Temple trust begins work to shift Ram idol from tent, its abode for 30 years | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Temple trust begins work to shift Ram idol from tent, its abode for 30 years

Hindustan Times, Prayagraj | By
Mar 05, 2020 07:16 AM IST

The newly formed trust that will oversee the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya has started work on shifting an idol of the Hindu god from a makeshift tent, its abode for the past three decades.

The newly formed trust that will oversee the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya has started work on shifting an idol of the Hindu god from a makeshift tent, its abode for the past three decades, to an enclosure made of fibre or wood, 200 metres from its present location.

Nripendra Mishra, the chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee along with Senior VHP leader Champat Rai during their inspection at Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas kaaryashala, in Ayodhya, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.(PTI file photo)
Nripendra Mishra, the chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee along with Senior VHP leader Champat Rai during their inspection at Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas kaaryashala, in Ayodhya, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020.(PTI file photo)

“The shifting of Ram Lalla will be completed before March 25, when the fortnight-long Ram Mahotsav organised by the Parishad is scheduled to commence,” said Vinod Bansal, national spokesperson of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which led a campaign for the construction of a Ram temple on the site also claimed by Muslims.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“This will reduce the kilometre-long walk by devotees by 500 metres from the entrance till the barricading from where the darshan was done. Moreover, the 52-metre distance between Ram Bhakts and Ram Lalla will also be halved. This may well happen this Ram Navami on April 2,” Bansal said.

In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to oversee the temple construction in line with a November verdict of the Supreme Court that a temple would be built on the 2.77-acres disputed land and an alternative 5 acres site be allotted to Muslim claimants.

According to Bansal, proper lighting will be put in place to enable pilgrims to catch a clear view of the idol of Ram in the new abode.

Kamleshwar Chaupal, the lone Dalit member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said: “Ram Bhakts always resented the tent enclosure around Ram Lalla. It is Lord Ram’s birth place and yet the deity had to be in a tent for three decades. This is the first major step on the ground initiated by the Trust.”

“Devotees will be given one to two minutes, whatever time they require, to stand before Ram Lalla and pay obeisance,” he said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Kenneth John is a Principal Correspondent based in Allahabad. He writes on wide ranging issues including education, women and child welfare, infrastructure development, environment, human rights, poverty and rural development.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On