Prime Minister laid the foundation of Ram Mandir at ‘Ram Janmabhoomi’ in

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated millions of Indians, earnestly waiting for this occasion, saying “Shriram is the honour of India. Shriram has superhuman virtues. Today, the ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ (Foundation stone laying ceremony) for a grand temple was performed in Ayodhya at the Ram Janmabhoomi (Birthplace of Ram) site. This temple will become the symbol of eternal Indian belief and national spirit.” At the same time, Lord Shriram has given the message ‘भय बिनु न होई प्रीत’ (Bhay Binu Na hoi Preet, meaning fear commands obedience). Prime Minister made a suggestive statement that as per this message given by Lord Shriram, India will become mightier and will keep everyone in its awe to ensure good behaviour.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Ram Mandir to be built in Ayodhya. The entire city of Ayodhya was decorated like a bride, with flowers and flags. On Tuesday evening, thousands of lamps were lit to celebrate Deepotsav (Festive lighting). Special invites had already started reaching Ayodhya for the last two days. Only selected dignitaries were invited in view of the Coronavirus pandemic. But many other eminent people attended the ceremony via virtual media. Not only from India, but millions of people worldwide experienced the celebration through news channels. The ceremony was watched live by millions in the United States, Israel and the European countries. The Ram Mandir ceremony flashed even on the billboards in New York’s Times Square. Indians in Washington DC had grand celebrations.

Efforts to build the Ram Temple at this site, in Ayodhya, were being made since the last 500 years. The path for building the Ram Mandir was cleared with the verdict given by the Supreme Court of India in November last year. The government initiated moves towards constructing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, by forming a trust, as per the orders of the Supreme Court. It was decided in the last month that 5th of August will be an auspicious day for Bhoomi Pujan. Prime Minister Modi reached Ayodhya in the morning on Wednesday. After offering prayers at the Hanuman Garhi Mandir, the Prime Minister offered prayers at the temporary Ram Mandir. Thereafter, the Prime Minister performed the Bhoomi Pujan. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Mahant Nritya Gopaldas, Chief of the Ram Mandir Trust, attended the function. Chiefs of various sects and communities were also present in the ceremony.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction in the speech delivered on this occasion, saying that the way millions of people participated in the freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi, people from every community, caste and creed in the country joined this movement to build the Ram Mandir at the site in Ayodhya, which has culminated in the building of this Ram Mandir.

Many made the resolve, fought for it and made untiring efforts so that this Ram Mandir would be built at this location. The Prime Minister said that today’s ceremony is the culmination of these efforts. There is Ram in the Indian ideals. The Prime Minister said that Shriram is there in the Indian divinity and philosophy.

Prime Minister Modi said that Shriram always thinks as per the place, time and situation, speaks and completes the task. Shriram is a supporter of modernness and transformation, and India is progressing on the ideals set by Shriram. Ramayan has been written in various Indian languages in various parts of India, and the stories of Ram are praised in all these parts. One finds Ram in different forms, in the different versions of Ramayan. But Ram is omnipresent, and the Prime Minister underlined that therefore, Ram is the principle of Indian unity in diversity. The Prime Minister also mentioned the recital of stories of Ram in various countries of the world.