The much-awaited stone-laying ceremony was completed by PM Modi today in Ayodhya. He arrived at the Ram Janmabhoomi site for the first time in 29 years and performed the historic Bhoomi Pujan. He offered prayers to Ram Lalla and performed 'sashtang pranam' (prostration) at Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also planted a Parijat sapling, considered a divine plant, ahead of foundation stone-laying. As per tradition, he offered prayers at Hanuman Garhi Temple before proceeding to Ram Janmabhoomi site.
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After the ceremony, CM Yogi Adityanath addressed the nation and said that 'PM Narendra Modi's foresight wisdom paved way for peaceful resolution of Ram temple issue.'
Soon after Modi took the stage and gave a powerful speech about finding inspiration in Lord Ram. He began by chanting 'Jai Siya Ram' and said that he is honoured that the temple trust had invited him
“I am honoured that the trust invited me and gave me an opportunity to be part of this historic moment’
Here are key highlights of the speech:
- The Prime Minister said that Jai Siyaram', call is resonating not only in the city of Lord Ram but throughout the world today. I express gratitude to all citizens of this nation, Indian diaspora across the world and all the devotees of Lord Ram on today's pious occasion.
- August 15 symbolises the sacrifices made by many many people for the freedom movement people and fight to attain independence. Similarly, the Ram Mandir is a symbol of all those people who sacrificed their lives and struggled to make this day a reality.
- A grand temple will now be built for our Ram Lalla who had been staying in a tent. Today Ram Janam Bhoomi breaks free of the cycle of breaking and getting built again - that had been going on for centuries. He said that India is creating a golden chapter in Ayodhya, wait of centuries ends today.
- He also said that with the construction of this temple, not only history is being made, but is being repeated. The way boatmen to tribals helped Lord Ram, the way children helped Lord Krishna lift Govardhan mountain, similarly, with everyone's efforts temple construction will be completed.
- Ram Mandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions. It'll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of the collective resolution of crores of people. It will keep inspiring future generations. This grand Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya, like the name of Shri Ram, will reflect the rich heritage of Indian culture. I believe it will inspire the entire humanity till eternity.
- Modi also talked about how Ram is part of Indian ethos. 'Ram teaches us to stay in the path of truth and that is why he is the pillar of strength for India. Social harmony was part of his governance. There is no aspect in life where he is not an inspiration. India also sources its inspiration from Lord Ram. In fact, it was also part of Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom struggle.'
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- He highlighted that the influence of Ram is widespread, 'Ram is present across the country and even outside the country. In the country with the largest Muslim population that is Indonesia also have Ram in its culture. Similarly, in Cambodia, Laos, Nepal etc also has Ram in their culture and history.'
- He also said that Ram was an upholder of progress, modernity, and development. And these ideals are leading India. Whenever we have trusted Ram we have moved in the path of development and wherever we have strayed it has led to our destruction. Modi highlighted that using Ram as an inspiration we have to work towards creating an 'Atma nirbhar bharat'.
- The PM said that with the construction of the temple, Ayodhya is set to change as new opportunities will open. 'People from all over the world will come to visit this temple and so many changes will happen in this place.'
- Modi also said that Ram's social message is that of equality and peace. There should be no differences between men and women.
- With coronavirus pandemic, it has become more necessary to follow the lord ram. And we should not forget measures such as social distancing & using masks.
- Modi said that it our responsibility to carry the message of Ram and spread it to every corner of the world.
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