Lord Ram living in tents gets a home after centuries: Modi at Ayodhya

A long wait that has lasted for centuries ends today and a grand temple will now be built for infant Lord Ram who has been living in temporary tents for years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday (August 5) after performing the bhoomi pujan of the Ram Temple here.

“Every heart is illuminated; it is an emotional moment for the entire country. A long wait ends today. A grand temple will now be built for our Ram Lalla who had been living under a tent for many years,” Modi said.

Beginning his speech with ‘Jai Shri Ram’, the prime minister said the temple will not only reflect the rich heritage of Indian culture, but will also become the symbol of the devotion of Indian people and “our national sentiment.”

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“Many people made sacrifices for the Ram temple. I pay my respects to all of them,” the prime minister said after the ground-breaking ceremony of the temple at the spot where many devout Hindus believe Lord Ram was born.

He said there have been attempts to eradicate Lord Ram’s existence, but despite that “he lives in our hearts and is the basis of our culture.”

“Today Ram Janmabhoomi breaks free from the cycle of breaking and getting built again, a process which has been going on for centuries,” the prime minister said.

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The construction of the Ram temple, Modi said, is also an instrument to unite the country. “The Ram temple construction will lift the economy of the entire region,” Modi said.

“We’ll have to remember that whenever mankind believed in Lord Ram, progress took place. Whenever we deviated from path, doors to destruction opened. We’ll have to keep everyone’s sentiments in mind. We’ve to ensure everyone’s development with support and trust of all,” the prime minister said.

The prime minister also unveiled a plaque and released a commemorative postal stamp on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils the plaque of #RamMandir in #Ayodhya. President of Ram Mandir Trust Mahant Nitya Gopal Das, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, UP Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat also present with him. pic.twitter.com/BLExodooMz

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Modi who stepped on the soil of Ayodhya after 29 years, was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on his arrival.

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Before the function to lay the foundation stone of the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, marking the end of the BJP’s Ram Mandir movement that defined its politics for three decades and took it to the heights of power, the prime minister took part in prayers at the Hanuman Garhi temple. From there, he travelled to the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi where he performed prayers at the Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman. He also planted a Parijat (Indian night jasmine) sapling.

(With inputs from agencies)