‘A new era’: India’s Modi opens controversial Hindu temple in Ayodhya ahead of key elections
- PM Narendra Modi says the temple, built on the site of a razed mosque in Ayodhya, is a testament to a rising India ‘breaking the shackles of slave mentality’
- The temple campaign is likely to boost the BJP’s political share ahead of elections, but analysts say the gains may be limited
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Inauguration of India’s Ayodhya temple tipped to whip up Hindu nationalism ahead of elections
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a temple to the Hindu god Ram at the site of a razed mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya, an event analysts say signifies the start of election campaigning for his party while fulfilling a longstanding promise to its Hindu support base.
Modi, dressed in a traditional kurta tunic, led the opening ceremony as Hindu priests chanted hymns inside the temple’s inner sanctum, where a 1.3-metre-tall stone sculpture of Lord Ram was installed last week.
A priest blew a conch to mark the temple’s opening, and Modi placed a lotus flower in front of the black stone idol that was decked in intricate gold ornaments and holding a golden bow and arrow. He later prostrated before the idol.
“Our Lord Ram has arrived after centuries of wait,” Modi said. “January 22, 2024 is not merely a date in the calendar but heralds the advent of a new era,” he added, speaking outside the temple.
Modi said the temple was built after “countless sacrifices” and that it was a testament to a rising India “breaking the shackles of slave mentality”.
Among those who attended the ceremony was Harish Joshi, who arrived in Ayodhya from Uttarakhand state four days earlier.
“I am here to see history unfolding before our eyes. For centuries, the story of Lord Ram has resonated in the hearts of millions,” Joshi said.