Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram temple in Ayodhya today, which is built on the grounds where a mosque stood for centuries before it was torn down in 1992 by Hindu zealots incited by members of his party.
Narendra Modi led the consecration of the grand temple to the Hindu god Lord Ram on a site believed to be his birthplace, and it is deemed a historic event for the Hindu majority of the world's most populous nation.
The event is also seen as a crucial element in the prelude to Modi’s campaign for a rare third term in general elections due by May.
All opposition leaders, under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), stayed away from the Ayodhya event today after declining an invitation by the Ram temple trust, stating it was an outright Modi show with political motives behind it, our New Delhi correspondent reports.
"The supernatural moment of the consecration... is going to leave everyone emotional," Modi posted on the social network X minutes before the ceremony began.
"It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine program." He chanted Hindu religious verses before placing flower petals at the feet of the deity, clasped his palms in prayer, bowed before it, and circled a sacred flame, while outside, a military helicopter showered petals on the temple."
During the rituals for the 51-inch (130-cm) tall black stone deity, which symbolizes the god-king, traditional clarinets played devotional music. Politicians, businessmen, sports figures, and media stars, along with millions nationwide, observed the proceedings.
In the streets, thousands dressed in saffron danced, waving saffron flags while chanting religious slogans.
The construction of the temple fulfills a significant 35-year-old promise made by Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite being a contentious political issue, it played a crucial role in propelling the party to prominence and power.