The Ram Janmabhoomi is a religious and historical site in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, seventh incarnation of the Lord Vishnu. The history of the Ram Janmabhoomi is deeply entangled with religious and political developments in India.
Ancient History: Ayodhya has long been considered a sacred city in Hinduism, and the belief that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama has ancient roots. The sage Valmiki’s Ramayana narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama.
Babri Masjid Construction: In the 16th century, during the Mughal era, a mosque known as the Babri Masjid was constructed in Ayodhya by the Mughal emperor Babur. It is believed by some historians that the mosque was built after demolishing a pre-existing Hindu temple, although there is debate and controversy surrounding this claim.
Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: The site gained prominence in the late 20th century due to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which called for the construction of a Ram Temple at the site. The movement gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, with various Hindu organizations and political groups advocating for the construction of a temple.
Demolition of the Babri Masjid: On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid was demolished by a large crowd of Hindu activists. This event led to widespread communal tensions and violence across India.
Legal Disputes: The demolition of the Babri Masjid resulted in legal disputes over the ownership and use of the land. Various parties, including Hindu and Muslim groups, claimed rights to the site.
Ayodhya Verdict (2019): In November 2019, the Supreme Court delivered a historic verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case. The court ruled that the disputed land should be given to the Hindus for the construction of a temple, while an alternate piece of land was allocated to the Muslims for the construction of a mosque.
Construction of Ram Temple: Following the court's decision, the construction of the Ram Temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi site commenced. The temple is being built in accordance with traditional Hindu architectural and religious principles.
Inauguration of Ram Temple: The idol of Lord Ram was consecrated in the newly built grand Ram temple at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya on 22 January.