In a ceremony resonating with both religious fervour and political significance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, culminating a decades-long campaign that fundamentally reshaped the nation's political landscape.
A Nation Watches as History Unfolds
The elaborate consecration ceremony saw Mr Modi performing religious rituals before the newly installed idol of Lord Ram, dressed in traditional golden attire and surrounded by Hindu priests chanting Sanskrit hymns. The moment was broadcast nationwide, with screens erected in public spaces and many businesses closing for the occasion.
This isn't merely a religious event - it represents the fulfilment of a core promise by Mr Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has championed the temple construction for generations.
From Controversial Dispute to National Monument
The temple site stands where the 16th-century Babri Masjid mosque once stood before being demolished by Hindu nationalist mobs in 1992. That violent act triggered nationwide riots claiming over 2,000 lives and remains one of modern India's most traumatic episodes.
The Supreme Court's 2019 ruling granted the site to Hindu groups while providing Muslim communities with alternative land for a mosque, though construction there has yet to begin in earnest.
Political Dimensions and International Reactions
Opposition parties have accused Mr Modi of exploiting the ceremony for political gain ahead of national elections, with several prominent figures boycotting the event. Critics argue the government has blurred constitutional lines separating religion and state.
Meanwhile, the international community watches closely as India reinforces its Hindu identity under Mr Modi's leadership, raising questions about the future of its secular traditions and religious minorities.
What Comes Next for Ayodhya and India?
The temple inauguration completes one chapter in India's complex religious history while undoubtedly opening new ones. As construction continues toward full completion, the world observes how this symbolic victory for Hindu nationalism will influence India's social fabric and political direction in the years ahead.
