New Delhi, Jan 1: The nation is going witness a historic moment on January 22, 2024 as the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be held. The idol of Bhagwan Shri Ram Lalla is going to be installed at the Ram Mandir after the Pran Pratishtha. The construction work of the temple is almost complete, and many VVIPs and celebrities from across the world are expected to attend the historic event.
While we wait for this event, here are the 10 most significant facts about Bhagwan Shri Ram and Ram Janmabhoomi that every Indian must know and understand.
1. Why is Bhagwan Shri Rama considered a venerated figure by Hindus?
As per Hindu tradition, Bhagwan Shri Ram is the seventh incarnation of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu born in theTretha Yug, second of the four Yugas. The Bhagwan Shri Vishnu is believed to have been born as Rama to negate adharma or unrighteousness. He is believed to have been born over 3000 years ago to lead the Hindu civilization. Not just in India, but several of South and South Asian countries citizens do believe in the legendary Rama as a manifestation of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu. Archeological evidence attests to several important facets of Rama’s life. Even the recently discovered Dwaraka, the submerged city corroborates the existence of Rama.
2. Any evidence that points to the existence of Ram Janmabhiomi?
In 1975-80, Archaeological Survey of India, a team led by Prof B B Lal did extensive excavations in Ayodhya to establish various sites mentioned in Ramayan. The team was able to establish that the Ram Janmabhoomi site was occupied before 7th century BC. Two pits dug near the Babri structure led to the discovery of bases of pillars from the destroyed temple. These were in alignment with fourteen Kasauti-stone pillars that were used in the Babri structure. These pillars had distinctive Hindu carvings of the 12th century. In addition, artifacts from the destruction of the mandir in 1528 were also recovered. These lines mention the existence of a beautiful temple of Vishnu - Hari at the site.
3. Any proof of Ram Mandir's destruction at Ayodhya in 1528 AD?
While the authenticated Muslim records attest to the destruction of a grand temple at the very site, European visitors, before the British rule also refer to this destruction. Archaeological studies conclusively prove the existence of a temple before the construction of the Babri structure. Further, the land revenue records maintained by the British, have identified the site as Janmasthan. There is even a legal judgment of 1886 that points to the construction of the Babri structure on the site holy to Hindus.
4. How do we claim that Babur destroyed the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya?
In the English translation of the Persian diary of Babur named ‘Babur Nama’, Annette Susannah Beveridge mentions specifically the destruction of the Ram temple. She says that Babur was impressed with dignity and sanctity of the ancient Hindu shrine at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. She also says that as an obedient follower of Mohammed, Babur regarded the substitution of the temple for a mosque as a dutiful and worthy action. Several notings in his diary point to Babur’s presence in and around Ayodhya during the destruction of the temple. To buy peace with Hindus, 50 years after the destruction of the temple, Akbar oversaw construction of Sita ki Rasoi at the original site and Ram Chabootar, in the vicinity of the original Garbha Griha, sanctum sanctorum. There are numerous accounts to drive home the fact that Ram Navami was celebrated at the site from 1700.
5. Why was Ram Janmabhoomi not recovered earlier?
Tens of thousands of people sacrificed their lives in defense of the temple at Ram Janmabhoomi. Despite a relatively strong Islamic rule in the area, Hindu kings used every opportunity to liberate the site. Prior to 1947, there have been 77 recorded attempts to get back Ram Janmabhoomi from Muslims.
6. During the British Rule, did Hindus make any attempt to recover Ram Janmabhoomi?
Hindus did explore the judicial process way back in 1885 through a case. An essential section of the judgment that was delivered in 1886 reads as follows:
“It is most unfortunate that a masjid should have been built on land specially held sacred by the Hindus, but as the event occurred 356 years ago it is too late now to remedy the grievance. All that can be done is to maintain the status quo. In such a case as the present one any innovation could cause more harm and derangement of order than benefit.”
7. Were any attempts made post-independence?
After December 1949, when the idols of Ram appeared in the Babri structure, the courts permitted continuous puja by the Hindus. Courts declined the removal of idols and prohibited Muslims within 200 feet of the idols. In February 1986, it was on court orders that locks at Ram Janmabhoomi were removed, giving full access to Hindus to worship Ram Lalla. Further, during the reign of three Prime Ministers, V P Singh, Chandrashekar and Narasimha Rao some attempts were made to resolve the issue. However, the most organized and well-documented effort was made during Chandrashekar’s tenure as Prime Minister.
8. If Ram Janmabhoomi temple were rebuilt, would this not lead to further communal divide?
Hindu temples in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even India were destroyed before the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. The novel, Lajja, describes atrocities against the Hindus in Bangladesh right from the time of independence. In 1986 in Kashmir, many Hindu temples were attacked and some destroyed, during early days of terrorism in the state. On Ram Janmabhoomi, Hindus have a legitimate claim on the temple site. Since the legitimacy has been established, it becomes incumbent not only for Hindus to explain their position, but also for the others to view it in the same perspective. It should also be stated that Hindus have made sincere efforts to resolve the issue through negotiations and these efforts were frustrated time and again.
9. Is there any comparison between Ram Janmabhoomi and Somnath temples?
In both cases, the temples were deliberately destroyed. Hindus demonstrated great attachment not only to the temples but also to the site and made every effort to peacefully recover them. The only difference one can find is that in Somnath, no religious place was built over the ruins of the vandalised temple. However, next to ruins of ancient Hindu place of worship, a small mosque was built within the temple precincts.
10. Was the Babri structure used as a Muslim place of worship?
Records show that since mid-1930s, Muslims stopped offering namaz at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. At the same time, Hindus worship at Ram Chabootar and Sita-ki-Rasoi that existed within the Babri structure compound. This has been going continuously going on from the late 16th century. Since December 1949, Hindus started to offer pujas to Ram Lalla within the structure. This worship at the spot continued with the full sanction of judiciary. In effect, it became a functioning temple. What is now sought to be done is to undertake a renovation programme to fully reflect the glory of Ram.