The ground-breaking ceremony of the laying of foundation stone of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya took place on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid that the first brick of Ram Temple.
PM Modi while addressing, said, “'Jai Siya Ram', this call is echoing not only in the town of Lord Rama but throughout the globe today. I express gratitude to all people of this country, Indian diaspora across the globe and all the devotees of Lord Ram on today's holy occasion.”
PM Modi said that those who are watching today's event, from any corner of the globe, are emotional today. Ram Mandir will be a modern symbol of our culture and nationalist spirits. The temple will become a symbol of devotion as well as of sentiment.
He also expressed that from Kanyakumari to Kshirbhavani, Koteshwar to Kamakhya, Jagannath to Kedarnath, Somnath to Kashi Vishwanath- entire nation is dipped in Lord Ram today.
Ram Janmabhoomi has got freedom. Like August 15 is Independence Day for the nation, today holds the same importance for crores of those who devoted their lives for the reason of Ram Temple. It is my good fortune that the Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust invited me, giving me an opportunity to witness this historic instance. I heartily thank the trust for this, said PM Modi.
He also stated that this temple will come up with new economic opportunities for Ayodhya. This temple will now be constructed for Ram Lalla who had been living in a tent. PM Modi also added that even though efforts to eliminate Lord Rams existence, he still lives in our heart and is basis of our culture.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the 'Bhumi Pujan' for the construction of the Ram temple was possible solely due to the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Welcoming guests after the 'Bhumi Pujan' ceremony, the chief minister said that the centuries-old struggle for the temple was taken to its logical conclusion by the Modi government.
"The 'Bhumi Pujan' will not only mark the beginning of the construction of the Ram temple but also 'Ram Rajya' as envisaged by the Prime Minister. We started the 'Deepotsav' programme three years ago to give the people a feel of Ram Rajya and we also worked alongside for beautification and development of Ayodhya that will now emerge as one of the most prosperous religious destinations. The Prime Minister has already earmarked projects for the Ramayana circuit," he said. Yogi Adityanath said that due to the pandemic, very limited number of people could be invited for the 'Bhumi Pujan'. "But I welcome all those who wanted to come and are now watching the ceremony from their homes," he said and added that this was the beginning of a new India.
President of Ram Mandir Trust Nitya Gopal Das at Ayodhya said, “I have been asked many times when will temple be constructed. Now, it will be constructed soon. The wishes of devotees will be fulfilled.”
(With inputs from IANS)