AYODHYA, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a controversial Hindu temple constructed on the site of a historic mosque in Ayodhya, marking a significant political victory for the populist leader. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, fulfills a longstanding demand by millions of Hindus and symbolizes a vision of reclaiming Hindu pride, according to Modi’s party and other Hindu nationalist groups.
The construction and opening of the temple have been met with mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a momentous occasion, celebrating the virtues of truth, sacrifice, and ethical governance associated with Lord Ram. Critics, however, accuse Modi of a hurried opening aimed at winning votes in the upcoming elections.
Modi, dressed in traditional attire, led the opening ceremony attended by nearly 7,500 people, including influential figures from various fields. The event was broadcast on a giant screen for those unable to attend, while a military helicopter showered flower petals over the venue.
The Prime Minister declared, “Our Lord Ram has arrived after centuries of wait,” and emphasized the temple as a symbol of a rising India breaking free from a “slave mentality.”
The ceremony, seen by some as the beginning of Modi’s election campaign, received widespread coverage across the nation. Live screenings, religious pamphlet distributions, and the closure of offices for half a day underscored the government’s efforts to turn the event into a national occasion.
Critics argue that the ceremony blurs the line between religion and state, with Modi’s fusion of religion and politics being unprecedented in India’s history. The use of the term “Ram Rajya,” which signifies just and ethical governance but has been co-opted by Hindu nationalists, further fuels concerns about the secular nature of the state.
The Ayodhya temple, situated at one of India’s most contentious religious sites, is expected to boost Modi’s chances of re-election by tapping into the religious sentiments of the majority Hindu population. The city itself has undergone significant transformation in preparation for the inauguration, with enhanced infrastructure and heightened security measures.
However, the temple’s history remains fraught, as it is built on the ruins of the 16th-century Babri Mosque, demolished in 1992 by Hindu mobs, triggering widespread riots that resulted in thousands of deaths. The Supreme Court’s decision in 2019 granted the site to Hindus, exacerbating tensions between religious communities.
The temple, with an estimated cost of $217 million, is spread over nearly 3 hectares and is built of pink sandstone. Despite the celebration, not all are rejoicing, as some Hindu religious authorities refused to attend, citing concerns about consecrating an unfinished temple, contrary to Hindu scriptures.
In response, neighboring Pakistan condemned the consecration, expressing worry over the potential threat to other mosques in India. The international community is urged to protect Islamic heritage sites and ensure minority rights are safeguarded amid growing disputes over historical religious sites in the country.
