Ram Mandir inaugurated in Ayodhya, India |23 January 2024

Yesterday, India witnessed the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. This was a historical moment for India as this is the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the hero of Ramayana regarded as an incarnation of God Vishnu by the Hindus.

The temple cost approximately $217 million and its design, rooted in the traditional Nagara style, features a length of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and a height of 161 feet. Designed by Chandrakant Sompura and his son Ashish, the temple complex spans 70 acres, with the main temple area covering 2.7 acres and a built-up area of about 57,000 square feet. The entire structure has been financed by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which has collected over Rs3,500 crore in donations from across India and abroad. The Ram Lalla idol was carved by Karnataka's renowned sculptor, Arun Yogiraj.

Addressing thousands of guests outside the temple’s complex, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, described the event as “the beginning of a new time cycle. Today our Lord Ram has come. After centuries of waiting, our Ram has arrived. Our Ram idol will not stay in a tent anymore. Our Ram idol will stay in a divine temple now.”

Similar to other countries around the world, the event was telecasted live in Seychelles. The Indian Association of Seychelles (IAS) and the Hindu Council of Seychelles (HCS) organised the viewing at the Yoga Hall at the Indian High Commission from 10:45 - 11:30am followed by prayers to Ram.

“Lord Sri Ram arrived on this earth in Treta Yuga almost 869, 000 years ago and He was born to eliminate the darkness and evils surrounding of the world and to uphold the Dharma, the righteousness and to make his subjects live in abundance of happiness and prosperity. The event that happened in India today is considered to be the rebirth or re-entry of Lord Shri Ram into Ayodhya,” explained the chairman of the Seychelles Hindu Council, Narasimhan Ramani.

The place where the temple is constructed is quite a controversial one. According to history, Mugal Emperor Babar constructed the Babar Masjid in Ayodhya in the year 1528. In the year 1949, statues of Shri Ram and Sita Devi were found within the Babar Masjid and the site had become a disputed one between the religious faiths.

“In the years following, various Hindu religious organisations had filed cases, claiming the right of prayers in the disputed site and the disputes were dragging in the courts. Many events, some unfortunate ones happened there, and finally, everything was finalised for such a massive temple to be constructed,” explained Mr Ramani.

A Prasadi lunch was offered to all attendees.

The event in India and around the world was attended by millions.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Kurtrine Albert/Contributed