Hindus assert that the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was constructed on the remains of a temple, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram on Monday, replacing the historic Babri Masjid, which was demolished in 1992 by Hindu mobs, leading to widespread riots and nearly 2,000 deaths.
The inauguration ceremony drew thousands of celebrities, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actors Kangana Modi Ranaut, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and singer Sonu Nigam. However, some Hindu seers and much of the opposition chose to boycott the event, alleging political motives behind Modi's involvement.
Critics argue that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leveraging the construction of the Hindu temple for political gains, especially with general elections approaching. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the government overstepping constitutional limits by celebrating a religious event in a secular nation.
The $217 million temple, funded by private donations, is situated in a sprawling 70-acre complex. Constructed with pink sandstone and black granite, the three-storey temple spans 7.2 acres. The inauguration ceremony, known as "Pran Pratishtha," was broadcast live, featuring Modi participating in religious rituals inside the temple's sanctum along with priests and Mohan Bhagwat, head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
While only the ground floor of the temple was opened during the ceremony, the complete structure is expected to be finished by the end of the year. The temple's construction fulfills a longstanding Hindu nationalist pledge to build a shrine for Lord Ram in Ayodhya, which is undergoing significant renovations to attract tourists.
The city has been a flashpoint due to the belief that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Ram, and the Babri Masjid was constructed on the ruins of a Ram temple. The BJP gained prominence in the 1990s through the movement to build a temple at the same site. Following the legal battles that ensued after the mosque's demolition, the Indian Supreme Court, in 2019, granted the disputed land to Hindus, allocating a separate plot to Muslims outside the city.
Reaction Of Indian Muslims :
The announcement of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a temple on the site where the historic Babri Masjid once stood has sparked a diverse array of reactions within the Muslim community. Some express hopeful anticipation, seeing the inauguration as a potential catalyst for religious harmony and reconciliation. However, skepticism and apprehension linger among others, who raise concerns about the symbolic impact and the challenges in fostering genuine unity. Calls for inclusivity echo within a section of Muslims, emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding to move beyond historical grievances. Simultaneously, there are those who express disappointment and resentment, viewing the inauguration as a continuation of historical injustices linked to the Babri Masjid's demolition in 1992. Amid these varied reactions, some appeal for a focus on national unity and development, transcending religious boundaries. Politically, responses also diverge, ranging from cautious optimism to assertive demands for justice and equal representation for minority communities. In essence, the Muslim reaction to Modi opening a temple on the Babri Masjid ruins reflects the complex interplay of history, religion, politics, and identity, highlighting the need for open dialogue and understanding to foster a more harmonious and inclusive society.
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