The construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya begins today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony and lay the foundation brick. At least 170 eminent guests were invited for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The site of the Ram Temple had been disputed for decades until last year when the Supreme Court in November awarded a Hindu group, the ownership of the site. Here’s a the story of the temple town of Ayodhya, in pictures:
5th Century BCE
According to the poet Valmiki, who wrote the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Dasaratha’s son Ram.
1528
Babri Masjid is constructed in Ayodhya by Mughal emperor Babur.
1853
First recorded instance of religious violence near the site.
1949
Ram & Sita idols placed at the site. The government declares the site disputed.
1984
Hindus form a committee to build a temple on the site.
1986
VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) lays the foundation for the Ram temple.
1990
BJP supremo LK Advani undertakes ‘Rath Yatra.’
1991
BJP comes to power in Uttar Pradesh.
December 6, 1992
Babri Masjid is demolished.
1992
Liberhan Commission is formed.