Why RAM Mandir is Open on 22 January?
The Ram Mandir is one of the most revered temples in India, dedicated to the revered Hindu deity Ram. Located in Ayodhya, the temple has been a source of great pride and unity for the people of Uttar Pradesh and across the nation. However, the Ram Mandir’s opening on 22 January has sparked controversy and debate. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the temple’s opening and what it signifies for the nation.
A Brief History of the Ram Mandir
The Ram Mandir is built on the site of the ancient Loha Devi temple, which was constructed by Hazrat Mohommun Shah, a descendant of Husain Ayub, the grandson of Muhammad bin Togrul. The temple was built in 1457 by the ruler of the Lakhnapur kingdom, ‘Bhaiyahera, the Khalil Hamam Khan. ‘Bhaiyahera was a Turkish governor who was considered one of the most devout Muslim rulers in India. According to legend, he was also known for his strict adherence to Islamic values and his role in resisting British colonial rule.
Over time, the temple became a center of pilgrimage for Muslims, particularly during the Mughal era. However, in 1526, Babur, the Mughal emperor, destroyed the Loha Devi temple and built a new one on the same site. The new temple was built by ‘Bhaiyahera’s grandson, ‘Bhaiyahera’s**son, an Khwarezmid emperor named ‘Alauddin and his son, ‘Khwarazmisana’. The new temple was built on the same site as the original Loha Devi temple and was considered to be a shrine for the Muslim community.
The Construction of the Ram Mandir
In 2019, the construction of the Ram Mandir began with the demolition of the Lakhimpur Sahib complex, which was located on the same site as the Loha Devi temple. The construction of the Ram Mandir was completed in 2020 and a Lord Hanuman statue was installed on the summit of the temple. The statue was built by the Ayodhya Smart City Authority (ASCYA), which is a joint initiative between the state government and the Rashtriya Udyog Aayojan (RUA).
A Symbol of Unity
The Ram Mandir is not just a symbol of Hinduism, but also of the unity of the Muslim community. The construction of the Ram Mandir is seen as a significant step towards the reconciliation of the two communities, which have been at odds for centuries. The statue of Lord Hanuman, a revered Hindu deity, was built on the same site as the temple, demonstrating the shared reverence for the Hindu god.
The Controversy Surrounding the Ram Mandir’s Opening
The opening of the Ram Mandir on 22 January has sparked widespread controversy. Many have criticized the decision, citing the history of ‘Bhaiyahera’s**merit and the fact that the temple had been neglected for centuries. The Grand Trunk Road and the Delhi-Lucknow Highway that passes through Ayodhya have also been plagued by the procession of the Ram Mandir, which has been a source of contention.
In a recent appeal to the Allahabad High Court, many Muslim leaders have argued that the construction of the Ram Mandir is a politically motivated exercise and that it is an attempt to rewrite history. They have also criticized the government for its role in constructing the temple without consulting the Muslim community.
The Significance of the Ram Mandir’s Opening
Despite the controversy, the opening of the Ram Mandir on 22 January is seen as a significant step towards the reconciliation of the two communities. The temple’s opening has sparked a renewed sense of pride and unity among the people of Ayodhya and Uttar Pradesh.
According to the government, the opening of the Ram Mandir is a reflection of the peaceful resolution of the dharna that took place in Ayodhya in 2019. The dharna, which lasted for six months, was a response to the construction of the Lakhimpur Sahib complex and the demand for the construction of the Ram Mandir.
A Time for Reflection and Reconciliation
As the Ram Mandir’s opening approaches, it is essential that the nation comes together to reflect on the history and the significance of the temple. The construction of the Ram Mandir is a symbol of the unity of the Hindu community, but it is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect of the Muslim community.
In conclusion, the opening of the Ram Mandir on 22 January is a significant event that holds the potential for reconciliation and unity. However, it is essential that the nation comes together to reflect on the history and the significance of the temple, and to recognize the inherent value of both Hinduism and Islam.
Important Facts:
- The Ram Mandir’s opening was sparked by the demolition of the Lakhimpur Sahib complex by the state government.
- The construction of the Ram Mandir was completed in 2020 and a Lord Hanuman statue was installed on the summit of the temple.
- The statue was built by the Ayodhya Smart City Authority (ASCYA).
- The Grand Trunk Road and the Delhi-Lucknow Highway that passes through Ayodhya have been plagued by the procession of the Ram Mandir.
- Many Muslim leaders have criticized the construction of the Ram Mandir as a politically motivated exercise.
- The opening of the Ram Mandir is seen as a reflection of the peaceful resolution of the dharna that took place in Ayodhya in 2019.