Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan: PM Modi in Ayodhya for Ram Temple foundation stone laying ceremony.
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:
Rajiv Gandhi Paved Way For Ram Temple, Wrong For Anybody To Claim Credit, Says Kamal Nath
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."
India, Nepal Connected Through Ram-Janaki, Share Strong Relationship: Nepal Envoy Nilamber Acharya
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.
Mamata Banejee Silent On Ayodhya Because Of "Appeasement" Politics: Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar
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.
Construction of Ram Temple will lead to unity, harmony in country: LS Speaker Om Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla congratulated the people on the occasion of the ''historic'' Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the construction of Ram Temple will lead to unity and harmony in the country.
In his message on Facebook, he said that Lord Ram is the eternal symbol of India's cultural consciousness. He said there is a deep faith and belief in Lord Ram across the country.
"It is a matter of great pleasure that the construction of the temple will be achieved with the support of people of all religions and classes. The construction of Ram Temple will lead to unity and harmony in our country," he said.
Vishva Hindu Parishad members celebrate Ram Temple Bhoomi Pujan in Vijayawada
After the Bhoomi Pujan of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists celebrated on the occasion by bursting crackers.
"I am fortunate enough to see the foundation laying ceremony that took place after 500 years. We are lucky enough to see with our eyes, hear with ears, recite the name of Lord Ram with the mouth, and offer prayers," a VHP activist V Rajeswari told ANI.
PM says ''Jai Siya Ram'' resonating not only in Ayodhya but throughout world
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began and concluded his speech on Wednesday at the Ram temple site in Ayodhya with chants of "Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai" and "Jai Siya Ram", invoking both Lord Ram and goddess Sita, and said these slogans are resonating not only in this city but throughout the world.
"First, you all remember Lord Ram and Mother Sita and then I will proceed. Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai, Jai Siya Ram Jai Siya," PM Modi said while beginning his speech.
He said the call of "Jai Siya Ram" is resonating not only in the city of Lord Ram but throughout the world today.
Today is new beginning of new India: Mohan Bhagwat in Ayodhya
Soon after the ''bhoomi pujan'' ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said that today is the beginning of a new India.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhagwat said, "Our country believes in ''Vasudev Kutubhkam'' i.e. World is One Family. We believe in taking everyone along. Today is a new beginning of a new India."
"So many people had sacrificed, they couldn't be here physically. There are some who couldn't come here, Advani ji must be at his home watching this. There are some who should have come but could not be invited because of the situation (COVID-19)," he added.
There is a wave of joy in the whole country today and it is a pleasure to have centuries of fulfilment, Mr Bhagwat said.
Ram temple construction a work of public welfare, like building nation: Mahant Nritya Gopal Das
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das said Wednesday that the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is a work of public welfare and it is like building the nation and the world.
"The feeling, wish and desire of the Hindu people is that a divine temple is constructed at the earliest and we are able to see it with our eyes," he said after the bhoomi pujan for the temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gopal Das said the construction of the temple is like building the nation and building the world. It is a work of public welfare, he said.
"It is a matter of happiness. I was often asked when will the temple be built," he said, adding he now says, "Ek oar Modi aur ek oar Yogi, ab nahi to kab banega (On one side Modi and on the other Yogi, if not now then when?)."
A beautiful temple will come up: Karnataka minister
Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday hailed the laying of foundation stone (bhoomi pujan) for a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and said "Kashi Vishwanath" and "Krishna Janmasthan temples have to be liberated".
"It is a good day that the foundation stone for Ram Temple has been laid. A beautiful temple will come up, but there are Kashi Vishwanath and Krishna Janmasthan temples which have to be liberated," Mr Eshwarappa said.
The minister said that there is a "sign of slavery" at Krishna temple in Mathura and Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.
PM Modi's wisdom, foresight paved way for peaceful resolution of Ram temple issue: Yogi Adityanath
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foresight and wisdom paved the way for a peaceful resolution of the Ram temple issue and fulfilled the dream of Indians after 500 years of "long and hard" struggle, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday.
"There was a long and hard struggle for 500 years. But the power of Indian democratic values, judiciary and executive, under the leadership of PM Modi, has shown the world how solutions to problems can be found peacefully through democratic and constitutional means," Yogi Adityanath said.
PM Modi's mother Heeraben watched the live telecast of 'Bhoomi Poojan' of #RamTemple today, at her residence in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
9 bricks laid down at Ayodhya''s Ram Janmabhoomi temple construction site
Nine bricks were laid down as part of the ''bhoomi pujan'' at the site for Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday.
Earlier during the ''bhoomi pujan'', performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a priest had explained the significance of the nine bricks which were to be laid down to mark the beginning of the construction process.
"Nine bricks are kept here... these were sent by devotees of Lord Ram from around the world in 1989. There are 2,75,000 such bricks, out of which 100 bricks with ''Jai Shri Ram'' engraving have been taken," the priest said.
Event marks the culmination of decades of struggle and sacrifice of followers of Maryada Purushottam Lord Rama: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri
Important day for us: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
It's a very important day for us. People were waiting from many years for a RamTemple on Ram Janmabhoomi. Today that dream has come true. We are proud of PM Modi who has fulfilled this dream. This temple will strengthen peace & humanity in country.
Struggle of years ended with Ram temple ''bhoomi pujan'': Vijay Rupani
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday said the struggle of several years materialised with the ''bhoomi pujan'' of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, and this day will be written in golden letters in history books.
The beginning of construction of a grand temple of Lord Ram on Wednesday proves that the BJP always fulfills its commitments, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday performed the bhoomi pujan'' of a Supreme Court-mandated Ram temple in Ayodhya, bringing to fruition the BJP''s mandir'' movement that defined its politics for three decades and took it to the heights of power.
Punjab Chief Minister congratulates people on foundation laying of Ram temple
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh congratulated the people of the country on the foundation laying of Ram temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, saying it fulfills the "long cherished desire" of every Indian.
"My heartiest congratulations to the people of India on the historic foundation laying of #RamMandir in #Ayodhya, which fulfills the long cherished desire of every Indian. Lord Ram's universal message of Dharma remains the guiding light not just for India but for the world," the chief minister said in a tweet.
Nitin Gadkari performs puja with family in Nagpur
Lord Ram is the basis of Mahatma Gandhi's pursuit for truth and the path for 'Ram Rajya': PM- 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.
Lord Ram is everywhere and belongs to everyone: PM Modi- 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.
"Just like all communities and sections across India came together for the fight for Independence before 1947, just like that, today we see that everyone has come together to celebrate this day in togetherness and harmony."
The entire landscape of the area, region and nation will change from here on: PM- 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.
"Lord Ram is within us... in our soul"- 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.
PM Modi begins address with "Jai Siya Ram" chant- 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).
PM Modi addresses invitees at Ram Temple ceremony
"Thank the PM Modi for performing "Bhoomi Pujan": Yogi Adityanath- 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"
Moment of great satisfaction: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat- 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
President Ram Nath Kovind congratulates all on the inauguration of the Ram Temple construction. "Temple complex, I believe, will become a symbol of modern India based on the ideals of Ramrajya," President Kovind tweeted from official handle.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addresses gathering. Some 175 people have been invited for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram Temple.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu tweeted pictures of him and his wife reading Ramayana at his office residence today.
In keeping with the safety rules, the guest list has been kept limited. Giant CCTV screens have been put up across Ayodhya so the devotees can watch the programme, the Temple Trust said.
PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the rituals to mark the symbolic start of the Ram Temple.
The Ram Temple will be built at the spot that many believe is the birthplace of Lord Ram. The historic event showcases the triumph of one of India's longest campaigns, one that found resonance with millions in the country and abroad. Ayodhya is a riot of colours for the event that also meets a decades-long promise core to the ruling BJP's ideology.
On big Ayodhya day, Nirmala Sitharaman tweets Pic of her rangoli with "Shri Ram Jayam"
The spot of worship or the pooja area at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's house today has a traditional kolam or rangoli on Lord Ram, on a day when the groundbreaking ceremony for a Ram temple in Ayodhya will be held.
"In many homes, a rangoli/kolam is made afresh each day with rice powder. This, today, in the little temple at my place," Ms Sitharaman, 60, tweeted with hashtags #Ayodhya and #AyodhyaBhoomipoojan.
The minister also shared a photo of her rangoli with "Shri Ram Jayam" written in Sanskrit.
PM last visited Ayodhya in 1992; he had taken vow to return only when a Ram temple was built
PM Modi returns to Ayodhya today after 29 years. In 1992, he had taken a vow that he would return to the holy city in Uttar Pradesh only when a Ram temple was built.
The last time PM Modi visited Ayodhya when he was convenor of the Tiranga Yatra, campaign led by Murli Manohar Joshi to scrap Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi temple ahead of 'Bhoomi Pujan' of Ram Temple
People distributing sweets in Bengaluru ahead of the "Bhoomi Pujan" event.
PM Modi reaches Hanuman Garhi temple
PM Modi arrives in Ayodhya for the Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony. He is returning to the temple town after 29 years
A man waves flag with image of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
"India's biggest fortune that we're witnessing Ram Mandir event...To establish 'ram rajya' in this nation, Patanjali Yogpeeth will make a grand 'gurukul' in Ayodhya. People from all over the world will be able to study Ved, Ayurved here," Yoga Teacher Ramdev was quoted as saying by news agency ANI
Yoga guru Ramdev greets UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the ram janmabhoomi.
Ram mandir bhoomi pujan updates: Invitees reach ram janmabhoomi venue
Invitees at the ram janmabhoomi venue. Some 175 people for the elaborate "Bhoomi Pujan".
The invitations are only for residents of Ayodhya. The first invite went to Iqbal Ansari, one of the Muslim litigants in the Ayodhya case, according to news agency ANI. "It is Lord Ram's wish," he was quoted as saying.
Ram Janambhoomi Ayodhya Puja: Uma Bharti says she wil attend "Bhoomi Pujan"
Veteran BJP leader Uma Bharti totay tweeted to say that she will attend the "Bhoomi Pujan". The BJP leader had earlier said she will avoid the groundbreaking event as a precaution against the coronavirus.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaches Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi Temple.
Ram mandir ceremony: Madhya Pradesh woman, 88, continues her 28-year-old fast for Ram Temple
Urmila Chaturvedi, a resident of Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur, has not eaten a meal since December 6, 1992, when right-wing activists razed the 16th century Babri mosque. She has kept her vow since then that she would not eat regular meals and will only live of fruits until a temple is constructed at the site, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.
After 28 years, her dream is on the cusp of being turned into reality as the holy city will witness the temple's ground-breaking event on Wednesday. The 88-year-old, however, will not be able to attend because of the coronavirus pandemic and is disappointed. She says she will only break her fast in Ayodhya. (Read full story
here)
Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Live Updates: PM Modi likely to spend around three hours in Ayodhya
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Ayodhya by special flight this morning. He is likely to spend around three hours in the temple town.
PM will reach Lucknow, and from there he will fly by chopper to Ayodhya, around 125 km away. The chopper will land at a helipad set up in a college in the Uttar Pradesh holy town on the banks of the river Saryu.
PM Modi's first visit will be to the Hanumangarhi temple, where he is expected to pray for 10 minutes.
PM Modi is the first prime minister to visit ram janmabhoomi: UP Government
PM Modi will return to Ayodhya after 29 years today for the Ram Temple groundbreaking ceremony. The Uttar Pradesh government said that PM Modi is the first prime minister to visit ram janmabhoomi. He is the first PM to start proceedings of a temple that projects the cultural heritage of a country, it said.
PM in Ayodhya today - A look at the preparations at grand Ram Temple ceremony venue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to spend around three hours in Ayodhya.
PM Modi and four other persons will be on the stage for the mega event organised in the middle of the country's fight against the coronavirus.
According to Ram Temple trust officials, PM Modi will proceed to Ram Janmabhoomi or the site of the temple, which thousands of devotees believe was the spot where Lord Ram was born. He will offer prayers to "Ram Lalla" or the idol of infant Ram before going to the stage where the groundbreaking ceremony will take place.
The PM will lay a 40-kg silver brick to symbolize the start of construction of the Ram Temple that is core to the ruling BJP's ideology and poll promises. A campaign for the temple marked the rise of the party to the national spotlight in the 1990s.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Live Updates: Hanuman Garhi temple will be PM Modi's first stop in Ayodhya
Seventy-six steps lead to Hanuman Garhi, which is one of the most popular Hanuman temples in north India. The shrine houses Hanuman's mother, Anjani, with a young Hanuman on her lap.
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.
According to legend it is believed that no work is complete without the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
The diety of Lord Ram inside the ram janmabhoomi. PM Modi will pray here too before taking part in the ram temple bhoomi poojan.
A policeman tries to get a devotee, who has reached Ayodhya from Rae Bareli with a huge flex saying 'Jai Shri Ram', to move from entry gate of the Hanuman Gadhi temple.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad shares the sketch from the original document of the Constitution of India showing Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravan.
New airport, swanky station - Ayodhya has blueprint ready for big upgrade
The Uttar Pradesh government has set a budget of more than Rs 500 crore for a number of development and beautification projects in Ayodhya, which the government plans to promote Ayodhya as a big religious tourism destination.
The government is expecting huge footfall by 2024, when the long-awaited Ram temple is expected to be completed.
The advance planning includes not only a new airport and railway station, but also an upgrade of the nearby highway and local tourist spots. (read full story
here)
Ram Mandir 'Bhoomi Pujan' live updates: What Ram Mandir will look like, all details here
The design of the planned Ram Temple in Ayodhya was released on Tuesday by the trust overseeing its construction.
A series of images showed a grand three-storey stone structure on a raised platform with multiple turrets, pillars and domes. The temple will be 161 feet tall and almost double the size of what was originally planned, according to its architect.
The interiors show a high dome with intricate carvings. (Read full story
here)
Ram mandir ceremony: Sanitisation being done at Hanuman Garhi temple, ahead of PM Modi's visit
Sanitisation being done at c temple, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit today. 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.
The priests of the temple are diheartened as they will not be able to meet PM Modi due to the protocols in place for coronavirus. "At the temple, all of us had made a lot of preparations to present a 'gada' (mace), mukut (crown), silver brick, stole and a turban to the Prime Minister. But, this will not be possible now due to COVID-19 rules. Our plan to give him the gifts is now cancelled," Mahant Raju Das of Hanuman Garhi temple told news agency PTI.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Live Updates: Section 144 imposed in Karnataka's Kalaburagi ahead of Bhumi Pujan in Ayodhya
Section 144 has been imposed in Karantaka's Kalaburagi in the wake of "bhoomi pujan" at Ayodhya.
"Section 144 imposed in Kalaburagi City in the wake of bhoomi pujan in Ayodhya. Order will be in force from August 4, 3 pm to August 6 till 6 am," Police Commissioner, Kalaburagi City said.
The temple town has been lit up in resplendent purple and green. Huge CCTV screens dot the town, in which locals can follow the ceremony that will begin at noon.
For all yesterday's updates on preparations on Ayodhya ceremony, click
here