Title: Credit for Ram Mandir Construction Goes to People of Ayodhya, Says VHP Leader
Champat Rai, a senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader and the general secretary of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, emphasizes that the credit for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya goes to the sadhus and the people of Ayodhya. Rai, who played a critical role in the legal battle and is now involved in the temple’s construction, shares his memories and insights in a recent interaction at his office in Ayodhya.
According to Rai, the people of Ayodhya have been at the forefront of the temple movement since its inception. From the moment sadhus broke into the Ram Janmabhoomi on December 22, 1949, to the shilanyas ceremony on November 9, 1989, and the demolition of the structure on December 6, 1992, the people of Ayodhya have stood firmly behind the cause. Rai acknowledges that although outsiders have come and gone, without the support and active participation of the sadhus and people of Ayodhya, the Ram Mandir movement could never have succeeded.
When asked about giving credit to someone else apart from the leaders of RSS, VHP, and BJP, Rai highlights the contribution of Former Congress MLA Dau Dayal Khanna from Moradabad. Rai commends Khanna for being the first to raise his voice for the Ram Mandir even before the RSS and VHP. Khanna’s call to build the Ram Mandir at a Hindu Sammelan in Muzaffarnagar in 1983 was instrumental in propelling the movement forward.
Regarding the much-anticipated consecration ceremony, the Trust has not finalized a date yet. However, it is expected to take place between Makar Sankranti on January 15 and January 24. The ceremony will not be scheduled before Makar Sankranti, as per Hindu beliefs, and not after January 25 due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s involvement in Republic Day celebrations.
Regarding the families of Karsevaks who lost their lives during the Ram Mandir movement, the Trust announces that it is not possible to invite everyone for the ceremony due to certain limitations. While recognizing the desire of many to attend, the Trust expresses its regret at being unable to extend invitations to all.
The RSS is planning to organize ‘nama sankirtan’ and other events in approximately 500,000 temples across the country. These events will commence at least ten days before the pran pratishtha of Ram Lalla.
When it comes to selecting the idol of Ram Lalla for the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Mandir, the Trust explains that the best idol will be chosen after considering the opinions of architects, experts, and other sculptors involved. The remaining two idols will also find their place inside the temple.
While the ground floor of the Ram Mandir is nearly complete, the Trust remains optimistic about meeting their deadline to finish all construction work by December 2024.
Two rocks from Nepal were brought with great enthusiasm to carve out the temple’s idol. However, upon analysis by sculptors, it was discovered that the Nepalese rocks did not fulfill all the necessary criteria for Ram Lalla’s idol. As a result, the Trust ruled out using the Nepal rocks.
In terms of future plans, the Trust currently refrains from discussing the connectivity between Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi by a straight road. Such decisions will be made at an appropriate time after the completion of the temple’s construction.
Regarding the management of the Ram Mandir, the Trust has not yet decided if it will constitute a board similar to the ones overseeing temples in South India. Any decision regarding management will be made after studying the management of prominent temples across India.
In conclusion, Champat Rai acknowledges the crucial role played by the sadhus and the people of Ayodhya in the construction of the Ram Mandir. The Trust remains focused on meeting the construction deadline, while also considering other aspects of the temple’s management and future plans.
