In Ayodhya today, the construction of the Ram temple marks a significant moment rooted in BJP leader L.K. Advani's 1990 Rath Yatra. Commencing the yatra led to communal tensions and, ultimately, the Babri Masjid's demolition on December 6, 1992. Post BJP's return to power in 2019, the Supreme Court permitted the temple's construction, set for inauguration on January 22. Despite initial reports of Advani's non-attendance due to his age, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced his participation, ensuring his comfort during the ceremony. Advani expressed his sentiments in an article, acknowledging the transformative impact of the Rath Yatra and the fulfillment of the sacred dream of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
In the current context, the significance of constructing the Ram temple at the site of the Babri Masjid's demolition can be traced back to the pivotal Rath Yatra initiated by BJP leader L.K. Advani in 1990. This yatra, a national event, triggered communal tensions across northern India. The culmination of these tensions was the destruction of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, a moment that has since defined the socio-political landscape of Ayodhya.
In 2019, following the return of the BJP to power, the Supreme Court granted permission for the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site. The temple's inauguration is scheduled for January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the ceremony. Despite earlier indications that Advani might not attend due to his advanced age, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced that he would be present, and special arrangements would be made to ensure his comfort during the event.
Reflecting on these developments, Advani penned an article titled 'Fulfilling the Sacred Dream' . In the article, he reminisces about the Rath Yatra's initiation on September 25, 1990, highlighting that at the time, the profound impact it would have on the nation's faith in Lord Ram was not fully anticipated. Advani expresses the realization that destiny had ordained the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.
During the Rath Yatra, Advani experienced a transformation in his political journey, recognizing himself as a mere charioteer in the larger pilgrimage. The yatra traversed through villages, where unknown individuals, deeply moved, approached Advani with emotional chants of Ram. This collective fervor conveyed the widespread dream of a Ram temple.
Advani believes that Lord Ram chose Prime Minister Modi, a devoted follower, to oversee the construction of the temple. As the inauguration day approaches, Advani envisions that when PM Modi installs the idol of Lord Ram in the temple, it symbolically represents every Indian citizen. However, he expresses sadness at the absence of late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during this historic moment, emphasizing Vajpayee's significant role in both his political and personal life.