#Ayodhya Dispute

[vitalitybasecamp]

## New Ayodhya Ram Temple, 2023: History behind demolition

## New Ayodhya Ram Temple, 2023: History behind demolition

[massivelyspeedyobject]

What a resemblance

The rise of Hitler and the establishment of his dictatorial regime in Germany is a complex story rooted in the aftermath of World War I, economic turmoil, political instability, and societal discontent. Hitler capitalized on these factors to gain power and impose his authoritarian rule. Post-World War I Germany: After Germany’s defeat in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh…

[mylavenu99]

Latest News, Updates On Ayodhya Ram Mandhir-Ram Janmabhoomi.

Introduction

Rama, who is thought to be the seventh manifestation of the Hindu deity Vishnu, is said to have been born at the location known as Ram Janmabhoomi, which translates to "Birthplace of Rama." According to the Ramayana, Rama was born at a city known as "Ayodhya" on the Sarayu River's banks. Ayodhya now is located in the Uttar Pradesh state of northern India.

Widespread Hindu-Muslim violence broke out in 1992 after Hindu nationalists destroyed the Babri Masjid. The property was the subject of a legal issue that made it to the Indian Supreme Court, which heard cases involving title disputes from August to October 2019. The Supreme Court mandated that the site be given to a trust so that it can erect a Hindu temple by November 9th, 2019.

Opening Date

According to Mr. Rai, Lord Ram should be seated in the sanctum sanctorum by the Makar Sankranti festival in January 2024, with the temple's construction slated to be finished by December 2023.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhumi Poojaceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the Bhumi Poojan ceremony and set the temple's foundation stone on August 5, 2020, following the Supreme Court's decision.

Temple Buid up Area

The area of the temple is 54,700 square feet, or around 2.7 acres. Nearly 70 acres will make up the whole Ram Mandir Complex, which can accommodate a million worshippers at once.

In addition to the 10 acres on which the temple will be erected, a complex containing a prayer hall, a lecture hall, an educational facility, and acres of property.

Temple architect additional amenities like a museum and a restaurant will be developed on 57

Total Budget

It would probably cost between Rs 1,400 crore and Rs 1,800 crore to build the temple. According to representatives of the Ram Janmabhoomi TeerthKshetraNyas, the temple trust is receiving donations totaling between Rs 60 -70 lakh for the construction of the great temple.

Ayodhya Ram MandirProject Construction Company

The trust hired Tata Consulting Engineers as the project manager consultant and Larsen & Toubro as the design & build contractor for the construction of the temple in November 2020. Additional agreements for the construction of the 67-acre temple complex were made with Tata Consulting Engineers and Design Associates Inc. in February 2020.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust

Each of the trust's 15 members must be an active Hindu; there will be 6 nominated members and 9 permanent ones.

Permanent participants

K. Parasaran acted as Shri Ram Lalla Virajmaan's representative.

Four religious leaders from various Indian temples

An official of the Nirmohi Akhara

Two eminent residents of the Ayodhya district, 

one of them is a Dalit

Historical Background:

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is believed to be built at the birthplace of Lord Ram, considered to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The origins of this sacred site trace back to ancient times when Ayodhya was the capital of the mighty Kosala Kingdom. According to the epic Hindu scripture, the Ramayana, Lord Ram was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya.

Dispute at Ayodhya

On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid was demolished during a political rally, sparking rioting across the Indian subcontinent. Many prior attempts were unsuccessful, and one of them resulted in the 1990 Ayodhya gunfire incident.

A further land title case was brought before the Allahabad High Court, and on September 30, 2010, the court issued its decision. Ayodhya's 2.77 acres (1.12 ha) of land will be divided into three portions, with one third going to the Ram Lalla or Infant Rama, as represented by the Vishva Hindu Parishad receives one-third, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board receives one-third, and Nirmohi Akhara, a Hindu religious institution, receives the remaining third.

During site excavation, the Archaeological Survey of India discovered temple ruins, which were eventually presented as proof before the Indian Supreme Court.

The Indian government announced on February 5th, 2020, that a trust called Shri Ram Janmabhoomi TeerthKshetra would be in charge of rebuilding a Ram temple there.Additionally, it designated a different location in Dhannipur, Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque to replace the Babri Masjid, which was destroyed in 1992.

Babri Masjid (Mosque of Babur)

Babur, the first Mughal emperor of India, established the Mughal empire. The Babri Masjid (also known as "Babur's Mosque") is thought to have been constructed in 1528 on his orders by one of his generals, Mir Baqi. The East India Company's surveyor Francis Buchanan said that he discovered an inscription on the mosque walls that attested to this reality in 1813–1814, which gave rise to the widespread notion. He also documented the local legend that the mosque was constructed by emperor Aurangzeb (r. 1658–1707) following the destruction of a Rama temple.

The construction of a mosque at Ayodhya or the destruction of a temple for it are not mentioned in Babur's painstakingly detailed life journal, The Baburnama. Neither do his contemporaneous Hindu poet-saint Tulsidas' epic poem Ramcharitmanas, which is devoted to the Hindu god Rama, nor his grandson Akbar's court documents, the Ain-i-Akbari.

The "mosque-temple" is reported to have been a place of prayer for both Muslims and Hindus, with Hindus praying outside the mosque but still inside the courtyard. To avoid disagreements, a British governor had a railing built between the two districts in 1857. The argument began in 1949, following India's independence, when a Ram idol was erected within the mosque.

Page URL: https://www.bigproperty.in/blog/latest-news-updates-on-ayodhya-ram-mandhir-ram-janmabhoomi/

Title:Latest News, Updates On Ayodhya Ram Mandhir-Ram Janmabhoomi

[iamadarshbadri]

The Magnificent Ram Mandir and the Indian Democracy

There is something extraordinary about India. One such occasion—there are far too many—was the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. Well, you might wonder what makes it so unique. The commotion surrounding the occasion was rather unusual. At the function, the leader of the right-wing cadre-based organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), known for its open antagonism…

[shehzadi]

hindutva are celebrating the construction of a temple today (22.01.24) in ayodhya, uttar pradesh on the ruins of babri masjid, a mosque they destroyed in 1992. one of the common disputes around it is the existence of a temple before the masjid. the most extreme hindu nationalists don’t care either way because they just want mosques destroyed. the more liberal types dig up ‘proof’ of temple remains as if that justifies the violence muslims are facing centuries later.

[mariacallous]

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram temple in Ayodhya in the key northern state of Uttar Pradesh in January in hopes it would earn him a massive victory in the national election that concluded in June. That didn’t happen—at least not to the extent that Modi, his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and their ideological fountainhead Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) expected.

In what has widely been described as a shock result, the BJP won merely 240 seats in the 543-seat parliament, after setting a target of 400 seats. Modi has formed a government but only with support from other parties.

Like any election result, the outcome had multiple causes that will take time to fully sort out. But one thing is already clear: Modi failed in his long-running bid to homogenize India’s Hindus across castes and cultures and consolidate their vote for his political benefit.

In 2014, Modi came to power on the back of religious nationalism and security issues, and he continued that trend in 2019. This year, in the absence of any urgent security threat from regional rival Pakistan and rising concerns over unemployment, inflation, and authoritarianism, Modi banked on the RSS’s homogenization strategy.

The Ram temple was built on a site long disputed with Muslims, where a 16th-century mosque stood until December 1992, when a group of Hindu nationalists razed it to the ground allegedly on the BJP’s provocation. Experts said the BJP had envisaged the temple would instill pride in Hindus, feed their Muslim animosity, and bring them under the Hindu umbrella to choose Modi.

Even though, by and large, the Hindu community seemed to have been pleased with the inauguration of the temple, that didn’t translate into votes for Modi across the Hindu hierarchy. Instead, the results exposed the weaknesses of the homogenization exercise.

Hartosh Singh Bal, an Indian journalist and the executive editor of the Caravan, said there is “diversity in Hinduism” and the election results prove that it can’t be “papered over by directing attention and hatred outwards” toward Muslims. This election proves that “Hindus are not a monolith” and that “various segments of Hinduism have a successful chance of taking on the BJP,” he added in reference to tactical voting by lower castes in Uttar Pradesh against the BJP.

Karthick Ram Manoharan, a political scientist at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, said that in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India with the second-biggest economy in the country, the BJP did not win a single seat out of a total of 39.

“Hindus are the absolute majority in Tamil Nadu, but they still mostly vote for the secular Dravidian parties,” Manoharan said in reference to local parties that have emerged out of social movements opposed to an upper-caste Hindu order that the BJP and RSS have been long accused of nurturing and propagating.

In March, just a month before voting began, I witnessed saffron-colored flags expressing support for Modi’s party jutting out from rooftops and windows in tightly packed homes in western Uttar Pradesh. Some people I spoke to said that BJP workers had decided to adorn the neighborhoods as they pleased, but underneath the flag-waving, a large-scale discontent was brewing over a lack of employment opportunities.

The upper-caste youth seemed confused, if not yet disenchanted, with Modi and in the absence of industry and strong local economies once again mourned the loss of government jobs to affirmative action. (The Indian Constitution reserves almost half of all state jobs for people from lower castes and others who confront a generational disadvantage and historical discrimination.)

Meanwhile, Dalits, who sit at the bottom of India’s Hindu hierarchy, in hamlets nearby who depend on the quota for their dignity and livelihood were quietly recalibrating their options. The mood was starkly different from 2014 and 2019 when I visited some of the Dalit-dominated parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh. Back then, Dalits I met were upbeat and decisively pro-Modi. They said they supported him since they believed that he might raise their stature in the Hindu hierarchy.

But 10 years later, they suspected the BJP was plotting to weaken the constitution, the only assurance of rights for marginalized communities in a country where upper-caste Hindus continue to hold social capital and economic power.

Recent comments by BJP leaders that if Modi won 400 seats, he would change the constitution spread anxiety among lower castes that the party intended to scrap the reservation system. The BJP repeatedly denied this, but the suspicion that it is first a party for upper-caste Hindus is deep-rooted among lower castes, and experts believe the comments were part of the BJP’s political strategy.

“They were testing the waters to see what would be the reaction,” said Sushil Kumar Pandey, an assistant professor of history at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow and the author of Caste and Politics in Democracy.

“The opposition picked it up and campaigned on it, telling people a change in the constitution could mean losing your livelihood, your jobs,” Pandey added. “That worked at a time [when] people were also scared of privatization” and in government-run sectors.

For Dalits, it was about more than jobs. The Indian Constitution is nearly worshipped by the community and celebrated en masse on the birth anniversary of the Indian intellectual who wrote it. B.R. Ambedkar was no fan of Ram and advocated against the caste discrimination inherent in Hinduism all his life, even converting to Buddhism when he felt there was no escaping caste-based prejudice. While he couldn’t annihilate the caste system, he ensured that the constitution offered lower castes a quota in government jobs to gradually uplift them.

In his honor, and as an ode to the progressive document, Dalits sing songs in praise of the constitution and hail it as the upholder of their dignity in a society where they continue to be belittled. Any change to the text was unacceptable. “Their cultural identity is linked to this book,” said Ravish Kumar, a journalist and the host of a popular YouTube news show.

In the south, too, there was a fear of culturally being subsumed by a Hindi-speaking upper-caste elite. Indian federal units, or states, were defined in the 1950s on the basis of language, and to this day south Indians identify themselves on the basis of the language they speak. The Ram temple had no resonance in the southern states, particularly in electorally significant Tamil Nadu, with the highest number of seats regionally. Tamils were wary that the RSS’s homogenization agenda would drown out their cultural ethos and impose a secondary status on the Tamil language.

Manoharan, the political scientist, said that in Tamil Nadu, it was “not so much religious but fear of cultural homogeneity” and “a language policy which will give importance to Hindi speakers over Tamil speakers and upper-caste Tamils over other backward castes.”

In a state where “88 percent people come from so-called lower castes” and “69 percent have jobs under affirmative action through a special act,” people were also extremely worried that the BJP may “water down” the employment quota promised in the constitution, Manoharan added.

The southern Indian states have a longer history of resistance to upper-caste domination, a higher literacy rate, better economies, and a tradition of secular politics. While the BJP maintained its tally of 29 seats from the last election, it is being seen as a poor result considering the inroads the RSS has made in the south.

For instance, in the southwestern state of Kerala, the RSS has more than 5,000 shakhas, or branches, second in number only to Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state—yet “despite the fact that the RSS has thousands of training grounds in Kerala, they are unable to get influence,” said K.M. Sajad Ibrahim, a professor of political science at University of Kerala. “That’s because while religion is important, communal harmony is more important to people here. BJP tries to create tensions, and that doesn’t work here.”

The BJP managed to gain one seat for the first time in Kerala, but that isn’t being attributed to its ideological success or expansion of homogenization project but to the winning candidate’s personal appeal. Suresh Gopi, the winning candidate, is a popular movie star.

In many states in the Hindi belt and even in the south, the BJP did well. The upper castes and urban voters are standing firmly behind Modi. Kumar, the journalist, said it would be foolhardy to dismiss Modi—and the bigger Hindutva, or Hindu nationalist, forces backing him—just yet. He said Hindutva hasn’t lost and only faced a setback. “The BJP was trying to dominate caste politics with Hindutva,” he said, “but the election result shows that dominance has cracked.” However, he added, “it has only cracked—the ideology still has wide-scale acceptance.”

Everyone else Foreign Policy spoke to concurred but added that Hindus are far too diverse to be homogenized. Manoharan said the results exposed the weakness of the homogenization agenda and its faulty premise. “Hindutva’s aim for homogeneity is confounded precisely by a structural feature of the religion-culture it seeks to defend—caste,” he said.

[rammandirayodhya]

“Ram Mandir Ayodhya”

Let's talk about the beauty of India – “Ram Mandir Ayodhya”.

The story of Ram Mandir dates back to ancient times when Ayodhya was the capital of the mighty kingdom of Kosala. The revered epic, Ramayana, chronicles Rama's life, his exile, and the triumph of good over evil in the form of the demon king Ravana. Ram Mandir - the living testament to the confluence of history, devotion, and the collective heartbeat of a nation. This sacred sanctuary, arising from the dust of centuries, is not just a place of worship but a symphony of stories etched into the very soul of India. The journey towards the construction of this magnificent temple is woven into the very fabric of India's rich cultural tapestry, blending history, religion, and the collective consciousness of millions.

"The Melody of Ages: Echoes of Timeless Tales within the Sacred Halls of the Ram Mandir Ayodhya"

Travel back in time to the days of the illustrious Kosala kingdom, with Ayodhya as its pulsating heart. Here, the epic of Lord Rama unfolded, a saga written across the skies and etched into the very earth upon which the Ram Mandir now stands. The Ramayana, that timeless scripture, narrates the divine odyssey of Rama, his trials, and the eventual triumph of virtue over vice. Ayodhya's spiritual gravity, rooted in the belief that the temple site is the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, has beckoned pilgrims and seekers for centuries. This hallowed ground, now adorned by the resplendent Ram Mandir, echoes with the footsteps of those who sought solace in the embrace of devotion. The significance of Ayodhya in the Ramayana laid the foundation for the belief that the very spot where the temple stands today is the birthplace of Lord Rama. Over the centuries, Ayodhya became a symbol of devotion for millions of Hindus worldwide, fostering a deep spiritual connection to the Ram Janmabhoomi.

"Endurance Through Time: Tracing the Centuries-Long Struggle Leading to the Ram Mandir Ayodhya"

The narrative of the Ram Janmabhoomi also carries the weight of centuries of struggle and disputes. The Babri Masjid, built in the 16th century, stood on the same site, leading to a complex and emotionally charged legal and social battle. Decades of legal wrangling reached a pivotal moment in 2019 when the Supreme Court rendered a verdict in favor of constructing the Ram Mandir, a decision that recognized the sentiments of millions and sought to heal historical wounds.

"Sculpting Divinity: Exploring the Architectural Marvels and Spiritual Essence of the Ram Mandir"

The Ram Mandir isn't just a temple; it's a masterpiece of architectural poetry. The design of the Ram Mandir is a harmonious blend of architectural brilliance and spiritual symbolism. Its three-storied splendor is a canvas painted with intricate carvings, soaring domes, and spires that seem to touch the heavens. The sanctum sanctorum cradles the divine family – Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman – in an ethereal embrace. Wander through the temple complex, and you'll be mesmerized by sculptures breathing life into the Ramayana. Each intricately carved scene tells a story, inviting devotees and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Rama's journey. The temple complex also features captivating sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana, inviting devotees to relive the epic saga of Rama. The sacredness of the site is enhanced by the serene surroundings, creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to prayer and contemplation.

"A Symbol of Unity: The Ram Mandir Ayodhya, Bridging Hearts and Faiths in a Tapestry of Harmony"

The construction of the Ram Mandir has been a unifying force for the nation, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. The Ram Mandir, rising from the heart of Ayodhya, is more than an architectural marvel – it is a beacon of unity. Its construction serves as a reminder that within the varied threads of India's cultural fabric, there exists a harmonious tapestry. It exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging for people of all faiths. The dedication of the temple to the ideals of Lord Rama, such as righteousness, justice, and compassion, sends a powerful message of unity in diversity. The temple transcends religious boundaries, inviting people from all walks of life to partake in the divine aura that permeates the air. The Ram Mandir Ayodhya stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, the resilience of a nation, and the ability to overcome centuries of challenges. As pilgrims and wanderers alike embark on a pilgrimage to Ayodhya, they are greeted not just by stone and mortar but by the living essence of the Ram Mandir. It is not merely a structure of stone and mortar; it is a living embodiment of the values that have shaped the cultural landscape of India for millennia. It is a sanctuary where the past dances with the present, where devotion intertwines with heritage, and where the melody of unity resonates through the ages. In the shadows of this sacred abode, Ayodhya continues to weave its tales, inviting all to be a part of its eternal narrative. As pilgrims and tourists alike flock to Ayodhya to witness this architectural marvel, they partake in a journey through history, mythology, and the unwavering spirit of devotion that defines the essence of the Ram Mandir.

Now let's talk about the spritual date for all Hindus! and Ram Bhakts 22nd January 2024

"The Unveiling of Ram Mandir Ayodhya on January 22nd, 2024"

First let me tell you something is that we are the luckiest generation that we are witnessing many years struggle of our ancestors coming to end. 22nd January 2024 is a memorable day for everyone. On the auspicious day of January 22, 2024, the spiritual landscape of Ayodhya witnessed a historic moment that reverberated through the hearts of millions – the grand opening of the Ram Mandir. After decades of legal and societal debates, the culmination of the construction process marked a significant milestone in the religious and cultural history of India. Devotees, dignitaries, and people from all walks of life gathered in Ayodhya to witness the inauguration ceremony. The air was thick with anticipation and reverence as the doors of the Ram Mandir swung open, revealing a breathtaking architectural marvel. The three-storied structure, adorned with intricate carvings and symbolic representations from the Ramayana, stood as a testament to both faith and craftsmanship.

The sanctum sanctorum, the heart of the temple, housed the divine idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. Pilgrims and visitors alike marveled at the spiritual aura enveloping the sacred space, where centuries of devotion found a tangible expression.

The opening of the Ram Mandir was not merely a religious event; it was a moment of unity and harmony. People from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate the cultural heritage woven into the very fabric of Ayodhya. The resonance of hymns and prayers echoed through the city, carrying with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation united in reverence for Lord Rama.

[jobaaj]

The 500-year wait is over! Lord Ram is home!! Check out the full timeline:🔽🔽 - 1528: According to the history books, Babur's general Mir Baq was in charge of constructing the Babri masjid at the place where Lord Ram was born. The old temple was destroyed to construct the mosque.

- 1530-65: Unverified reports suggest communal violence over the Mandir-Masjid debate and Akbar, the then Mughal ruler, set up a common platform for worship. - 1853-85: After almost 330 years, communal violence erupts again. The British Empire sets up partitions and Mahant Das’s plea to build a canopy above the platform is denied. - 1949: The turning point comes when the idol of Lord Ram appears from inside the mosque. According to Muslims, the idol was placed inside the mosque by a radical Hindu outfit. As both parties file multiple lawsuits, the situation gets more complicated.

- 1950-61: Multiple lawsuits are filed and other parties join the fray with both sides claiming the land as theirs. - 1983-1989: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) starts a nationwide move to build a temple and legal tensions flare up. Muslims set up the Babri Masjid Committee and the former VP of the VHP files a suit on behalf of Lord Ram to get possession and the first stone for the temple is laid. - 1990: BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani’s Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya saw thousands of volunteers march as they partially damaged the mosque in a scuffle that left scores dead. - 1992: The bloodiest event in the Mandir-Masjid dispute as Hindu volunteers demolish the mosque and a bloody battle erupts throughout the nation. Over 2,000 were reported dead. A small tent is set up where the idol is placed for worship. - 2002: PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee sets up an Ayodhya cell and the Allahabad HC judges begin determining ownership of the site. - 2003: The Archaeological Survey of India begins surveying the area and a survey reveals the existence of a temple’s remains beneath the mosque. Muslims challenge the findings as tensions continue. - 2010: The disputed land is split into 3 parts where one went to the Hindus, another to the Muslims, and the final one to the Nirmohi Akhara. - 2011: All 3 parties approach the Supreme Court to challenge the Allahabad HC’s judgment and the SC issues a stay on the order. - 2015-18: The SC removes all irrelevant parties from the lawsuit as the matter gets more sensitive during that time. - 2019: After a failed mediation attempt, a five-judge bench announces a judgment in favor of the Hindus, and the Muslims are allotted 5 acres for the construction of another mosque. - 2020: PM Narendra Modi lays the foundation stone for the construction alongside a commemorative plaque and a special postage stamp. - 22nd January 2024: The temple is officially consecrated and Lord Ram, who has been in a tent since 1992, is unveiled for worship in a state-of-the-art temple. Follow Jobaaj Stories (the Media arm of Jobaaj.com Group) for more.

[blognaturallife]

https://www.naturallife365.com/why-indias-new-ram-temple-is-so-important

Why India’s New Ram Temple Is So Important?

On the historic day of January 22, 2024, amidst chants of ancient hymns and jubilant cheers echoing through the air, India witnessed a momentous event that reverberated across the nation and beyond its borders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood before a grand assembly in the sacred city of Ayodhya, marking the inauguration of a long-awaited symbol of faith and devotion: the magnificent Ram Temple.

For generations, the city of Ayodhya has been enshrined in the hearts and minds of millions as the birthplace of Lord Ram, a revered figure in Hindu mythology and a symbol of righteousness, compassion, and divinity. However, Ayodhya's history has been marred by centuries of discord and contention, particularly surrounding the site where the Ram Temple now stands.

The journey to the construction of the Ram Temple has been a tumultuous one, punctuated by legal battles, political debates, and deeply entrenched religious sentiments. The site, once occupied by the Babri Masjid, became a flashpoint for communal tensions, culminating in its destruction in 1992 and igniting one of the most contentious disputes in modern Indian history.

After decades of legal deliberation and societal upheaval, the Indian judiciary finally rendered a landmark verdict in 2019, paving the way for the construction of the Ram Temple on the disputed site. The subsequent years saw meticulous planning, fervent dedication, and unwavering resolve as the dream of millions gradually took shape in the form of a magnificent architectural marvel.

As Prime Minister Modi ceremoniously laid the foundation stone and inaugurated the grand edifice, he not only marked the culmination of a long-standing aspiration but also ushered in a new era of hope, unity, and spiritual rejuvenation for the nation. The significance of India's New Ram Temple extends far beyond its architectural splendor; it embodies the resilience of faith, the triumph of justice, and the enduring spirit of a nation bound by its shared heritage and beliefs.

In this blog, we delve into the multifaceted importance of India's New Ram Temple, exploring its historical roots, cultural significance, religious symbolism, and contemporary implications. Join me on a journey through time and tradition as we unravel the profound significance of this monumental endeavor and its enduring impact on the fabric of Indian society.

[giucomix]

Part of why I follow what's going on with hindu nationalism is, obviously, that I think fascism is bad and people shouldn't suffer. Part of it is just pure curiosity, admittedly. Part of it is that I feel like it's something underlooked and underreported. Part of it is that I stumbled on the Ayodhya dispute specifically due to my interest in the statue of ram (which isnt even close to completion, and also i cant care to see anymore after finding out its part of the hindutva project), and then I just started keeping up with the story, eventually finding out it was an extremely important moment for hindutva. Part of it is that I think it's important to follow what a genocidal religious nationalist government does in the most populous country in the world - at the moment, I'm not afraid it's going to ever hurt me, but it's just horrible to see

[petalssunwards]

Written for @flufftober Day 6: Candles, Light and Fairylights.

I know it is meant to be the fluffiest setting, but it reminded me of Diwali and I had a big brain idea of writing about the first Diwali. The welcoming of Ram-Sita in Ayodha. And then it became more of a angst-fest! Sorry?

 . . . . . . .

Inhaling the scent of his beloved homeland was like being wrapped in the lovely embrace of his mothers. Ram could hear the drums from the river’s other side, and the music helped him walk a little faster. His brother, Bharat, was waiting with a boat for them, causing whispers to break out in the vanaras following him. He could understand their awe. He had had to assassinate their king because of the dispute between brothers. However, his younger brother had waited for him instead of ascending the throne.

Bharat ran towards them once he spotted them and bent to touch Ram’s feet. He felt Sita stiffening behind him when Bharat touched her feet, but he ignored it for now. Laxman embraced Bharat, clapping him on the back. Ram felt a weight on his shoulders lessen; he was home amongst the family after fourteen long years.

It was the longest boat ride, Ram thought, even though it was filled with the light chatter amongst his vanara warriors and Bharat’s soldiers. Bharat was talking about how well Laxman’s twin, Shatrughna, had handled the day-to-day duties in Ayodhya, but Ram’s attention was fixed on his quiet wife. 

Sita was intently looking at her reflection in the water, her eyes full of unshed, angry tears. The dark circles under her fair skin were pronounced, drawing attention to her swollen eyes. Her hands balled into fists when she felt her gaze and folded into herself more. Her bangles made a clinking sound, reminding him of the discord between them. He missed the time when her cheeks sported a lovely blush and he could tease her about it. He missed her warm smiles and her lilting voice whenever they talked. 

They hadn’t really talked since he won the war against Ravana, not really. Mostly he had thrown baseless accusations at her and asked her to prove her fidelity because, otherwise, everyone would accuse him of being susceptible to a pretty face. He knew, logically, as the future king he had to put the opinions of his subjects before his own and Sita would understand it. However, he knew he wouldn’t be forgiven, not after informing her he had crossed the seas and waged a war because her kidnapping was a slight on his reputation. It might have been appropriate behavior in front of the army, but was it worth the dimming happiness in her eyes?

She had fallen apart when he had declared that with Ravana slain; she was free to go since he wouldn’t recognize their bond anymore. He knew the king was to put a rock on his own heart, but that had been equivalent to shattering the glass into a thousand pieces with a boulder.

Once she proved him wrong, he had apologized profusely. He had proclaimed he always knew she was innocent and the only reason he had to question it was public opinion. He had announced to the world how she was the only woman he would ever love and how he had drowned in sorrows until he saw her again. Sita had smiled, touched his feet, and asked Laxman if he was alright after the war. In front of an audience, she had been the dutiful wife. Sticking to his left as expected, a striking queen just like a bright lightning against the blue sky. However, in private, she hadn’t deigned him with a single glance, nor let him explain. Those beautiful lotus-shaped eyes had always been glued to the floor when they were alone.

He had missed her so much. Her being next to him was a soothing balm after such a long separation. She had always been his own escape, letting him be whatever he needed. Ironic, how the only relationship that never expected from him had crumbled under the weight of expectations heaped on him by the world. She had been so confidant following him to the exile, stating she would never let the bond between them suffer, no matter what happened. It was her strength, her belief in him that had inspired him to build a bridge across the ocean and kill the kidnapper who had dared to separate them. Ram-Sita had meant to be a unit, forever and always. How he longed to run to her and hug her when she had seen her thin frame in Lanka. He wanted to touch her and ensure she was real; she wouldn’t vanish like she had been disappearing in his nightmares. But no, the moral obligations of the king had trumped the pining husband.

He still dreamt about their happy days, the soft jingling of her anklets whenever she walked towards him. Doe-eyes looking at him with adoration and his name falling off of those soft lips with admiration. He missed the feeling of silky hair as he braided them with beautiful flowers and the contrast of her fair hand in his dark one. Remembered when their nights were filled with conversations and melodious laughter not his longing yearning glances, heartfelt regrets, and her untrusting, suffocating silence. He wished she would shout at him instead, because while he deserved it, her taciturnity hurt a lot more. He was ready for any trial, if only it would allow him to have her in his arms again.

When the boat reached Ayodhya, the sounds of other instruments joined drumbeats. The auspicious notes were welcome after listening to conches, cymbals and trumpets throughout the war. It brought back the days when his life revolved around keeping his family happy. A decorated chariot was waiting for them, along with half of the citizens. Bards were singing in honoring the dutiful son, the dutiful warrior, the dutiful brother, the dutiful protector, the dutiful king…

They showered Sita with a lot of praise for her perseverance, waiting for him to rescue her from the clutches of the vilest monster imaginable. She had been simmering with rage from the second she had boarded the chariot and if he didn’t know she was a daughter of earth, he would have assumed she was a fire-born. Earlier, she had withdrawn her hand from him as if his mere touch burned her. Even though Laxman had never outright said anything, Ram could read him well. His lingering worried gaze on Sita, flickering between regret and sorrow versus the concerned, angry, and sometimes disapproving glances thrown at him, was enough to prove not much had escaped his observant brother. Ram wished Laxman could be spared from the drama, but Laxman had always followed him through thick and thin.

The city was rejoicing. They had found happiness after fourteen years. Hundreds of saffron motifs were shining in the light of lanterns hanging outside every door. Every town square, alley, and the shop front were decorated with brightly colored lamps, illuminating the city. The celebration was in a full swing, with people distributing sweets and setting off fireworks. Ayodhya was ready for a new beginning, a brand-new start with a leader at its helm.

Suddenly the love of citizens felt suffocating, no longer a comfortable blanket but a heavy burden. They would want him to be always perfect and he was deeply flawed. On his previous coronation day, Sita had held his hand and reassured him he would be the greatest king. She had teased him relentlessly about bringing her a co-wife and then promised him she would never be jealous. Her heart was big enough to accept his love for them both. But this time around, he wasn’t so sure about her support.

He dared a glance at her, hoping she might remember that light-hearted conversation. She was lost in her own thoughts, and he wanted to smooth out the small frown on her forehead. Her eyes roamed over the ecstatic people, the shining city, and the royal palace. She squeezed his hand once and pulled away again. Her expression was more of a frown than a smile, but it was a slight gesture of comfort… 

Stars in the moonless sky contrasted beautifully with the orange glow of the city, giving it the appearance of the fabled city of the gods. Sita to his left and a hope of her forgiveness was heaven enough for him.

[citizenrecord]

Seek Lord Ram's Forgiveness, Because…": PM Modi On Ayodhya Temple

Addressing the large gathering after the 'pran pratistha' rituals at the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, "Our Ram has finally arrived." "I have come before you are witnessing the divine consciousness in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. There's so much to say but, but there's a lump in my throat. After unprecedented patience, innumerable sacrifices and penance, our Lord Ram has arrived. I congratulate the country on this occasion," the Prime Minister said.

Ram Lalla, he said, will "no longer live in a tent". Saying that this moment of consecration is a blessing from Lord Ram, he said January 22 is "not a date on a calendar, but the dawn of a new era".

Equating the consecration ceremony with breaking free of a mindset of slavery, he said it is a blessing that we are alive to witness this historic event. "Even after thousands of years, people will remember this date, moment. It is Ram's supreme blessings that we are witnessing it," he said. He also sought forgiveness from the deity and said there must have been some lapse because of which it took so long to reach this point.

Saying that "Ram's existence was questioned", the Prime Minister said, "In India's Constitution, in its first page, there's Lord Ram. I thank the Supreme Court for maintaining the dignity of law."

Some people, he said, had warned that the construction of the Ram Temple will light a fire. "Such people could not understand the purity of India's social consciousness. The construction of this temple of Ram Lalla is also a symbol of the Indian society's peace, patience and mutual harmony. We can see this has not given birth to a fire, but an energy," he said.

"Ram is not a fire, he is an energy. Ram is not a dispute, he is a solution. Ram is not just ours, he is everyone's," the Prime Minister said, adding, "Today, we did not just see the pran pratishtha of Ram Lalla's idol, but also the pran pratishtha of the unbreakable unity of India."

Laying down a vision for the country's development in the future, the Prime Minister said, "Ram's temple has been built. Now what? Every citizen's consciousness should extend from dev (god) to desh (country) and from Ram to rashtra (nation)."

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 8.5 (after 1980)

1981 – President Ronald Reagan fires 11,359 striking air-traffic controllers who ignored his order for them to return to work. 1984 – A Biman Bangladesh Airlines Fokker F27 Friendship crashes on approach to Zia International Airport, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing all 49 people on board. 1995 – Yugoslav Wars: The city of Knin, Croatia, a significant Serb stronghold, is taken by Croatian forces during Operation Storm. The date is celebrated in Croatia as Victory Day. 2003 – A car bomb explodes in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta outside the Marriott Hotel killing 12 and injuring 150. 2008 – The New England Revolution win the 2008 North American SuperLiga final against the Houston Dynamo. 2010 – The Copiapó mining accident occurs, trapping 33 Chilean miners approximately 2,300 ft (700 m) below the ground for 69 days. 2010 – Ten members of International Assistance Mission Nuristan Eye Camp team are killed by persons unknown in Kuran wa Munjan District of Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. 2012 – The Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting took place in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, killing six victims; the perpetrator committed suicide after being wounded by police. 2015 – The Environmental Protection Agency at Gold King Mine waste water spill releases three million gallons of heavy metal toxin tailings and waste water into the Animas River in Colorado. 2019 – The revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (state) occurred and the state was bifurcated into two union territories (Jammu and Kashmir (union territory) and Ladakh). 2020 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the 'Bhoomi Pujan' or land worship ceremony and lays the foundation stone of Rama Mandir in Ayodhya after a Supreme Court verdict ruling in favour of building the temple on disputed land. 2021 – Australia's second most populous state Victoria enters its sixth COVID-19 lockdown, enacting stage four restrictions statewide in reaction to six new COVID-19 cases recorded that morning.

[dailyhogwartsgazette]

Revised NCERT Textbook: Changes in the Ayodhya Dispute Section

The latest NCERT Class 12 Political Science textbook has introduced significant revisions in its section on the Ayodhya dispute. These changes, aimed at reflecting recent developments and providing a balanced perspective, have sparked discussions among educators and students. Key Revisions The revised textbook now refers to the Babri Masjid as a “three-domed structure” rather than by its…