Opinion Sri M writes: Consecration of Ram temple — a promise fulfilled

This is the end of a long journey for the god and his devotees. It's also a vindication of democratic processes

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In the run-up to the consecration, the streets of Ayodhya wore a festive look. The residents of the city were celebrating Diwali — after all, Shri Ram was back at his janmabhoomi. (Illustration by CR Sasikumar)

Sri M

January 30, 2024 06:33 PM IST First published on: Jan 30, 2024 at 07:45 AM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled his commitment to reinstate Shri Ram to his rightful place at the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. Ram Lalla’s pran pratistha on January 22 was a historic moment. As Lord Ram ascended his throne, Prime Minister Modi broke his 11-day vrat anushtan (fast) by receiving charanamrit from Swami Govind Giri Devji, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra. Swam Giri Govind Devji has acknowledged that he advised PM Modi to keep a fast for three days. But PM Modi observed the longer fast.

In the run-up to the consecration, the streets of Ayodhya wore a festive look. The residents of the city were celebrating Diwali — after all, Shri Ram was back at his janmabhoomi. Devotees from around the world had waited for 500 years for this day, the day when their god returns to his grand raj mahal from a tent. The consecration thus marked the end of a journey for both the god and his devotees.

The attention to detail at the site, especially the artistic depiction of Lord Ram as a five-year-old standing on a lotus, resonated deeply with observers. Many hailed the statue as a symbol of cultural and religious pride and appreciated the artistic representation of the revered deity. Reverence for Shri Ram was writ all over Ayodhya.

Righteousness, duty, and devotion are the hallmarks of the Sanatani worldview. In the calendar of every Sanatani, the day when PM Modi fulfilled his promise by establishing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is sure to have a prominent place. The Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict validated the Hindu claim, leading to the temple’s construction. PM Modi’s leadership ensured meticulous planning and execution. The prime minister has constantly emphasised inclusivity and talked of uniting India’s diverse population. The consecration reflects a significant blend of cultural, religious, and spiritual aspects of the country. Under PM Modi’s leadership, Sanatan, the eternal way, also echoes the truths that connect us to our spiritual roots.

In Hindu philosophy, Ram Rajya means an ideal and just rule. PM Modi brought this idea to reality. He has established Ram Rajya by taking everyone into consideration — just like Prabhu Shri Ram. Not just in India; Ram Rajya has acquired worldwide resonance thanks to PM Modi. The youth of the country and those residing outside it idolise PM Modi for his righteous actions.

On the occasion of the pran pratistha, PM Modi said, “Ram Bharat ki aastha hai, Ram Bharat ka aadhar hai, Ram Bharat ka vichar hai, Ram Bharat ka vidhan hai, Ram Bharat ki chetna hai, Ram Bharat ka chintan hai, Ram pratistha hai aur pratap hai Bharat ke” (Ram is the faith of Bharat, Ram is the basis of Bharat, Ram is the thought of Bharat, Ram is the law of Bharat, Ram is the consciousness of Bharat, Ram is the contemplation of Bharat, Ram is the practice and glory of Bharat.) Prime Minister Modi has followed the path of Shri Ram to guide citizens. He connects with all sections of society and works for the welfare of the remotest part of the country.

In Ram Rajya, there is great emphasis on the ethical and moral aspects of governance. It is believed that the ruler is guided by virtues like righteousness (dharma), justice, compassion, and fairness. Harmony, prosperity, and well-being of all citizens are fundamental to such a rule. PM Modi governs in this vein. He has constantly underlined harmony, prosperity and the well-being of all as the fundamental credo of his government. Antyodaya, the well-being of the last person in the line, is a key part of the Modi government’s development paradigm.

PM Modi has made sure to take care of all the sections of society like Lord Ram — his slogan, Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas, is testimony to this principle. One hallmark of Ram Rajya is an emphasis on social justice. Unlike systems that perpetuate inequality, this vision of governance seeks to bridge the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged. It strives to create a society where opportunities are not exclusive to a select few but are accessible to every citizen. This commitment to inclusivity resonates with the essence of democracy, where the voice of the weakest is as significant as that of the strongest.

Moreover, Ram Rajya recognises the interconnectedness of various segments of society. It understands that a nation’s true strength lies in the well-being of all its citizens. By prioritising the needs of the weakest, it ensures that the entire social fabric is robust and resilient. This approach stands in stark contrast to ideologies that fragment society, create fissures and weaken the nation’s collective strength.

The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is an enduring symbol of a peace-loving community’s unwavering commitment to resolving a longstanding religious issue through democratic and constitutional means. Dialogue and reconciliation were the abiding principles that went into the making of the Ram mandir. The consecration on January 22 is a vindication of the democratic process.

The writer is a spiritual guru and thinker