Ram Lalla consecrated at Ayodhya temple; advent of a new era, says PM

Ayodhya: An idol of the new Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple on Monday, a landmark event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who also gave a clarion call to go beyond the grand mandir's construction to build the foundation of a "strong, capable and divine" India of the next 1,000 years.

As the inauguration of the temple marked the culmination of a decades-long campaign, mostly under the Hindutva banner, to reclaim a disputed religious site in Ayodhya, Modi said it was the advent of a new era.

Lakhs of people watched the ‘pran pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony on television at their homes and in neighbourhood temples, savouring the historic moment just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Army helicopters showered flower petals on the new-age architectural marvel as the consecration ceremony was underway.

The consecration rituals began from the Saryu river banks on January 16 and were completed Monday afternoon.

The first phase of the temple built by a trust has so far cost Rs 1,100 crore. The temple complex is expected to open for public on Tuesday.

"January 22, 2024 is not merely a date in the calendar but heralds the advent of a new era," Modi said shortly after he performed a series of rituals in the ‘garbhagriha' – the sanctum sanctorum. "

Today, our Ram has arrived. After a long wait for ages, our Ram has arrived. Our Ram Lalla will no longer live in a tent. Our Ram Lalla will stay in a magnificent temple," Modi said in his address to a large number of invitees.

"Ayodhya is asking us all, every devotee of Ram, every Indian as to the next course of action as the grand temple of Shri Ram has been built. What next? We have to from today, from this sacred moment lay the foundation of India of the next 1,000 years. Going beyond the temple's construction, we all Indians take a pledge to build a strong, capable, grand and divine India."

In remarks aimed at critics, Modi said some people used to say that the Ram temple's construction would set off a fire in the country and asked them to reconsider their views.

"I would urge those people to rethink. Ram is not fire but energy, Ram is not dispute but solution, Ram is not merely ours but of everyone and Ram is not only the present but also eternal, he said, adding the temple is also a symbol of peace, patience, harmony and amity in Indian society."

The ceremony took place in the presence of UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.Bhagwat said Ram Rajya is coming and everyone in the country should shun disputes and stay united.

The new idol depicts Ram at the age of five, and was carved from black stone by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj.

It was draped in a yellow dhoti, and adorned with stone-studded jewellery and flowers in shades of red, yellow and purple.

Many Hindus believe that the mosque was constructed after the demolition of a temple that existed on the site of Lord Ram's birthplace.

Kar sewaks demolished it on December 6, 1992 triggering communal riots that left hundreds dead. (PTI)