Ram Mandir: Years later, the dream of Lord Rama’s devotees has come true. The consecration of Lord Rama’s idol in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has become a reality. Now, Rama devotees can worship Him at His birthplace. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled this age-old dream. In such a special time, it is essential to understand the history of Ayodhya. Let me tell you about the crucial history related to the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya, Ram Mandir, and the region of Avadh…
1528: Babri Masjid’s Origin
This tale goes back to 1528 when Mughal ruler Babur came to India. Two years later, Babur’s commander Mir Baqi constructed a mosque in Ayodhya. It is said that the mosque was built at the very place where Lord Rama was born. However, during the Mughal and Nawabi rule, Hindu sentiments couldn’t flourish. In the 19th century, when the grip of Mughal rule weakened in India, the British government was effective. Shortly after that, the struggle to reclaim Lord Rama’s birthplace began.
1751: When Nihang Sikhs Wrote Lord Rama’s Name in the Mosque
It is known from Sikh history that the first attempt to enter Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was not made by Hindus but by Sikhs. Near the birthplace of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, there is a gurudwara called Gurudwara Brahma Kund. In this gurudwara, Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, had also stayed. This incident dates back to 165 years ago. During that time, Nihang Sikhs inscribed the name of Lord Rama in various places inside Babri Masjid to prove that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama. Not only is this mentioned in Sikh scriptures, but historians also provide information about it.
1885: The First Legal Claim
In 1885, the priest of the Nirmohi Akhara, Raghubar Das, filed the first legal case, seeking permission to build a temple in the outer courtyard of the mosque. Although dismissed, it set a legal precedent and kept the dispute alive. Until then, the British administration in the city marked separate areas for Hindus and Muslims for worship around the site, and this continued for about 90 years.
1949: ‘Ram Lalla’ Statues Placed Inside the Controversial Structure
On the night of December 22, 1949, statues of ‘Ram Lalla’ were placed inside Babri Masjid, leading to heightened religious sentiments around the site and the beginning of a legal battle over its ownership. Hindus claimed that the statues appeared “spontaneously” inside the mosque. The property dispute went to court for the first time this year.
1950-1959: Escalation of Legal Cases
In the next decade, there was an increase in legal cases, with the Nirmohi Akhara claiming the right to worship the idols and the Sunni Central Waqf Board demanding possession of the site, deepening the dispute.
1986-1989: Babri Masjid Unlocked
In 1986, during the Congress government led by Rajiv Gandhi, the locks of Babri Masjid were unlocked, allowing Hindus to worship inside. Despite assurances from the Supreme Court, this decision escalated tensions. In 1990, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) set a deadline for the construction of the Ram temple, leading to an increase in the demand for the temple. During this period, senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani initiated a Rath Yatra (chariot procession). The VHP and BJP rallied support for the ‘liberation’ of the Ram Janmabhoomi.
1990: Rath Yatra and Failed Demolition Attempt
In the midst of the Mandal Commission implementation and increasing political tensions, in 1990, L.K. Advani’s Rath Yatra aimed to garner support for the construction of the temple. Despite unsuccessful attempts to demolish the mosque, this movement marked a significant turning point.
1992: Demolition of Babri Masjid
In 1992, the demolition of Babri Masjid took place. Despite assurances from the Supreme Court, the mosque was razed by Hindu activists. This catastrophic event and the subsequent riots forever changed Indian politics.
1993-1994: Riots After Demolition
Following the demolition of Babri Masjid, communal riots erupted across India, resulting in loss of life and property. Under the leadership of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, the central government faced a challenge from Dr. Ismail Faruqui, after which the Supreme Court gave its judgment in 1994. The judgment upheld the possession, strengthening the state’s involvement in the matter.
2002-2003: ASI Excavation and Trial in Allahabad High Court
In 2002, the trial in the Allahabad High Court began, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted excavations, claiming evidence of a Hindu temple beneath the mosque. This legal battle continued amid various challenges.
2009-10: Liberhan Commission Report
After 399 sittings over 16 years, the Liberhan Commission presented its report, revealing intricate details of the Babri Masjid demolition and implicating major political figures. The inquiry, initiated nearly 17 years earlier in June 2009, included names like Lal Krishna Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and other BJP leaders.
2019: Historic Supreme Court Decision
In 2019, the Supreme Court made a historic decision, awarding the disputed land to Hindus for the construction of the Ram Mandir and allocating an alternative site for the construction of a mosque.
2020: Shilanyas for Ram Mandir
On August 5, 2020, PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the grand Ram Mandir. The Bhoomi Pujan and the establishment of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust paved the way for the construction of the temple, concluding a long legal saga.
2024: PM Modi Inaugurates Ram Mandir
On January 22, 2024, the consecration of Lord Rama’s idol in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya took place. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, was present in the sanctum sanctorum.
This journey, filled with historical events and legal battles, has finally culminated in the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, a momentous occasion for the devotees and the nation.
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