Ayodhya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the first brick for the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya at 12.44 pm today, as per the muhurat of bhoomi pujan.
The brick was laid amid slogans of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ filling the air. A 40-kilogram sliver brick with details of the Ram Temple movement inscribed on it was laid first. The priests narrated in detail the importance of the Ram Temple, Ram Rajya and how a 500-year-old dream was fulfilled.
The priests said that at the bhoomi pujan site, nine bricks have been laid though there are 2.75 lakh bricks donated by the Ram Bhakts during Shilanyas in 1989. Of these, 100 bricks to be used for the construction have “Jai Shree Ram” inscribed on it.
Prime Minister Modi performed the ‘pujan’ at ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi’ along with UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Wearing traditional dhoti-kurta, the Prime Minister de-boarded an Air Force helicopter that flew him to Ayodhya from Lucknow. The ceremony was attended by 175 people who figured in a select guest list of Seers and politicians. Soil from more than 2,000 pilgrimage sites and water from more than 100 rivers was brought for the rituals. At the ‘bhoomi pujan’ site, Modi greeted attendees with a ‘sashtang pranam’ (prostration).
Before the stone laying ceremony, PM Modi stopped at Hanumangarhi Temple for ‘darshan’, following which he arrived at the Ram Mandir site and was seen taking part in ‘darshan’ of ‘Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman’. During the ritual, PM also put ‘Tika’ on his forehead and recited the mantras after the priests praying to all the Gods and Goddesses for the completion of the Ram Temple and well-being of the universe.
The dignitaries also worshipped the Kurma shilas and other shilas, of the Ram Bhakts from different parts of the country. The religious rituals continued for around 30 minutes following which the silver brick was laid by the PM. The entire religious programme was live steamed at the main programme hall through a large TV screen where around 175 people, including 135 seers, were present.
President Ram Nath Kovind has hailed the Bhoomi Pujan, saying it will be a testimony to ideals of Ram Rajya and a “symbol of modern India”. The President, greeting the people on the occasion said, “Felicitations to all for the foundation laying of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Being built in tune with law, it defines India’s spirit of social harmony and people’s zeal. It will be a testimony to ideals of Ram Rajya and a symbol of modern India.”
Special pujas performed at Mysuru temples
Special pujas were performed at all Muzrai and other Temples including Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple and all Sri Rama Mandiras across the city following the laying of the foundation stone to Sri Ram Temple at Ayodhya this morning.
A huge cut out Lord Ram was put up at the Office of City BJP unit at Chamarajapuram with City BJP President Srivatsa and State Vice-President M. Rajendra performing puja to the cut out along with others.
MLA S.A. Ramdas also performed puja to the idol of Lord Ram at his office in Vidyaranyapuram and showered flower petals. Three Kar Sevaks, who had been to Ayodhya — Subramanya Bhat, Krishnamurthy and Umesh — were felicitated.
The BJP should have left to VHP to take the lead and invite one of the Shankaracharyas-there are 4 mutts established by Adi Shankaracharya . to lay the foundation stone. This is not a new IIt for Modi to do so. This is purely a religious cermeny.
Whilst it has taken nearly 00 years to achieve this, the euphoria when it vanishes, just like the August 1, 1947, the coming decades will mark how well this temple and indeed the entire pilgrim city Ayodhya is run.
This has the potential to become a huge tourist centre like Bethlehem, the birth place of Christ, and it should not go the same way, as plestinians who control the place, are basically dishonest and greedy bunch ,taking every opportunity to fleece the visitors. Hence, the midnight mass on 24th December is mostly watched through the realtime video broadcast.
The Central government should declare it as a central institution so that the UP dirty politics is not played,
Varanasi Ghats are visited by Hindus , to perform the ceremonies of their parents, and priests have a field day in fleecing them.
Like every temple: for example Chamundeshwari temple, the VIPs claim their special status, and one could well see this happening.
Well, this has to be rejoiced by every Hindu, it should be tempered by the caution that the temple and Ayodhya are particularly special to every Hindu, and that the sanctity should not be marred by the politicians, and temple authorities.
It should have been a religious ceremony with politicians on the side lines. That should be temple foundation purely on religious point of view.
There are reports that The small ton Ayodhya will get a railway station, which is good, and an international airport which is not good. This should not the beginning of “cashing in” the visitors Dollars, and reducing this place into a tourist spot. It should be a place for people to come savour the ancient Ayodhya and the place reputed to be Rama’s birth place, not a grand Bazaar.
Dear Brother Hare Krishna.
Your comment was informative and interesting.
Just a Small Correction : Zionist Israeli Control Bethlehem, yes as you pointed out They are DISHONEST, GREEDY AND FLEECE innocent pilgrims.
@Indian You are ignorant,because you do not have the knowledge of how the Palestinian territory works. You are simply a friend of Palestinian terrorists. They are Muslims, and I guess you are too,
I have been to Bethlehem and you are not hence, just push off. Israelis are clever and well educated. India uses their missiles.
@Hello
I agree with you on how Bethlehem is managed. I had been there twice. It is the Palestinian Muslims , who control this autonomous area, and who like all Muslims have reduced it into a filty dump.. Not even Muslim Arab Countries want them
@India sounds like the supporter of Hamas amd ISIS terrorists. The CBI should keep a watch on him. He sounds also like a Congress supporter, who daftly supported these terrorists.
It’s very rare to see Mr. Modi actively contributing to something that does not involve destroying lives and livelihoods.