In Pics: PM Modi lays foundation stone for new Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public function laid the foundation stone of the ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’, to be built on the site of the former Babri Mosque, at Ayodhya today.

 "Like August 15, today's day holds a similar significance for crores of people who devoted their lives for the cause of Ram temple," Modi said at the ceremony which was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel.

Terming August 5 a 'golden day' and stating that Ram Janmabhoomi stands 'liberated', CM Yogi Adityanath said that the temple construction is a moment to "showcase new India to the world, which does not discriminate on basis of caste and creed". 

Prior to the function, the prime minister took part in the ‘pooja’ and ‘darshan’ at Hanumangarhi Temple. He also unveiled a plaque and released a commemorative postage stamp on ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’ on the occasion.

The site of the temple had long been claimed by both Hindus and Muslims as sacred ground. In 1992, members of a Hindu group demolished the 400-year-old mosque on the site, sparking riots that left nearly 2,000 dead and a religious dispute that lasted for 27 years.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had carried out a long campaign for a temple to be built on the spot. In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the disputed land would be handed over to a government-run trust for the construction of a temple.

Here are pictures from the foundation-laying ceremony in Ayodhya.

The main rituals of 'Hawan' and 'Puja' started in the presence of PM Modi at around 12:30pm and after a gap of 10 minutes at around 12:40 pm, he finally lay the foundation stone for the construction of Ram Temple.
The main rituals of 'Hawan' and 'Puja' started in the presence of PM Modi at around 12:30pm and after a gap of 10 minutes at around 12:40 pm, he finally lay the foundation stone for the construction of Ram Temple. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@DDNational
After praying at Hanumangarhi, he reached the Ram Janambhoomi premises, which was followed by 'Darshan' and puja of 'Ram Lalla'.
After praying at Hanumangarhi, Modi reached the Ram Janambhoomi premises, which was followed by 'Darshan' and puja of 'Ram Lalla' Photo courtesy: Twitter/@DDNational.
In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the disputed land would be handed over to a government-run trust for the construction of a temple.
In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the disputed land would be handed over to a government-run trust for the construction of a temple. Photo courtesy: Twitter/ShriRamTeerth
In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the disputed land would be handed over to a government-run trust for the construction of a temple.
Temples across Ayodhya were decorated for the ceremony, but concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration urged people to stay home. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@ShriRamTeerth
@ShriRamTeerth
UP CM Yogi Adityanath (Left) said that the temple construction is a moment to "showcase new India to the world, which does not discriminate on basis of caste and creed". Photo courtesy: Twitter/@ShriRamTeerth
CM Yogi Adityanath said that the temple construction is a moment to
Preparations for the foundation stone-laying and lighting of ceremonial lamps being carried out in Ayodhya. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@ShriRamTeerth
https://twitter.com/ShriRamTeerth_/status/1290911199601680384

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