The sant community has taken the lead in putting pressure on the Central and state governments to start building the Ram temple.
KARSEVAKPURAM, where stones are being chiselled for the Ram temple, appears unusually quiet. Yet, an undercurrent of discontent is palpable across Ayodhya. Groups of pilgrims can be seen discussing how long they have to wait to see the temple being built in the holy city. Sadhus, sants and all those who are even remotely associated with the temple movement have started demanding a specific date for starting the temple construction. The prevailing mood in Ayodhya is, abhi nahi toh kabhi nahi (if not now, then never).
The sant community has taken the lead in putting pressure on the Central and state governments to start building the temple. “With [Narendra] Modi at the Centre and Yogi [Adityanath] in Uttar Pradesh, if the temple does not come up now, when will it be built? They should respect the feelings of the dharmacharyas and build the temple,” said Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, head of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas.
Referring to the ongoing litigation on Ayodhya, Nritya Gopal Das said the issue was a religious one and above the Supreme Court. “We hope the court will rule in favour of building the temple,” he said. The Vishva Hindu Parishad has coined a slogan, aadhyadesh laao, mandir banao (bring the ordinance, build the temple). It organised a meeting of the working committee of the seers on November 25. Another meeting will be held on December 9 in Delhi.
This story is from the December 16, 2018 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 16, 2018 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Indira's Bang
How Indira Gandhi secured the borders, ended food import, before going for the test
Who's Afraid Of A New Nuclear Doctrine?
It has been 50 years since Pokhran I. With its capabilities increasing and global power equations changing, does India need to look at reviewing its nuclear doctrine?
I don't think things will change because of the win
When independent filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light scripted history by winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, it was not just a proud moment for the film's team, but also a triumph for the collective aspirations of women across the country.
Sid for kids
As a child, Sidhartha Mallya wished he had someone in his life to tell him what he wants to convey in his latest children's book, Sad Glad
Ready to roll
Following the Pokhran tests, India has operationalised a credible deterrent that the nation should be proud of
Breaking nuclear apartheid
How India protected its ability to move ahead with the nuclear weapons programme despite not signing the NPT
Power point
The Pokhran tests launched India's march towards being a full partner and participant in the global nuclear order
Shock and awe
India’s comprehensive capability in the nuclear domain is the result of its autonomous pursuit of the atomic programme against all odds
Spied on none, stole from none
A senior scientist during the Pokhran test in 1974 and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission during the tests in 1998, Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram has been a key figure in the Indian nuclear journey.
Leader with a difference
ARVIND KEJRIWAL'S RETURN TO JAIL APPEARS IMMINENT. BUT HIS BLISTERING POLL CAMPAIGN MAY HAVE BRIGHTENED INDIA BLOC’S PROSPECTS
