‘Priceless moment’The ceremony took place in the presence of UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat who said Ram Rajya is coming and everyone in the country should shun disputes and stay united. The new idol depicts Ram at the age of five, and was carved from black stone by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. It was draped in a yellow dhoti, and adorned with stone-studded jewellery and flowers in shades of red, yellow and purple. Fifty traditional musical instruments from across the country were part of a devotional “mangal dhwani” that resonated during the ceremony. Orchestrated by Ayodhya’s celebrated poet Yatindra Mishra, the rendition was supported by New Delhi’s Sangeet Natak Akademi Devotees arrived from several parts of the country to the temple town to be part of the occasion, though the main ceremony was only for the invitees. A temple-mosque dispute had simmered over the spot where the 16th century Babri mosque stood. Many Hindus believe that the mosque was constructed after the demolition of a temple that existed on the site of Lord Ram’s birthplace.Kar sewaks demolished it on December 6, 1992 triggering communal riots that left hundreds dead. After a long legal battle, the top court in 2019 ruled in favour of the construction of the temple. It also ordered allotment of a five-acre plot for building a mosque.The Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir has been constructed in the traditional Nagara style. Its east-west length is 380 feet, width 250 feet and height 161 feet. It is supported by 392 pillars and has 44 doors. The pillars and walls showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities.Outside, Ayodhya resident Anil Singh called it a “priceless moment” that he would treasure forever. “As a resident of Ayodhya, I feel proud that I live in this spiritual city,” he said.Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who chiselled the ‘Ram Lalla’ idol, said he considers himself the luckiest person on the earth and believes that it is Lord Ram who chose him for the task.As soon as Modi left the temple premises, the temple was thrown open to invitees. Hundreds rushed in, creating complete chaos in the chamber before the ‘garbhagriha’.The prime minister also visited Kuber Tila shrine, unveiled a statue of Ramayana figure Jatayu and showered petals on workers who built the temple.Senior BJP leaders including party chief J P Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah watched the live streaming of the consecration ceremony. The 96-year-old Advani, who was invited for the ceremony, was not present.
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