Ripu ran jeeti sujas sur gaavat, Sita sahit anuj prabhu aavat/ Sunat bachan bisre sab dukha, trishavant jimi pai piyusha.
As Tulsidas beautifully puts it, “The enemies are defeated, and the glorious ones sing praises. Prabhu is arriving along with Sita and his brother. Hearing this news, everyone forgets their sorrows, like a thirsty person finds nectar.”
After centuries of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion, we are blessed to witness a Diwali unlike any other — one that marks the completion of Ram Lalla’s Mandir in Ayodhya. The completion of the Ram Mandir marks the fulfilment of a 500-year-long wait, symbolising the perseverance and unwavering devotion of countless Ram bhakts. While we honour the devotion of Ram bhakts through the ages, Prime Minister Narendra Modi played an important role. He had promised the nation that the Ram Mandir would be built, and on January 22, 2024, this sacred task was accomplished. After centuries of perseverance, we, the bhakts of Shri Ram, witnessed the fulfilment of a sacred dream — the Ram Mandir stands tall and proud. And now the festival of lights, Diwali, has come.
The streets of Ayodhya are filled with songs of victory and divine celebration. This Diwali is different — it is not just a festival, but a celebration of our collective soul, and of the return of Ram Lalla to his rightful home. This is the first Diwali since the completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Our sacred scriptures remind us that dharma requires perseverance and sacrifice, and the Ram Mandir stands as a testament to this truth. For 500 years, Ram bhakts faced relentless persecution and injustice. Despite the desecration of Bhagwan Ram’s birthplace, their faith remained unshaken. Generations of devotees marched, prayed, and stood firm, even as bullets were fired upon kar sevaks, shedding their blood for the sacred cause. Their cries of “Jai Shri Ram” echoed in defiance of oppression, inspiring millions across the nation.
The Ram Mandir movement was never political; it was a spiritual struggle, driven by deep love and devotion to Bhagwan Ram. The sacrifices of the kar sevaks and the unyielding faith of Ram bhakts have culminated in this moment of divine triumph. Today, the temple stands not just as an architectural marvel but as a symbol of our collective faith, a beacon of hope after centuries of struggle.
The construction of the opulent mandir is not merely a development project; it is a pioneer for new employment opportunities in Ayodhya. The foundations of this magnificent temple signify more than just bricks and mortar; they embody the hopes and aspirations of a community long yearning for recognition and upliftment.
The Ram Mandir serves as a powerful catalyst for attracting pilgrims and visitors from across the country and the world. It offers them a profound introduction to the richness of centuries-old Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma and allows them to connect with our timeless traditions and spiritual heritage. The grandeur of the temple, with its intricate architecture and rich symbolism, will undoubtedly inspire awe among visitors.
In this profound revival of Hindu heritage, PM Modi has been instrumental. The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi has been transformed, greatly enhancing access for devotees. Similarly, the renovation of the Kedarnath Temple, meticulously restored after devastating floods, and the Mahakal Lok Corridor in Ujjain developed to provide pilgrims with improved facilities. The Somnath Temple has received significant infrastructure upgrades, and a beautification project was launched for the Rameswaram Temple to preserve its rich heritage. The Char Dham project connects the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The temple and heritage revamp efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, though less discussed, underscore the Modi government’s dedication to revitalising our sacred traditions. These endeavours celebrate our rich heritage, fostering pride and unity and reminding us of our enduring spiritual roots.
The Ram Mandir is not just the end of a struggle but the beginning of a new era for Bharat. It is a call to walk the path of dharma and to live in accordance with the values that Shri Ram embodied — truth, righteousness, and devotion. In this divine light, let us commit ourselves to building a Bharat that is strong, united, and rooted in the teachings of Bhagwan Ram.
The Ram Mandir is a beacon of hope, a reminder that no matter how long the darkness may last, the light of dharma will always prevail. This Diwali, as we gaze upon the shining temple of Ram Lalla, let us offer our gratitude to all those who made this moment possible. Let us step into a future where Ram Rajya is not just a distant dream, but a living reality.
Diwali in Ayodhya, in the wake of the Ram Mandir’s completion, has transformed into a celestial celebration of faith and devotion. The “Deepotsav” serves as a beacon of hope, drawing devotees from all corners of the world to partake in this sacred celebration. As we gather to honour the essence of Ram, we are reminded that this Diwali is not just a local affair; it is a global expression of our unity and resilience as Hindus.
The writer is a spiritual guru and thinker
