Ram Mandir Ayodhya

The Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya, India. Its construction has been a significant cultural and political event, symbolizing the resolution of a long-standing dispute over the site. The temple is being built at the birthplace of Lord Ram.

What is the story behind Ram Mandir?

The Ram Mandir, also known as the Ayodhya Ram Temple, has its roots in a long-standing religious and political dispute in India. The site in Ayodhya is believed by Hindus to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. In 1528, the Babri Masjid was built at that location by Mughal emperor Babur.

Tensions escalated over the years, leading to a series of legal battles and communal disputes. The Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992 by a mob of Hindu activists, claiming the site as the birthplace of Lord Rama. This event sparked widespread religious and political turmoil.

After years of legal proceedings, in 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed site, while also allocating an alternative piece of land for the construction of a mosque. The construction of the Ram Mandir began thereafter. The temple holds significant cultural and religious importance for Hindus in India.

What is the importance of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya?

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya holds significant cultural and religious importance for Hindus. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism. The construction of the temple has been a long-standing and emotionally charged issue, involving legal battles and historical controversies.

For many Hindus, the Ram Mandir symbolizes the restoration of a sacred site and the fulfillment of a religious aspiration. Its construction is seen as a reclamation of cultural heritage and a representation of unity and pride for the Hindu community.

The full experience involves a complex blend of historical, religious, and cultural sentiments, and the completion of the Ram Mandir is considered a momentous event in India's socio-religious landscape. It reflects both the religious significance of the site and the broader societal and political narratives woven around it

What is the history of the Ayodhya?

Ayodhya is an ancient city in India with a rich history. It is considered one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and holds significant religious importance. The city is closely associated with the epic Ramayana, where it is depicted as the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism.

The history of Ayodhya dates back thousands of years, and its prominence grew with the spread of the Ramayana. Over time, Ayodhya became a center for Hindu pilgrimage and a symbol of cultural and religious heritage.

One of the most contentious issues related to Ayodhya is the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute. The Babri Masjid, a mosque, was built in the 16th century during the Mughal era. However, it was believed by some Hindus that the mosque was constructed on the site where Lord Rama was born. The dispute escalated over the years, leading to communal tensions.

In 1992, the Babri Masjid was demolished by a group of activists, sparking widespread controversy and communal riots. The legal battle over the ownership of the land continued for years. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of building a Hindu temple at the disputed site, while also allocating an alternative piece of land for the construction of a mosque.

This decision marked a significant chapter in the history of Ayodhya, attempting to reconcile the religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims regarding the sacred site. Ayodhya remains a symbol of India's cultural and religious diversity, with efforts to promote harmony and unity.

Who built Ram Mandir first?

The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India, was initiated by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The trust was formed by the Government of India following a Supreme Court verdict in November 2019, which granted the disputed land to Hindus for the construction of the Ram Mandir. The trust oversees the planning and execution of the project, involving contributions from devotees and volunteers. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, I don't have specific details about the completion status or any developments that may have occurred since then.

What is the old name of Ayodhya? 

The ancient city of Ayodhya, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India, has a rich history. According to Hindu mythology and religious texts such as the Ramayana, Ayodhya was founded by King Manu, the progenitor of mankind. It is also famously known as the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hinduism.

In ancient times, Ayodhya was called "Saket" and is often referred to as "Saketam" in Sanskrit literature. The name Ayodhya itself is derived from the Sanskrit words "ayodhya" or "ayodhyā," which mean "not to be fought" or "invincible," highlighting the city's legendary peace and prosperity.

Throughout history, Ayodhya has played a significant role in Hindu culture and has been a center of religious and cultural activities. Its association with the epic Ramayana has contributed to its sacred status in Hinduism. The city has witnessed the construction and reconstruction of temples and palaces over the centuries, reflecting its enduring spiritual and cultural significance.

What is the issue of Ram Mandir in India?

The Ram Mandir issue in India is a complex and longstanding dispute centered around the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Ram at the Ayodhya site in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The controversy has its roots in historical, religious, and political factors.

Historical Context:

According to Hindu belief, Ayodhya is considered the birthplace of Lord Ram. The Babri Masjid, a mosque, was constructed in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Babur at the disputed site in Ayodhya. Hindus claim that the mosque was built after demolishing a pre-existing temple believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.

Babri Masjid Demolition (1992):

Tensions escalated in 1992 when a political rally led by right-wing Hindu groups turned into a violent mob that demolished the Babri Masjid. This event triggered widespread communal violence across India.

Legal Battles:

Post the demolition, various legal battles ensued, with multiple parties staking claim to the site. The case went through different courts, including the Allahabad High Court, which, in 2010, divided the land among three parties – Sunni Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara, and Ram Lalla (the infant Lord Ram), with a significant portion awarded to the Hindus.

Supreme Court Verdict (2019):

The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment in November 2019, ruled in favor of the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed site. The court acknowledged the historical and religious significance of the site to Hindus but also directed the government to allocate an alternative piece of land to the Sunni Waqf Board for the construction of a mosque.

Contemporary Significance:

The construction of the Ram Mandir has become a symbol of cultural and religious identity for many Hindus. The issue remains sensitive, with potential implications for communal harmony and secularism in India.

Political Dimensions:

The Ram Mandir issue has often been exploited for political gains. Various political parties, especially those aligned with Hindu nationalism, have used it to mobilize support. The construction of the temple has been a longstanding promise in the election manifestos of certain political groups.

In essence, the Ram Mandir issue is a multifaceted challenge encompassing historical, religious, legal, and political dimensions, with a profound impact on the socio-political fabric of India.

What is the struggle for Ram Mandir?

The struggle for the Ram Mandir refers to the longstanding socio-political and legal dispute in India surrounding the Babri Masjid (mosque) in Ayodhya. Hindus believe the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram and want to build a temple (Ram Mandir) there. In 1992, a large mob of Hindu activists demolished the Babri Masjid, leading to widespread communal tensions and riots.

The legal battle ensued, and various court cases were filed to determine ownership of the land. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the Hindus, allowing the construction of the Ram Mandir. The decision was based on the belief that Lord Ram was indeed born at the disputed site. The ruling aimed to resolve the religious and political conflict, but opinions on the matter remain diverse, reflecting the complex religious and cultural landscape of India.

What was the foundation problem of Ram Mandir?

The foundation problem of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was primarily a historical and religious dispute between Hindu and Muslim communities over the ownership and control of the land where the Babri Masjid stood. The Ayodhya dispute centered around the belief that the Babri Masjid was constructed on the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The issue escalated over the years, leading to legal battles and, eventually, the demolition of the mosque in 1992. Subsequently, efforts were made to resolve the matter and construct a Ram Mandir at the site.

Ram Mandir completion date

Ram Mandir

Religion

Creator Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Construction by Larsen & Toubro (assisted by Tata Consulting Engineers, CBRI, National Geophysical Research Institute and IITs)

Groundbreaking 5 August 2020

Completed 22 January 2024