In an unprecedented display of devotion and joy, Times Square in New York City became the epicenter of celebration for hundreds of Hindu devotees. The occasion was the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India—a pivotal event marking the end of a centuries-long legal and political saga.
Globally, Hindus perceived this event as parallel to Lord Rama's return from the exile, a key narrative in Hindu mythology culminating into the Diwali festival. "It's a moment of great joy and spiritual fulfillment," said Prem Bhandari, patron of Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir, in the U.S., the organization that joined fellow Indians at Times Square and distributed sweets among the attendees. "For us, it's like witnessing the homecoming of Lord Rama after centuries," Bhandari added.
The temple, linked to the Hindu deity Lord Rama, is believed to have been originally destroyed by Emperor Barbur by building the—now razed—Babri Mosque. The Temple-Mosque dispute has become a historical and religious flashpoint. Hindu devotees feel that its restoration and the reinstatement of Hindu Lord Rama's idol symbolize a momentous occasion for them.
"It's simple, really. The holy land where our Ram Temple originally stood has been reclaimed after centuries and following due process of the law," said Ajay Patel, coordinator of Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir, New York.
This development followed a ruling by the Indian Supreme Court in 2019, which put the long-standing dispute to rest, bringing relief to many, including Indian Muslims.
"It is crucial for communal harmony that we finally put this matter to rest. The sentiments attached to Ayodhya are deeply emotional, and considering that Indian Muslims constitute the second-largest majority, expressing solidarity and celebrating together could contribute significantly to bridging the trust gap that has developed over the years," Sana Hashmi, fellow at Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation, told Newsweek.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a central figure in this event, witnessed the culmination of efforts by the far-right Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bharatiya Janata Party, and other Hindu organizations to reclaim the temple.
"Today is one of most extraordinary days in history of Indian civilization, our nation and all our people. I along with crores of Indians consider it our good fortune and Punya (good deeds) that we get to experience and witness this day, this epic moment of Prana Pratishtha. It is our good fortune that we get to experience the exceptional, inspiring devotion and shradha of the devotee PM Narendra Modi ji who made this day possible. Shri Ram stands for Righteousness and Moral duty -Dharma that guides our PM," Rajeev Chandashekar, India's minister of state and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, shared with Newsweek and on X.
The ceremony, known as Pran Pratishtha, involved the ritualistic placement of Lord Rama's idol in the temple, following Hindu traditions of the 'opening the eyes' of the deity. Alongside Modi, prominent figures such as RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh (Indian state) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present.
Meanwhile, political responses varied, with India's opposition parties, such as the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), expressing concerns over the event's timing and its potential political undertones ahead of the general elections.
INC leader Rahul Gandhi had earlier criticized the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya, characterizing it as overly politicized by Modi and the RSS-BJP. While speaking to local media during his latest march in India's North East region, he said, "The RSS and the BJP have made the January 22 function a completely political, Narendra Modi function. It has become an RSS-BJP function." He defended his party's decision to not attend.
Additionally, there were debates about the auspicious timing ('muhurt') for the ceremony and the depiction of Lord Ram in the temple's iconography. These aspects also contributed to the discussions and controversies surrounding the event.
Despite these controversies, the event was marked by significant public and political interest, reflecting the deep cultural and religious significance of this temple for Hindus across the world.
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