Embark on a captivating journey through history as Ayodhya prepares for the much-awaited inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yogi Adityanath, Mohan Bhagwat, and other dignitaries will lead the momentous consecration ceremony, attracting a diverse crowd of over 7,000 attendees. Delve into the intricate timeline of events, from the disputed Babri Mosque’s construction in 1528 to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in 2019, culminating in the foundation stone laying ceremony in 2020. As the date approaches, reflect on the cultural and religious significance of this monumental occasion.
The much-anticipated inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is just around the corner, marking a historic moment with the consecration of Ram Lalla scheduled for January 22. Leading the ceremony will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside notable figures such as UP CM Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, and Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the president of the temple trust.
In the heart of Ayodhya, between 12:15 pm and 12:45 pm on January 22, the consecration ceremony will unfold. This momentous occasion has attracted over 7,000 dignitaries, including cricketers, individuals from the entertainment industry, and businessmen, who have been extended invitations to witness this historic event.
To fully appreciate the significance of this event, let’s journey through the timeline of events leading up to the consecration ceremony:
Temple Demolished to Make Way for Mosque – 1528
In 1528, according to widely recognized historical records, Babur’s general Mir Baqi is said to have constructed a mosque by demolishing a temple at what is believed to be Ram’s birthplace in Ayodhya’s Ramkot.
Dispute During British India
Religious tensions over the Babri Masjid site surfaced in 1853. Under the rule of Nawab Wajid Shah of Awadh, the Nirmohis, a Hindu sect, claimed that a Hindu temple had been destroyed during Babur’s reign to make space for the mosque. In response, the British partitioned the site into two sections in 1859, allowing Muslims to pray within the mosque and designating the outer court for Hindu use.
Ram Lalla Idols Inside Babri Mosque – 1949
In 1949, idols of Lord Ram were discovered inside the Babri Masjid, leading to a legal battle. While one petitioner sought permission to worship the idols, another insisted on the removal of the idols, advocating for the mosque to be preserved. Despite the government locking the place, daily puja by priests continued.
Plea Seeks Restoration of Property to Muslims — 1961
In 1961, a petitioner filed a suit requesting the restoration of the property to Muslims. The Sunni Central Wakf Board also filed a suit, declaring the Babri Mosque as its property.
Campaign Launched to Build Ram Temple — 1980s
In the 1980s, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spearheaded a campaign with the goal of “liberating” Lord Ram’s birthplace and constructing a temple in his honor.
Ayodhya Court Orders Mosque to be Opened for Hindus — 1986
Responding to a plea, the district judge in Ayodhya ordered the gates of the contested mosque to be opened, allowing Hindus to worship there. This decision led to the formation of the Babri Mosque Action Committee by Muslims in protest.
VHP Lays the Foundation of Ram Temple — 1989
In 1989, the VHP initiated the construction of a Ram temple on the land adjacent to the Babri Masjid. This prompted legal actions, including a case filed by Justice Deoki Nandan Agarwal, seeking the relocation of the mosque.
The Rath Yatra — 1990
Under the leadership of LK Advani, the BJP organized a national Rath Yatra from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in 1990, rallying support for the Ram Temple agitation. The yatra covered a vast distance, but it faced governmental intervention, leading to the preventive custody of LK Advani.
The Mosque is Demolished — 1992
On December 6, 1992, the disputed Babri Mosque was demolished by karsevaks in the presence of leaders from Shiv Sena, VHP, and BJP. This event triggered widespread communal riots across the country.
Godhra Train Fire and Gujarat Riots — 2002
The burning of Sabarmati Express carrying kar sevaks in 2002 led to the Gujarat riots, claiming over 1,000 lives.
ASI Conducts Survey — 2003
In 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reported evidence of a significant Hindu complex beneath the Babri Mosque. However, disagreements persisted over the interpretation of the historical findings.
Allahabad HC Divides the Disputed Site in Three Parts — 2010
In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the disputed land should be divided into three parts, allocated to Ram Lalla, the Islamic Waqf Board, and the Nirmohi Akhara.
All Three Sides Approach Supreme Court — 2011
All parties involved, including Nirmohi Akhara, Ram Lalla Virajman, and Sunni Waqf Board, appealed against the Allahabad High Court verdict, leading to a Supreme Court stay on the division of the disputed site.
Supreme Court Asks Govt to Handover Land for Ram Temple Construction — 2019
On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the transfer of the disputed land to a trust, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Shetra, for the construction of the Ram Temple. The court also directed the government to allocate five acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board for a mosque.
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony — 2020
On August 5, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ram Temple’s construction, marking a pivotal moment in the journey towards the realization of this longstanding dream.
As we approach the upcoming consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024, it is essential to reflect on the complex history and the diverse perspectives that have shaped this significant chapter in India’s cultural and religious landscape.
