In every society, there comes a moment of pride, glory and gratitude when the most important wish of the people is granted. For the large, worldwide Hindu community, the moment is here as the magnificent Ram Janmabhumi Mandir in Ayodhya is consecrated. The temple is a testimony to the enduring spirit of the Hindu community and their unwavering devotion to Lord Ram.
The significance of the Ram Mandir not only lies in its majestic architecture but also in its spiritual essence, which presents it as a symbol of unity, faith, and cultural heritage. The construction of the temple represents a cultural bond that binds the diverse people of India.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The construction of the temple is a symbolic victory for the peace-loving and devout Hindu community, who had been waiting for decades to see the structure coming to life. Every large faith in the world has a special place which signifies the fountainhead of spiritual strength for them.
The devotees consider it a cultural obligation to visit this special place at least once in their lifetime as a sacred duty and memorable pilgrimage. For the large Catholic community, the holy Vatican City is such a pious place, whereas for the Muslim community, Mecca holds that hallowed significance.
Now, for the large, worldwide peaceful Hindu community, Ayodhya is set to emerge as the most important religious centre for the Hindu community. As the Ayodhya city gets decked up from the banks of the Saryu river and beyond, it also heralds an unbelievable spurt in development activity. The city is emerging as a major religious and cultural centre as the temple attracts millions of devotees from across India and the world.
Ayodhya has been the center of devotion and faith for millions of Hindus worldwide, as the birthplace of Lord Ram. People had been thronging to this sacred place for worship even when the site was undeveloped and in the centre of disputes. It is the will of the people, and the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that the concept of a temple construction was finalised and now, a few years later, the grand temple is set to be consecrated.
For the people of Goa, this is a long-awaited moment and has brought people together like nothing else in recent memory. People all over India and indeed, the world, are elated beyond words. The expressions of joy and gratitude are simply unbelievable.
From Goa, the distance to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is immaterial.
In the past too, people from the State had been actively involved in the movement for temple construction. They had contributed in every possible way - human resources to material resources – to see this sacred structure take shape. And now, from the time of consecration to the next three years, it is planned to send more than 15,000 people to Ayodhya. This is a small but significant symbol of Goa’s emotional connect with Ayodhya and Ram Mandir.
As the whole country is united in the celebration, the people of Goa join the moments of immense joy in this spiritual celebration. Every person in the country will be witnessing the auspicious moment of Pran Pratishtha, welcoming Lord Ram to his home in Ayodhya. The Prime Minister must be given credit for making this possible for the people in India and elsewhere in the world. As everyone looks forward to the Pran Pratistha, a wave of devotion and faith has been created across the globe.
The Ram Janmabhumi Mandir consecration is a momentous event in affirming the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.
A beacon of hope and inspiration, the temple reminds us of the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit as a place of spiritual and cultural awakening. A monument to India’s rich cultural and religious heritage, it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Shri Ram.
On behalf of the people of Goa, I extend my heartiest greeting on this moment, which connects the devotees with the divine.
(The writer is the Minister for Health, Urban Development, Town and Country Planning, Women and Child Welfare, and Forests in Government of Goa)
