Sacred Saga - The grand journey to Ram Mandir in Ayodhia

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple is all set to be inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries on Januaer 22nd, 2024.

However, this event is more than just an inauguration. This event is a reminder that embracing cultural differences is the key to a harmonious society and peaceful co-existence.

Let's take a closer look.

A long history of disputes and court cases

Initially a temple was built on the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, one of the most revered Hindu deities. However, the temple was demolished by the Mughal emperor Babur in the 16th century and a mosque was built in its place. The mosque, known as Babri Masjid, stood on the site for centuries until it was demolished in 1992 by Hindu nationalists, triggering widespread violence and communal tensions in the country.

The aftermath

• The demolition resulted in several inter-communal violence between Hindu and Muslim communities
• As estimated 2000 people died in Mumbai alone
• The day after the demolition of Babri Masjid, over 30 Hindu temples across Pakistan were attacked

It's been over 30 years but the scars of this destruction still remain deep in India

Next steps

• In 2003, Archeological Survey of India (ASI) found evidence indicating that the Hindu temple's remains existed on the site.
• In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of disputed land be divided into 3 parts. The case was appealed
• The final judgement was declared by the Supreme Court on November 9th, 2019. The disputed land was to be handed over to a trust to build the Ram temple.

Why is this temple so important?

Because the site is considered to be the traditional birth place of Lord Ram, and it's a Hindu temple that had been destroyed as a result of iconoclasm a few hundred years ago.

Therefore it holds great symbolic emotional resonance for Hindus in contemporary times.

An important lesson of choosing harmony over violence

Many denounced the violence that arose in the tearing down of the Babri Masjid and its aftermath. The destruction of these sacred sites should have never happened in the first place - In the 16th century and in 1992.

Thankfully, the Supreme Court found a way to settle the century long debate by providing both Hindus and Muslims land to rebuild their respective houses of worship.

The nation has waited 500 years for this divine moment. Don't miss it on January 22nd, 2024!