Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Poojan highlights | VHP says Ram temple likely to be completed in 3 years

Hailing Lord Ram as "Imam-e-Hind" (prelate of India), some Muslim devotees of Lord Ram watched the entire bhoomi pujan ceremony in Ayodhya on Wednesday live on their TV sets as they could not go there due to the coronavirus health protocols.

Underlining the country's tradition of syncretic co-existence, they said once the coronavirus situation improves they would visit the temple site and offer their services in its construction.

"It is a moment of joy for us. We' are kar sevaks and consider Lord Ram as 'Imam-e-Hind',Raja Raees, the president of Sunni Social Forum (an organisation working for the Muslims) said.

Zameer Raza, a resident of Bareilly, feels that the day has come after a lot of efforts. "In fact, I feel that it is a double Eid for us."

Shanno Khan said, "Once the COVID-19 crisis is over, and the construction work of Ram temple in Ayodhya commences, I along with my family members and friends will go to participate in kar seva."

The construction of the grand Ram temple at Ayodhya, whose 'bhoomi pujan' was performed on Wednesday, is expected to be completed in the next three years, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) said.

VHP international president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje said there is enthusiasm among Hindus across the world over the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Ram temple.

"The smooth manner in which the work of temple construction has been going on after the formation of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra by the central government is amazing," he said.

He said, "We hope that the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed in three years."

With 'Jai Siya Ram', PM Modi marks a shift from 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan

When Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi addressedseers and other attendees on the occasion of 'Bhoomi Poojan' and foundation stone laying ceremony for Ram temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, he began with 'Jai Siya Ram'.

This, many noted, was a shift from the slogan of 'Jai Shree Ram' that has marked the Ram Janmabhoomi movement since its inception.

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday described the laying of foundation stone of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a happy and historic moment for every Indian.

He also said that with the laying of the foundation stone, the dreams of crores of Lord Ram's devotees have come true.

In a series of tweets on the occasion, Khattar said, "This happy moment is historic for every Indian."

Moments before the prime minister was to perform the 'bhoomi pujan' of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Khattar urged people to light a lamp in the courtyard of their homes and give a message of brotherhood.

Indian PM Modi laid Ram Temple's foundation stone in Ayodhya. Connected through Ram-Sita, relationship b/w the two countries is deep andstrong. Ram-Janaki continues to inspire the relationship to become more cooperative andstrong in modern times.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "leader of five centuries" who resolved the equally old dispute with his efficient leadership and paved the way for the construction of a grand temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

With PM Modi performing "bhoomi pujan" for the construction of the temple, Chouhan said a "new era" has begun.

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A quick look at how Ram Mandir bhoomi poojan ceremony unfolded

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed thebhoomi poojanand laid the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on August 5.

After laying the first brick for the temple, PM Modi said thewait of centuries has endedand that India is writing a golden chapter in the holy city.

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Congress leader Anand Sharma:Ram temple has been the demand of people from past many years. Congress welcomed the decision of Supreme Court with an open heart. Lord Ram is loved by all and he is above any political consideration. Politics and faith must be kept apart.

On the ocasssion of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Patna-basedMahavir Mandir Trust said it would begin distributing 1.25 lakh Raghupati laddoos.

The pure ghee used to make these laddoos were sourced from Bengaluru, while the gram flour was brought in over from Australia.

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It is a historic day. The construction of Ram Temple has started in Ayodhya today after sacrifices, wait and patience of generations. Indians and many people from across the world were waiting for this day for centuries.

India is a secular country. Prime Minister has violated the oath of the office by laying the foundation stone of Ram Mandir. This is the day of the defeat of democracy and secularism and success of Hindutva.The Prime Minister today said he was emotional. I want to say that I am also equally emotional because I believe in coexistence and equality of citizenship. Mr Prime Minister, I am emotional because a mosque stood there for 450 years.

I thank PM Modi for being present today, at the most awaited moment of the past 500 years. We have to implement the work plan prepared by PM Modi. This temple will not only be the epitome of Lord Ram's greatness but of India's too.

With foundation laying of Ram Mandir, India has shown how the 500-year-old dispute has been resolved peacefully.