The Ram Mandir Ayodhya temple is a symbol of the faith and devotion of millions of Hindus who revere Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is being built at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the place where Rama is believed to have been born in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The temple has a long and contentious history as it was the location of a mosque, the Babri Masjid which was demolished by Hindu activists in 1992 sparking communal riots and legal disputes.
Lord Ram was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the supreme god in Hinduism. He is important in Hinduism because:
- He is considered the ideal king, husband, son, and brother, who followed dharma (righteousness) in every situation
- He is the hero of the Ramayana, an ancient epic that teaches the values of loyalty, courage, devotion, and sacrifice
- He is worshipped by millions of Hindus as a personal god, who protects, guides, and blesses his devotees
- He is a symbol of cultural and national identity for Hindus, especially in India, where his birthplace Ayodhya is a sacred site
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Temple Opening Date
After a landmark verdict by the Supreme Court of India in 2019, the land was given to the Hindus for the construction of the temple, while the Muslims were allotted a separate plot for a mosque. The foundation stone for the temple was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 August 2020, and the inauguration is scheduled for 22 January 2024.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir | Key Facts |
---|---|
Location | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India |
Significance | Birthplace of Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism |
Construction | Started in 2020, and completed in 2024 |
Architecture | Nagara style, a traditional Hindu architectural style |
Height | 161 feet |
Width | 235 feet |
Length | 360 feet |
Number of Floors | 3 |
The temple is expected to be a grand and magnificent structure, reflecting the Nagara style of architecture, with a central shrine and six smaller temples around it. The temple is also a source of controversy, as some critics have accused the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, of politicizing the temple and misusing the donations for its construction. The temple, however, remains a matter of pride and joy for many Hindus, who see it as a fulfillment of their long-cherished dream and a restoration of their cultural heritage.