Ayodhya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for a Ram temple amid chanting of hymns here.
The foundation stone was laid exactly at 1244 hrs with slogans of ‘ Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘ Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ filling the air. A 40 kilograms sliver brick with details of the Ram temple movement inscribed on it was laid first. The ”bhoomi pujan” ceremony was attended by select people which included UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat besides Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Thirath Khetra Trust members.The priests also narrated in detail the importance of the Ram temple, Ram rajya and how a 500-year-old dream was fulfilled. He said that at the Bhoomi pujan site, nine bricks have been laid though there are 2.75 lakh bricks donated by the Ram Bhakts during Shilanayas in 1989. Of these, 100 bricks to be used for the construction has “Jai Shree Ram” inscribed on it. During the ritual, PM also put ”Tika” on his forehead and recited the mantras after the priests praying to all the God and Goddess for the completion of the Ram temple and well being of the universe. They also worshipped the Kurma shilas and other shilas, of the Ram Bhakts from different parts of the country. The religious rituals continued for around 30 minutes following which the silver brick was laid by the PM to mark the start of the construction of the grand 161 feet high Ram temple, which will have five tombs. Later, all the dignitaries attending the puja also offered flowers on the Kurma shila. After the laying of the foundation stone, the PM and other dignitaries bowed before the shilas.The entire religious programme was live steamed at the main programme hall through a large TV screen where around 175 people, including 135 seers, were present.