Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Ayodhya -- 29 years after his last visit to the temple town -- where he participated in a "Bhoomi Pujan" or a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the building of a grand Ram temple there. After the ceremony which saw PM laying a silver brick for a grand Ram temple, he addressed a gathering of spiritual leaders who had come to attend the grand event.
"India is emotional as decades of wait has ended. Crores won't believe that they have seen this day in our lifetime. For years, our Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) lived beneath a tent, now he will reside in a grand temple built by Ram bhakts. Today, Ram Janambhoomi has been liberated," said PM Modi, who began his address chanting "Siyavar Ram Chandra ki Jai!" and "Jai Siya Ram" as he addressed some 170 people at the "Bhoomi Pujan" ceremony.
PM Modi began his visit to Ayodhya by offering prayers at the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya - a shrine to Lord Hanuman. He then went to Ramjanmabhoomi or the birthplace of Lord Ram to pray at the shrine to "Ram Lalla", the infant Lord Ram, before proceeding to the site of the main "Bhoomi Pujan" ceremony for a Ram Temple.
The guest list for the grand event has been severely trimmed in view of coronavirus. Besides PM Modi, 50 VIPs including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat attended the ceremony.
Here are the live updates on 'Bhoomi Pujan' ceremony at Ayodhya:
Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Wednesday said that late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was the first person to pave the way for the construction of the Ram Temple and it is wrong if anybody attempts to take credit for the same, reported news agency ANI. Talking to reporters, Kamal Nath said, "Today is a historic day in our country, for a long time every Indian wanted construction of Ram Mandir to begin. Rajiv Gandhi ji had opened the lock in 1985. He said in 1989 that there will be Ram Rajya and temple should be built. If someone tries to take credit, it is wrong."
Nepal's Ambassador to India Nilamber Acharya on Wednesday said that both countries are connected through Lord Ram and Sita and "share a deep and strong relationship", reported news agency ANI. Speaking on the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Nepal envoy said, "PM Modi laid Ram Temple's foundation stone in Ayodhya. Connected through Ram-Sita, relationship between the two countries is deep and strong. Ram-Janaki continues to inspire the relationship to become more cooperative and strong in modern times." The remarks come amid tensions between India and Nepal following the release of new map by the KP Oli government.
West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya by lighting lamps at the Raj Bhawan and wondered whether the "silence" of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is because of her "appeasement" politics, reported news agency PTI. The temple complex at Ayodhya "will become a symbol of modern India based on the ideals of Ramrajya", Mr Dhankhar said, adding that the groundbreaking ceremony will be a moment of pride and honour for every Indian. "The Bhoomi Pujan at Ram Mandir is a matter of pride and honour for all Indian. Long wait over-thanks to historic judicial verdict. Appeasement Silence Stance @MamataOfficial resonates," he tweeted. The Bengal Governor also shared an illustration on the page of the Part III of the Indian Constitution on the micro-blogging site.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan: Indian-Americans Celebrate Ram Temple Foundation Stone Laying CeremonyGujarat: Heeraben, the mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, watched the live telecast of 'Bhoomi Poojan' of #RamTemple earlier today, at her residence in Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/vWmnuHX483
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
Bhumi Pujan & Shilanyas of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir today marks the culmination of decades of struggle & sacrifice of millions of followers of Maryada Purushottam Ram, who epitomised compassion, brotherhood & peaceful coexistence. pic.twitter.com/8u4eN0BrJY
- Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 5, 2020
Maharashtra: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recited Ram Raksha and worshiped Lord Ram with his family at Nagpur during the foundation stone laying ceremony of #RamTemple in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/o66WvmtoHT
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
In Pics: Best Moments Of PM's #Ayodhya Trip https://t.co/fsNTkbvAvD pic.twitter.com/Du5xeqdtcO
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
BJP supporters in Delhi wave flags, burst crackers in celebration of the #RamTemple ground-breaking ceremony in Ayodhya.
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
(Photos: AFP) pic.twitter.com/nktpUTL59o
- The message of Lord Ram is that let noone be sad or deprived, let no one remain poor, let every form of life be well preserved and be well taken care of.
- Lord Ram's message to everyone is that let there never be a person in need who is not helped.... always help a sharanarthi.
- Lord Ram is the basis of Mahatma Gandhi's pursuit for truth and the path for 'Ram Rajya'
- Lord Ram has shown us the way for love for all... to break away from clashes and work together as one... whenever Lord Ram's teaching have been applied, there has always been progress.
- Today, we must all come together, work together, and work for everyone's benefit. We need 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas' to ensure 'Sabka Vikas'.
- Lord Ram resides in the cultures of India's neibhbours
- Indonesia, which is the world's most populous Muslim nation, has 4 disticnt Ramayans, and is a country where Lord Ram is still worshipped with divinity.
- You can find the versions of Ramayan in Malaysia, Cambodia, Philippines, Mayanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and even Iran and China.
- The focal point of everything Shri Ram represents is the 'pursuit of truth'.
- Lord Ram is present in every characteristic that is synonymous with 'Bharat' (India)
- Lord Ram is everywhere, and belongs to everyone.
- You go to any state, any corner of India, you will find versions of the Ramayan. Lord Ram is present everywhere and in different avatars.
- Today we have done the bhoomi pujan for a grand Ram mandir.
- Before visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi, I visited the Hanuman Garhi temple too. After all all of Lord Ram's work is done by Hanumanji.
- There will be a grand and modern Ram temple which will be built here, and I focus on the word modern, because ths temple will be the beginning of great new things to come.
- The entire landscape of the area, region and nation will change from here on.
- For the work of Lord Ram, the kind of harmony shown today by all the countrymen is similar to that which we saw on the day of the historic judgement in the Supreme Court. It is setting an example of how India has a harmonious temprament.
- During the days of slavery in India, there wasn't a corner of India which did not sacrifice for the purpose of freedom, till we finally got it in 1947. Similarly, for justice to Lord Ram, hundreds of thousands of people sacrificed and contributed to ensure that we see this day today.
- It is because of their perseverance and belief that this day is possible today. I bow my head on behalf of 130 crore Indians to thank their contribution.
- Lord Ram is within us... in our soul... he flows through us.... he resides in our hearts.
Watch | "Chants of 'Jai Siya Ram' resonate not only in the city of Lord Ram but throughout the world today": PM Modi pic.twitter.com/kz8iDZdUgC
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
- Before I speak, let us all say together... "Siya var Ram Chandra ki... Jai!".... "Jai Siya Ram"
- Today, this chant is not only reverbarating in Ayodhya, but across the world.
- It is my honour that the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust invited me to perform the ceremony today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
- Today, the entire country is in harmony of Ram.
- Crores of Indians never thought they'd see this day.... Today Ram Janmabhoomi is 'mukt" (free).
Watch | "So many people have sacrificed, they couldn't be invited because of the (COVID-19) situation... they are here in spirit": RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses gathering at #Ayodhya event pic.twitter.com/EsSaUwtB6v
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
- People struggled for 500 years for Ram temple in Ayodhya
- The power of India's democratic values and its judiciary has shown the world how matters can be resolved peacefully, democratically and constitutionally.
- I thank the PM Modi for performing "Bhoomi Pujan"
- This is moment of great satisfaction
- So many people have sacrificed, they couldn't be invited because of the (COVID-19) situation... they are here in spirit
- LK Advani is watching this ceremony at home
#WATCH: #RamTemple 'Bhoomi Pujan' concludes at #Ayodhya.
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
Soil from more than 2000 pilgrimage sites and water from more than 100 rivers was brought for the rituals. pic.twitter.com/DRpoZEKYWw
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 RamRajya and a symbol of modern India.
- President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 5, 2020
Watch | A poster of Lord Ram showered with flowers and anointed with milk in Bengaluru ahead of #RamTemple ceremony in Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/zooQFTwvJW
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
On the auspicious occasion of the Bhoomi Pujan for construction of a grandiose temple for Lord Rama at his birthplace, Ayodhya, the Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu along with his spouse, Smt. Usha Naidu, read out Ramayana with the personal staff at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas. pic.twitter.com/Bso0lYMZHd
- Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 5, 2020
Tamil Nadu: BJP members and workers perform special prayers at the party office in Kamalalayam.
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
The foundation stone laying ceremony of #RamTemple is underway in Uttar Pradesh's #Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/0f9XqZdAsS
#WATCH live: PM Narendra Modi in Ayodhya for #RamTemple foundation stone laying ceremony. https://t.co/yo5LpodbSz
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
Watch | PM joins rituals for grand #RamTemple ceremony in Ayodhya.#AyodhyaBhoomiPujan. pic.twitter.com/EBfXVv3sJ2
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
NDTV in #Ayodhya: Watch LIVE coverage of Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir, on NDTV @kamalkhan_NDTV @sanket @alok_pandey @Saurabh_Unmute pic.twitter.com/iUSi9fJ6iG
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
In many homes, a rangoli/kolam is made afresh each day with rice powder. This, today, in the little temple at my place. #Ayodhya #AyodhyaBhoomipoojan @ShriRamTeerth pic.twitter.com/GsphTU9dGs
- Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 5, 2020
#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented with a headgear, silver 'mukut' and stole by Sri Gaddinsheen Premdas Maharaj, head priest of 10th-century Hanuman Garhi Temple.#Ayodhya #RamTemple pic.twitter.com/EOgqrz9hi1
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
#WATCH live: PM Narendra Modi in Ayodhya for #RamTemple foundation stone laying ceremony. https://t.co/yo5LpodbSz
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
#WATCH live: PM Narendra Modi in Ayodhya for #RamTemple foundation stone laying ceremony. https://t.co/yo5LpodbSz
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
#RamTemple ceremony | PM Modi arrives in #Ayodhya, Yogi Adityanath welcomes him (ANI)
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
More here: https://t.co/7ufReN2BzD pic.twitter.com/JLnYGhBlmW
Ayodhya: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat at the Ram Janambhoomi site for 'Bhoomi Poojan'#RamMandir pic.twitter.com/2r0NUwj66J
- ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Pics: Ramdev, Other Invitees Arrive As Ayodhya Preps For Ram Temple Event
Watch | Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaches Ayodhya's #HanumanGarhi Temple. @alok_pandey brings in the latest. pic.twitter.com/Sm3EWH6tvo
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
Lord ShriRam epitomises justice for all, righteous conduct, fairness&firmness in all dealings, moral rectitude &courage. These values are much needed in such dark times. If they spread throughout the land, Ram Rajya would not be an occasion for triumphalist bigotry. #JaiShriRam!
- Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 5, 2020
दक्षिणे लक्ष्मणो यस्य वामे तु जनकात्मजा।
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) August 5, 2020
पुरतो मारुतिर्यस्य तं वन्दे रघुनंदनम्।
इस मंगल घड़ी के स्वप्न को साकार करने के लिए प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी और समस्त श्री राम भक्तों का अभिनंदन करता हूं। मंदिर निर्माण के मंगल संकल्प के पूर्ण होने की देश को बधाई! #JaiShriRam pic.twitter.com/26PXkYXRnw
PM @narendramodi leaves for Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/gIPyz7HCJJ
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 5, 2020
Ayodhya Ram Mandir News: Silver Bricks, Hanuman Garhi Temple Decked Up Ahead Of PM Modi's Bhoomi PujanAyodhya Ram Mandir news: The famous Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya is decked up for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the bhoomi pujan of Ram Temple on Wednesday. As soon as PM Modi reaches Ayodhya, he will first go to this temple as it is believed that before visiting Lord Ram one should pay respect to Lord Hanuman."
All-day ground reports from #Ayodhya today - only on NDTV 24x7 and https://t.co/Fbzw6mR9Q5 pic.twitter.com/aO91uMndLq
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
#Ayodhya set for grand ground-breaking ceremony to be attended by PM and other VIPs. @sanket brings in the latest from the temple town. pic.twitter.com/KhbtPGNem7
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2020
Original document of the Constitution of India has a beautiful sketch of Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Laxman returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravan.
- Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) August 5, 2020
This is available at the beginning of the chapter related to Fundamental Rights.
Felt like sharing this with you all.#JaiShriRam pic.twitter.com/jCV9d8GWTO
Ayodhya decorated ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of #RamMandir today; visuals from Saryu Ghat. pic.twitter.com/S3LPcXVkWF
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 5, 2020
