"The Rebirth of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi: A Symbol of Unity, Humanity, and Indian Heritage"

A grand temple has been established at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. Ram Lalla is now being worshipped there. The long-standing dispute, which had persisted for centuries, has finally come to an end. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the most beloved word for Indians is "Ram." Among all the beings ever to grace this earth, Lord Shri Ram stands out as the supreme being, the "Maryada Purushottam" (the epitome of righteousness). Shri Ram was the King of Ayodhya, and not just any king—he was the most ideal ruler of his time. The whole world, even during his era, celebrated his virtues. Even today, the name of Ram continues to be chanted with reverence.

Shri Ram is not a symbol confined to any one religion, caste, community, or group. He is the ideal embodiment of humanity itself—an incarnation of boundless compassion and a living example of justice. As a king, he sacrificed his personal comforts for the welfare of the people, setting many exemplary precedents. That is why any ideal form of governance around the world is often referred to as "Ram Rajya" (the reign of Ram). Sadly, the dispute over Ram Janmabhoomi had, for a long time, obscured Shri Ram’s greatness, causing significant harm to the spirit of humanity. Today, on the occasion of the Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for the construction of Shri Ram’s temple, the nation strives to forget that dark chapter as a bad dream.

There is no debate over the fact that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Shri Ram, and it is here that he spread the message of humanity. According to evidence from various versions of the Ramayana, including the Lomasha Ramayana, Shri Ram’s son, King Kush, re-established Ayodhya and built a temple with stone pillars at Ram’s birthplace. Jain texts also mention that Rishabhadeva later re-established Ayodhya after it was deserted. Ancient scriptures describe several instances where the temple was restored and re-consecrated over time. King Vikramaditya, based on the location of Lakshman Ghat on the Sarayu River, is said to have identified many significant places and constructed 360 temples, including a grand temple at Shri Ram’s birthplace.

However, the temple first suffered foreign attacks in 1033 CE when invader Salar Masud demolished it. Later, a king from the Gahadavala dynasty rebuilt the temple at the Janmabhoomi. In 1526 CE, the Mughal emperor Babur allegedly attacked Ayodhya, destroyed the temple, and constructed a mosque there—though discussions around this event are now largely irrelevant. Hindus have always held a strong belief that Ayodhya is Shri Ram’s birthplace. There is no doubt in this regard.

There was no documented evidence of namaz being offered there during the British colonial period either. Before the arrival of the British, Hindus were performing worship there—at the Ram Chabutra and the Sita Rasoi (Sita’s Kitchen). Today, although recalling all these memories is necessary, it is not indispensable.

Since independence, politicians have divided the country based on caste, religion, and class for selfish interests. In contrast, "Ram" symbolizes unity, humanity, and Indian identity. Every citizen has equal rights in the sacred land of Lord Shri Ram because that was the foundation of Ram Rajya. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another figure with the greatness of Shri Ram—that is why he is revered as God.

Shri Ram’s life story is the greatest epic in the world. His compassion and love for humanity serve as a model for all mankind. In Ram Rajya, women’s rights were protected, and Ram himself raised his voice against atrocities toward women. He brought back Mother Ahalya, who had been ostracized by society, into social life. He also abolished the practice of human sacrifice during Ashwamedha Yajnas.

In his reign, even the opinion of an ordinary washerman (a low-caste worker) was given significant importance, leading to the exile of Queen Sita based on public sentiment. Such a just system is rare anywhere else in the world. "Ram Rajya" is the dream world of every Indian. From this perspective, the construction of the Shri Ram Temple at his birthplace is a rightful and meaningful step.

Whether God physically resides in a temple or not is a different matter. However, temples often bring people spiritually closer to God. In the Sanatan tradition (eternal tradition), while the concept of the formless is deeply revered, the worship of tangible deities is equally popular. Common people often perceive God in their most beloved forms, and Shri Ram is everyone’s ideal.