As the grand inauguration of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya approaches, ornate gifts flood the Indian city, setting the stage for a landmark moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in the ceremony is highly anticipated, with the sprawling Hindu temple fulfilling a decades-long promise to build on the site of a 16th-century mosque destroyed over 30 years ago.
The controversial ceremony on Monday, where an idol of Lord Ram will be unveiled, has stirred emotions across India. While many Hindus celebrate the fulfillment of a longstanding aspiration, the country’s minority Muslim population views it as a reminder of deepening religious divisions under Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
What’s Happening in Ayodhya on Monday? The consecration ceremony, presided over by Modi, will witness the unveiling of an idol of Lord Ram inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. More than 7,000 people, including high-profile politicians, are invited to attend in person, with around 100 chartered planes expected to land in Ayodhya.
The temple’s construction has been accompanied by extensive rituals and prayers, with Modi observing an 11-day fasting and praying ritual ahead of the event. The ceremony is set to be broadcasted globally, including in Indian embassies and on large screens in New York’s Time Square.
Why is the Ram Mandir Controversial? The temple is built on the site where the Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque, once stood. The destruction of the mosque by Hindu mobs in 1992 triggered widespread communal violence and became a defining moment for India’s Hindu nationalist movement. The contested site is believed by many Hindus to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.
Modi’s Involvement in the Temple Project Modi, a key proponent of the Hindutva agenda, rose to power in 2014 with a promise to reform the economy and promote development. However, throughout his political career, he has also advocated for Hindu-centric policies. The construction of the Ram Mandir aligns with the BJP’s commitment to its core voters and is expected to bolster Modi’s chances in the upcoming general election.
Muslim Concerns and Opposition The Muslim minority, constituting roughly 200 million of India’s population, expresses concerns about the inauguration, fearing potential attacks. Prominent Muslim lawmakers criticize the event, lamenting the loss of the Babri mosque. Some have shared messages urging caution and refraining from public transportation.
The main opposition, the Indian National Congress, has decided to boycott the inauguration, accusing the BJP of politicizing the event. Tensions persist as the construction of a mosque, mandated by a 2019 Supreme Court order, is yet to commence.
Temple Cost and Design The Ram Mandir is being constructed by Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro within a 70-acre complex, at an estimated cost of $180 million. Donations, totaling around $361 million, have funded the project. The temple features a black stone sculpture of Lord Ram, selected by a panel, weighing between 150-200 kgs.
