Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration: PM Modi remembers 'kar sevaks', declares Jan 22 'birth of new era'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed those gathered at the Ram Mandir in northern city of Ayodhya by chanting'Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai', and asserted that Lord Ram will no longer live in a tent and will stay in the grand 'mandir', after attending the temple's consecration ceremony on Monday (Jan 22).

He graced the Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya to attend the sacred rituals during the 'Pran Pratishtha' or consecration ceremony. The Indian PMremembered all the 'kar sevaks' or volunteers who sacrificed their lives which, in the end, led to the consecration of the Ram temple after centuries.

"After the patience that we showed for centuries and the sacrifices we made, our Lord Ram has finally arrived," PM Modi said adding, "even after thousands of years people will remember this date, moment. It's Ram's supreme blessings that we are witnessingit."

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The leader also thanked the Indian judiciary saying, "The legal battle over the existence of Lord Ram went on for decades. I would like to express my gratitude to the judiciary of India for doingjustice."

"The whole of India is filled with joy and emotion due to the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya Dham. Today our Ram has come!" Indian PM Modi said in an emotional speech.

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"January 22, 2024, is not a date written on the calendar. This is the origin of a new era," the Indian prime minister added.

Hebroke his fast after carrying out all the rituals at the splendid ceremony.

At a moment when the entire nation is filled with joy over the Ram Mandir consecration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The entire country is celebrating Diwali today. Preparations are in full swing to illuminate the Ramjyoti in every home this evening."

The PM said that the construction of the temple reflects the maturity of Indian society and symbolises not only triumph but also humility. "We have to now lay the foundation of India of next 1,000 years; We take the pledge to build a capable, grand, divine India from this moment," PM Modi said as he gave the slogan of "Dev (Lord) to Desh (Nation) and Ram to Rashtra (Nation)".

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Speaking about his 11-day fast-ritual, PM Modi said, "I tried to touch the feet of those places where the feet of Lord Ram had fallen.Lord Ram is connected to every particle of the soul of India."

"I apologise to Lord Ram as there was something lacking in our love and penance due to which this work (construction of Ram Temple) was not done for so many years. However, that gap has been bridged today and I am confident that Lord Ram will forgive us."

Modi also showered flowers on the idol of the mythical bird Jatayu at the Ram Temple premises.

Thousands gathered to witness the historic event which is a milestone in the cultural heritage of the nation.

Earlier in the day, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Prime Minister Modi arrived at the temple premises. The atmosphere reverberatedwith the chants of 'Jai Sri Ram.'

The ceremony was also attended by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Not just those in India, but alsothe Indian diasporawas drenched in spiritual fervour on the grand occasion.

As the nation watched, the much-anticipated unveiling of the idol of Ram Lalla took place amidst divine chants.

Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers showered vibrant flower petals over the temple grounds.Prime Minister Modi, along with other dignitaries, offered heartfelt prayers to Ram Lalla.

Many celebrities, political figures and sports stars were in attendance at the ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also performed 'Dandavat Pranam' or prostration in front of the Ram Lalla idol at the Temple in Ayodhya.

The Indian prime minister sought blessings from 'sadhus' or priests.

WATCH |Moment when Ram Lalla's idol was revealed in Ram Mandir consecration ceremony

As the nation tuned in to watch the live screening of the grand event, Prime Minister Modi performed the 'aarti' or divine rituals of the Ram Lalla idol.

Many political leaders and dignitaries watched the live telecast of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented a replica of Ayodhya's Ram temple to Indian PM Modi as well as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya.

(With inputs from agencies)