New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that this is the first Diwali after Ram Lalla was installed in the grand temple in Ayodhya and this auspicious moment has come after 500 years of countless sacrifices and penance of Ram devotees. Tagging a post from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Modi said in a post on ‘X’, “Supernatural Ayodhya! This is the first Diwali after Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram was installed in his grand temple. This unique color of Shri Ramlala’s temple in Ayodhya is going to overwhelm everyone.
Holy moment after continuous sacrifice and penance
He said that after 500 years, this sacred moment has come after countless sacrifices and continuous sacrifice and penance of Ram devotees. We are fortunate that we all have become witnesses of this historic occasion. I am confident that the life and ideals of Lord Shri Ram will remain an inspiration for the countrymen in achieving their resolve of a developed India.
Shared pictures of Ram temple
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra shared pictures of the temple glowing with lights in its post. In another post on ‘X’, Modi also praised the Deepotsav being celebrated by lighting lamps in Ayodhya. Amazing, incomparable and unimaginable! Many congratulations to the people of Ayodhya for the grand festival of lights! This festival of lights at the holy birthplace of Ramlala illuminated with millions of lamps is going to leave you emotional.
New enthusiasm and new energy across the country
This beam of light emanating from Ayodhya Dham will fill new enthusiasm and new energy in my family members across the country. I wish that Lord Shri Ram blesses all the countrymen with happiness, prosperity and a successful life. In January, the consecration ceremony of Ramlala was organized in the grand Ram temple built in Ayodhya. Lakhs of people watched the consecration ceremony on television in their homes and neighborhood temples and enjoyed this historic moment.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Religious Studies Expert Dr. Aditi Sharma
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Sharma! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the significance of Diwali this year, particularly in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks regarding the installation of Ram Lalla in the Ayodhya temple.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: To start with, could you elaborate on what makes this year’s Diwali so unique, especially in the context of Ayodhya?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. This Diwali is distinct because it’s the first since the installation of Ram Lalla in the grand temple in Ayodhya. For many Hindus, this marks a historic moment—one that symbolizes a culmination of 500 years of devotion, sacrifice, and longing for the restoration of their spiritual and cultural identity.
Editor: Prime Minister Modi mentioned “countless sacrifices and penance” of Ram devotees. Can you provide some context around this statement?
Dr. Sharma: Sure. The journey to establishing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been deeply intertwined with the socio-political fabric of India for decades. The site is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, and for many devotees, the temple’s establishment is not just a physical structure but a restoration of faith and heritage. The sacrifices refer to the long struggle faced by devotees, including various movements and unrest that occurred over the years, all aimed at reclaiming this sacred space.
Editor: That’s a profound reflection on faith and community. In your opinion, how does this milestone impact the cultural landscape of India?
Dr. Sharma: This event is likely to strengthen a sense of unity and cultural identity among many Hindus. It acts as a rejuvenation of spiritual pride, and Diwali, which celebrates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya, gains an added layer of meaning. Many devotees might find this festival to be a moment of celebration and reflection on their shared history and religious significance.
Editor: The Prime Minister referred to Ayodhya as “Supernatural.” Could you unpack that term in this context?
Dr. Sharma: “Supernatural” carries a heavy connotation in the context of divine intervention and the miraculous. By using this term, the Prime Minister is tapping into the ethereal aspect of faith that many associate with Ayodhya. For believers, the temple’s establishment feels like a divine blessing after centuries of struggle. It frames the narrative that something extraordinary has taken place, fulfilling a vision that many have cherished for generations.
Editor: As we approach Diwali, how do you anticipate festivities being influenced by this momentous event?
Dr. Sharma: I expect the celebrations to be more vibrant and emotionally charged this year. Many devotees may congregate in Ayodhya to celebrate Diwali, illuminating the city with lights to honor Lord Ram. Moreover, we might see increased outreach and events across India, where people come together to celebrate not just the festival but also the mutual joy in sharing their heritage and collective achievements.
Editor: Lastly, how can we expect this influence of the Ayodhya temple saga to extend into future spiritual and political realms in India?
Dr. Sharma: The Ayodhya saga has already set a precedent for discussions around religious identity and cultural heritage in India. Moving forward, we might see it influencing political discourse, especially in the context of Hindutva and cultural nationalism. Additionally, it could also spark dialogues about reconciliation, inclusivity, and pluralism, which are pertinent to India’s diverse society.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma! Your insights shed a lot of light on the complexities surrounding this Diwali and the broader implications of Ayodhya.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.