Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Controversial Hindu Temple in Ayodhya
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled a long-standing demand by millions of Hindus on Monday as he inaugurated a controversial Hindu temple in the city of Ayodhya. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, is built on the ruins of a historic mosque and has been portrayed by Modi’s governing party and other Hindu nationalist groups as central to their vision of reclaiming Hindu pride.
The inauguration ceremony, led by Modi himself, took place as Hindu priests chanted hymns inside the temple’s inner sanctum. A stone sculpture of Lord Ram was installed in the temple last week, and Modi placed a lotus flower in front of the idol during the ceremony. The event was attended by thousands of people, including elite industrialists, politicians, and movie stars, who watched the ritual on a giant screen outside the temple.
Modi’s visit to numerous Ram temples over 11 days prior to the opening set the tone for the event and is seen by analysts as the start of his election campaign. As an avowed Hindu nationalist, Modi has sought to transform India into a distinctly Hindu state during his tenure as prime minister. Critics argue that the pomp-filled display of the temple’s inauguration demonstrates the erosion of the line between religion and state under Modi’s leadership.
The temple’s construction has been met with controversy due to its location at one of India’s most vexed religious sites. The site was previously occupied by the Babri Mosque, which was demolished by Hindu mobs in 1992. The destruction of the mosque triggered violent riots across India, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, mostly Muslims. In 2019, India’s Supreme Court granted the site to Hindus while giving Muslims a different plot of land, ending the long-standing dispute.
The inauguration of the temple has been accompanied by an elaborate makeover of Ayodhya. The city has seen the transformation of narrow roads into a four-lane pilgrimage route, the construction of a new airport and railway station, and the development of new hotels. Devotees from across the country have arrived to celebrate the opening, with groups dancing to religious songs on flower-decorated roads. Security measures have been put in place to prevent overcrowding, with thousands of security personnel and cameras deployed.
While the inauguration is seen as a momentous and historic event by many Hindus, it remains an open wound for many Muslims who view it as a testament to Modi’s Hindu-first politics. The temple, a three-story structure made of pink sandstone, is expected to open to the public after the ceremony, with an estimated 100,000 devotees visiting daily. However, not all are rejoicing, as four key Hindu religious authorities refused to attend, citing that consecrating an unfinished temple goes against Hindu scriptures. Some opposition leaders from the Congress party are also boycotting the event, accusing Modi of exploiting the temple for political gain.
The inauguration of the controversial Hindu temple in Ayodhya marks a significant moment in India’s history. It reflects the intersection of religion and politics under Modi’s leadership and has the potential to impact the upcoming elections. The temple’s construction and inauguration have sparked both celebration and controversy, highlighting the deep religious divisions in Indian society. As the temple opens its doors to the public, its significance will continue to shape India’s political and social landscape.