shroff and his family is yet another star honored with invitation to Ayodhya’s Ram mandir inauguration on January 22nd.

  • BREAKING: PM Narendra Modi Writes Letter To Meera Majhi, Sends Gifts For Her Family |

    NEW DELHI: Days after paying a surprise visit to her home in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now written a letter to Meera Majhi and sent gifts for her family, sources said on Wednesday. The Prime Minister extended his goodwill by sending thoughtful gifts to Meera’s family. 

    Gifts From The Prime Minister

    The package included a charming tea-set, a drawing book with a vibrant array of colours, and more, adding a personal touch to the Prime Minister’s gesture. This act of kindness followed PM Modi’s unannounced visit to Meera Manjhi’s residence during his tour of Ayodhya.

    PM Modi’s Ayodhya Tour 

    During the Ayodhya tour, PM Modi inaugurated several key development projects, setting the stage for the grand inauguration of the Ram temple on January 22. Notably, Meera Manjhi, a beneficiary of the Ujjawala scheme, was among the individuals he interacted with during his visit.

     

    #WATCH | Ujjwala Yojana beneficiary Meera expresses her happiness on meeting PM Modi.

    PM Modi had tea at Meera’s house, during his Ayodhya tour today. https://t.co/JsgzsOhHZX pic.twitter.com/RUJwRr6Ojz


    — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2023

     

    Meera Majhi – An Ujjawala Beneficiary In The Spotlight

    Meera Manjhi, residing in Ayodhya with her family, was caught by surprise when the Prime Minister graced her home. As a beneficiary of the 10th crore under the Ujjawala scheme, she shared her experience with reporters. Unaware of the visit, she recounted the Prime Minister’s interest in the benefits derived from the scheme and even her daily cooking routine.

    Warm Exchange At Meera’s Home

    In a heartwarming video shared by news agency ANI, PM Modi could be seen entering Meera’s house. Despite family members attempting to touch his feet, the Prime Minister humbly urged them not to. His visit aimed to connect with the family that represented the monumental 10 crore milestone in gas cylinder distribution.

    Inaugurations And Personal Connections

    PM Modi’s Ayodhya tour included the inauguration of the redeveloped Ayodhya railway station and the flagging off of two Amrit Bharat and six Vande Bharat trains. Meera Manjhi’s home visit was sandwiched between these official ceremonies, showcasing the Prime Minister’s ability to balance formal events with personal connections.

    Awas Scheme And Ujjawala Impact

    During the visit, Meera expressed her gratitude for the Awas scheme, sharing that her family now had a home. She highlighted the positive impact of the Ujjawala scheme, emphasizing the convenience it brought to her life. Cooking on gas not only saved time but also provided her with more quality time to spend with her children.

    In this blend of official duties and personal interactions, PM Modi’s visit to Meera Manjhi’s home stands as a symbol of leadership connected to the grassroots, making a meaningful impact on individual lives.

  • World’s Tallest Statue Of Lord Ram To Be Installed Near Saryu River Bank In Ayodhya |

    New Delhi/Ayodhya: Amid fervent preparations for the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024, a monumental revelation has emerged. An 823-foot-tall statue of Lord Rama, affectionately known as Ram Lalla, is set to adorn the banks of the Saryu River. This colossal sculpture is currently taking shape in a factory in Manesar, Haryana.

    A Divine Vision Unveiled

    As the global gaze remains fixated on the imminent consecration of the divine idol in Ayodhya, the spotlight now shifts to the anticipated manifestation of Lord Rama’s divine form at his sacred birthplace. Renowned sculptor Narender Kumawat from Haryana has been entrusted with the task of crafting this monumental statue, poised to etch its mark in the annals of world records.

    Potential Record For the Tallest Idol

    This colossal masterpiece is slated to grace the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya. If this visionary project comes to fruition, it promises not only to embody Lord Rama’s grandeur but also to stand as the world’s tallest statue, weighing a monumental 13,000 tons.

    Surpassing Heights: A Monumental Feat

    In a realm where heights signify milestones, Ayodhya’s proposed idol, surpassing the current record held by Sardar Patel’s 790-foot statue in Kevadia, Gujarat, could redefine monumental sculptures globally.

    Artistry Beyond Borders

    Highlighting an intriguing aspect, a significant portion – approximately 70-80% – of the statue’s creation occurred in China. Narender Kumawat envisions this statue as a symbol of Swadeshi craftsmanship, subject to final budget approval, potentially becoming the world’s tallest statue entirely crafted within India.

    Narender Kumawat, the visionary artist behind this creation, asserts that beyond its visual grandeur, the statue stands as a testament to his artistic prowess. If funded, this idol not only represents Lord Rama but also claims a spot as the fourth-largest statue globally, following the colossal representation of Lord Shiva in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.

    Crafted from ‘Panch Dhatu’

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already given his approval for the prototype of this divine idol. Crafted from a combination of five sacred metals (‘Panch Dhatu’), the sculpture is estimated to cost around Rs 3,000 Crore to complete. Until the budgetary approval is secured, a 10-foot prototype offers a sneak peek into the monumental masterpiece in the making.

    A Legacy of Artistry

    Narender Kumawat’s artistic influence extends beyond the impending statue. His creative touch is evident in various monumental creations across India, including the hand sculpture at NaMo Ghat in Ayodhya, a statue of Baba Saheb Ambedkar at the Supreme Court of India, and depictions within the new Parliament of India, showcasing his diverse and unparalleled artistic talents.

    PM Modi, 4000 Saints to Attend Event

    Despite controversies, the trust has extended invitations to 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confirmed to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Vedic rituals will commence on January 16, leading up to the main ceremony on January 22.

    Elaborate Preparations For The Jan 22 Event

    Vedic priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit from Varanasi will lead the main rituals, with Ayodhya’s festivities marking the Amrit Mahautsav from January 14 to January 22. A 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will accompany several tent cities in Ayodhya, accommodating devotees. The Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust is preparing for 10,000-15,000 attendees, with local authorities enhancing security and logistical measures for a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.