:Ram Mandir

File:PM at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024 (cropped).jpg is the principal deity of the Ram Mandir.]]

Rama is a prominent Hindu deity who is regarded as a {{IAST|Pūrṇāvatāra}} ({{literal translation|complete avatar}}) of the God Vishnu.{{efn|The avatars of Vishnu are of two types. {{IAST|Pūrṇā}} and {{IAST|Amśa}} ({{literal translation|A part}}). In the former, Vishnu himself was supposed to have descended on Earth from his abode while in the latter, an equivalent part (or a copy) of him was sent to take the incarnation. Nrisimha, Rama and Krishna are said to be the Purnavataras of Vishnu.{{Cite web|title=Purnavatara, Pūrṇāvatāra, Purna-avatara: 5 definitions|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/purnavatara|access-date=15 February 2024|website=Wisdom Library|date=23 May 2018|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215075743/https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/purnavatara|url-status=live}}}} and some Hindus view Rama as Para Brahman ({{literal translation|The ultimate Brahman}}). Rama holds huge significance in Hindu culture and religion. In the Rama avatar, Vishnu is not supposed to exhibit any of his divine potencies and lead life as a human.{{Cite book|first=R.K.|last=Narayan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FZTc1xwm8XEC|title=The Ramayana|publisher=Penguin Publishing Group|date=2006|access-date=15 February 2024|isbn=9781440623271|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215080349/https://books.google.com/books?id=FZTc1xwm8XEC|url-status=live}} As Rama is said to have possessed sixteen ideal qualities, Hindus view Rama as {{IAST|Puruṣottama}} ({{literal translation|The ideal man}}), {{IAST|Vigrahavān dharmaḥ}} ({{literal translation|Embodiment of Dharma}}) and {{IAST|Ādi Puruṣa}} .{{Cite news|date=21 May 2023|work=Eenadu|title=శ్రీ రామునిలో ఉన్న 16 గుణాలు.. మీకు తెలుసా?|url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-article/temples/significance-of-sri-rama-navami-and-inspiration-from-lord-rama-in-telugu/0703/123054910|access-date=15 February 2024|language=Te|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215075742/https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-article/temples/significance-of-sri-rama-navami-and-inspiration-from-lord-rama-in-telugu/0703/123054910|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|first=Krishnan|last=Aravamudan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ|title=Pure Gems of Ramayanam|publisher=Partridge India|date=2014|access-date=15 February 2024|isbn=9781482837209|page=12|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092734/https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}{{efn|As per Valmiki Ramayana, Rama had sixteen qualities. Rama was said to be {{IAST|1.guṇavān, 2.vīryavān, 3.dharmajñaḥ, 4.kṛtajñaḥ, 5.satyavākyaḥ, 6.dṛḍhavrataḥ, 7.cāritraḥ, 8.sarvabhūteṣu hitaḥ, 9.vidvān, 10.samarthaḥ, 11. priyadarśanaḥ, 12.ātmavān, 13.jitakrodhaḥ, 14.dyutimān, 15. anasūyakaḥ, and 16.jātaroṣasya saṃyuge devāśca bibhyati.}}}} According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama was born in Ayodhya.{{Cite web |last=PTI |title='Faith in Ram's birthplace based on Valmiki Ramayana' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/faith-in-rams-birthplace-based-on-valmiki-ramayana-775047.html |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228211440/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/faith-in-rams-birthplace-based-on-valmiki-ramayana-775047.html |url-status=live}} Ayodhya is among seven most sacred cities to Hindus.{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gKKaDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA335 |page=3 |year=2016 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |ref={{sfnref|Kunal, Ayodhya Revisited|2016}}|author-link=Kishore Kunal}}

Three places in Ayodhya are considered as prominent {{IAST|puṇya kṣētra}} ({{literal translation|virtued pilgrimage site}}) by Hindus. They are {{IAST|Janmasthāna}} ({{literal translation|The birthplace}}), {{IAST|Svargadvāra}} ({{literal translation|The gateway to Heaven}}) and {{IAST|Yajñasthala}} ({{literal translation|Place where holy sacrifice was performed}}). There is a lack of consensus among scholars whether a temple at Ram Janmabhoomi was destroyed during medieval times.{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gKKaDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA335 |page=303 |year=2016 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |ref={{sfnref|Kunal, Ayodhya Revisited|2016}}|author-link=Kishore Kunal}}

The {{IAST|Trayōdaśakṣarī maṁtra}} ({{literal translation|13-character mantra}}) also known as {{IAST|Śrī Rāma Tāraka Mantra}} ({{literal translation|The Rama mantra for Salvation}}) is {{IAST|Śrī Rāma Jaya Rāma Jaya Jaya Rāma}} and many Hindus believe that chanting it repeatedly lead to salvation.{{Citation|author=Thomas Ashley-Farrand|title=Healing Mantras|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zbKv3Jk-3YQC|page=148|year=2008|publisher=Random House Publishing Group|isbn=9780307556615|access-date=16 February 2024|archive-date=16 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216154516/https://books.google.com/books?id=zbKv3Jk-3YQC|url-status=live}}{{Citation|author=Tekijät Ana Hernandez|title=The Sacred Art of Chant: Preparing to Practice|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zIfuEAAAQBAJ|year=2012|publisher=Turner Publishing Company|isbn=9781594734823|access-date=16 February 2024|archive-date=16 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216154516/https://books.google.com/books?id=zIfuEAAAQBAJ|url-status=live}} {{IAST|Tāraka}} means something that carries or helps a Jiva ({{literal translation|a living being}}) cross the ocean of samsara. Devotees of Rama such as Valmiki, Tulsidas, Bhadrachala Ramadasu, Samartha Ramadas, Tyagaraja, Purandara Dasa, Gondavalekar Maharaj and Mahatma Gandhi popularised this mantra.{{Citation|author=Sadguru Sant Keshavadas|title=Ramayana at a Glance|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3XIatVGyjmQC|page=15|year=1988|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publications|isbn=9788120805453|access-date=15 February 2024|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092734/https://books.google.com/books?id=3XIatVGyjmQC|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Balak Ram}}

The Ram Mandir is being built to commemorate the birth of Rama: therefore, the presiding deity of the temple is supposed to be the infant form of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. Rama in that infant form was referred as Ram Lalla ({{literal translation|Child Rama}}) by Tulsidas. However, the idol of Rama that was placed in 1949 referred to as Ram Lalla Virajman ({{literal translation|Installed Child Rama}}) by local Hindus.{{Cite web |date=9 November 2019 |title=Ayodhya Case Verdict: Who is Ram Lalla Virajman, the 'Divine Infant' Given the Possession of Disputed Ayodhya Land |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ayodhya-case-verdict-who-is-ram-lalla-virajman-the-divine-infant-given-the-possession-of-disputed-ayodhya-land-2379679.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928112944/https://www.news18.com/news/india/ayodhya-case-verdict-who-is-ram-lalla-virajman-the-divine-infant-given-the-possession-of-disputed-ayodhya-land-2379679.html |archive-date=28 September 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=News18}} Ram Lalla was a litigant in the court case over the disputed site in 1989, being considered a "juristic person" by the law. He was represented by Triloki Nath Pandey, a senior VHP leader who was considered Ram Lalla's closest 'human' friend. As a new idol of the deity got installed in the sanctum sanctorum as the {{IAST|Mūlavirāt mūrti}} (lit. The main presiding deity),{{efn|The presiding deity is also referred by other names such as {{IAST|Acala mūrti}} (lit. Immovable idol), {{IAST|Dhṛva mūrti}}(lit. Fixed idol) and {{IAST|Mūlavigraha}} (lit. The main idol).{{Cite book|title=Srivaishnavism and social change|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1I7XAAAAMAAJ|year=1998|publisher=K.P. Bagchi & Company|author=K. Seshadri|isbn=978-81-7074-198-5|page=50|access-date=12 February 2024|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092734/https://books.google.com/books?id=1I7XAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|title=Tirupati: A Guide to Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSTIM7LS9_QC|year=2012|publisher=Random House India|author=Kota Neelima|isbn=978-81-8400-359-8|access-date=12 February 2024|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092735/https://books.google.com/books?id=cSTIM7LS9_QC|url-status=live}}}} the Mandir Trust has informed that the Ram Lalla Virajman idol of 1949 shall henceforth be used as {{IAST|Utsava mūrti}} (lit. idol for festivals).{{cite news |date=3 January 2024 |editor=Maulshree Seth |title='Ram Lalla Virajman' that fought temple suit for decades to be placed as 'festival idol' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-lalla-virajman-that-fought-temple-suit-for-decades-to-be-placed-as-festival-idol-9092621/ |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Indian Express |archive-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127042117/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-lalla-virajman-that-fought-temple-suit-for-decades-to-be-placed-as-festival-idol-9092621/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Ram Janmabhoomi|Ayodhya dispute}}

{{Ayodhya debate}}

The site is the former location of the Babri Masjid, which was built in the 16th century. The mosque was attacked and demolished in 1992. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered the verdict to give the disputed land to Hindus for the construction of a temple, while Muslims would be given land elsewhere to construct a mosque.{{Cite news |date=16 October 2019 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |access-date=2 January 2024 |language=en-GB}}

File:Map of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at Jaipur City Palace.jpg

In 1528, the commander of the Mughal Empire, Mir Baqi, constructed the Babri Masjid mosque, under the order of Babur, on the site of the Ram Janmabhoomi, the mythical birthplace of Rama.{{Citation |last=Jain |first=Meenakshi |title=The Battle for Rama – Case of the Temple at Ayodhya |year=2017 |publisher=Aryan Books International |isbn=978-8-173-05579-9}}{{page needed|date=December 2021}}{{efn|name="mythological_birthplace"}} The earliest record of the mosque may be traced back to 1767, in the Latin book Descriptio Indiae, authored by the Jesuit missionary Joseph Tiefenthaler. According to him, the local population believed that the mosque was constructed by destroying the Ramkot temple, believed to be the fortress of Rama in Ayodhya, and the Bedi, where the birthplace of Rama is situated.{{Cite book |last=Kishore |first=Kunal |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd. |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxix |language=English}}{{cite news|title=Babri mosque to Ram temple: A timeline from 1528 to 2024|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/22/babri-mosque-to-ram-temple-a-timeline-from-1528-to-2024|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=22 January 2024|access-date=22 January 2024|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122093200/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/22/babri-mosque-to-ram-temple-a-timeline-from-1528-to-2024|url-status=live}}

File:Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya Dham.jpg

The first instance of religious violence was documented in 1853.{{Cite news |title=Timeline: Ayodhya holy site crisis |publisher=BBC News |date=29 September 2010 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210110209/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |url-status=live}} In December 1858, the British administration prohibited Hindus from conducting puja (rituals) at the contested site. A platform was created for conducting rituals outside the mosque.{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxx |language=English}}

The murtis ({{translation|sacred images}}) of Rama and Sita were installed inside the Babri Masjid on the night of 22–23 December 1949 and the devotees began to gather the next day.{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxxii |language=English}}{{cite book |last1=Agrawal |first1=S.P. |last2=Aggarwal |first2=J.C. |title=Information India 1990–91 : Global View |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |series=Concepts in communication informatics and librarianship |year=1992 |isbn=978-81-7022-293-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZXFk-DAX8fQC&pg=PA489 |page=489 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081133/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZXFk-DAX8fQC&pg=PA489 |url-status=live}} By 1950, the state took control of the mosque under Section 145 CrPC and allowed Hindus, not Muslims, to perform their worship at the site.{{cite book |last=Chatterji |first=R. |title=Wording the World: Veena Das and Scenes of Inheritance |publisher=Fordham University Press |series=Forms of Living |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-8232-6187-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJOUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT408 |page=408 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104110659/https://books.google.com/books?id=CJOUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT408 |url-status=live}}

In the 1980s, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), belonging to the Hindu nationalist family, Sangh Parivar, launched a new movement to reclaim the site for Hindus and to erect a temple dedicated to the infant Rama (Ram Lalla) at this spot. The VHP began to collect funds and bricks with "Jai Shri Ram" written on them. Later, the government under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi gave the VHP permission for {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Shilanyas}} ({{translation|the foundation stone ceremony}}) to proceed, with the then Home Minister, Buta Singh, formally conveying the permission to the VHP leader, Ashok Singhal. Initially, the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh had agreed that the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|shilanya}}s would be conducted outside of the disputed site. However, on 9 November 1989, a group of VHP leaders and Sadhus laid the foundation stone by digging a {{convert|7|cuft|L|order=flip|abbr=off|adj=on}} pit adjacent to the disputed land. The {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|singhdwar}} ({{translation|main entrance}}) of the sanctum sanctorum was constructed there.{{Cite news |date=11 November 2019 |title=Grand Ram temple in Ayodhya before 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |agency=IANS |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/nov/11/grand-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2022-2060227.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113143002/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/nov/11/grand-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2022-2060227.html |archive-date=13 November 2019}} The VHP then laid the foundations of a temple on the land adjacent to the disputed mosque.

On 6 December 1992, the VHP and the Bharatiya Janata Party organised a rally at the site involving 150,000 volunteers, known as karsevaks. The rally turned violent, the crowd overwhelmed the security forces and tore down the mosque.{{Cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=John Ward |last2=Moore |first2=Molly |date=8 December 1992 |title=200 Indians killed in riots following mosque destruction |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1992/12/08/200-indians-killed-in-riots-following-mosque-destruction/7ce3e7cf-354d-439c-8c69-b7db290dea3c/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714030046/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1992/12/08/200-indians-killed-in-riots-following-mosque-destruction/7ce3e7cf-354d-439c-8c69-b7db290dea3c/ |archive-date=14 July 2020}}{{Citation |last=Fuller |first=Christopher John |title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA262 |page=262 |year=2004 |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821053012/https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA262 |url-status=live |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=0-691-12048-X |archive-date=21 August 2023}}

The demolition of the mosque resulted in several months of inter-communal violence between India's Hindu and Muslim communities, causing the death of an estimated 2,000 people in Bombay (now Mumbai) as a direct consequence, and triggering riots all over the Indian subcontinent.{{Cite magazine |last=Kidangoor |first=Abhishyant |date=4 August 2020 |title=India's Narendra Modi Broke Ground on a Controversial Temple of Ram. Here's Why It Matters |url=https://time.com/5875380/modi-ram-temple-ayodhya-groundbreaking/ |magazine=Time|access-date=29 January 2024 |quote=For Muslims in India, it is the site of a 16th century mosque that was demolished by a mob in 1992, sparking sectarian riots that led to some 2,000 deaths. |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112152359/https://time.com/5875380/modi-ram-temple-ayodhya-groundbreaking/?amp=true |url-status=live}} A day after the demolition of the mosque, on 7 December 1992, The New York Times reported that over 30 Hindu temples across Pakistan were attacked, some set on fire, and one was demolished. Hindu temples in Bangladesh were also attacked.

On 5 July 2005, five terrorists attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the site of the destroyed Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. All five were shot dead in the ensuing encounter with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), while one civilian died in the grenade attack that the attackers launched to breach the cordoned wall. The CRPF suffered three casualties, two of whom were seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds.{{Cite news |date=6 July 2005 |title=Front Page: Armed storm Ayodhya complex |work=The Hindu |agency=PTI, UNI |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050708012430/http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm |archive-date=8 July 2005}}{{Cite news |date=6 July 2005 |title=Indian PM condemns the attack in Ayodhya |work=People's Daily Online |agency=Xinhua |url=http://english.people.com.cn/200507/06/eng20050706_194315.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011151654/http://english.people.com.cn/200507/06/eng20050706_194315.html |archive-date=11 October 2012}}

Reports on two archaeological excavations in 1978 and 2003 conducted by the ASI claimed to have found evidence indicating that a temple existed on the site.{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Santwana |date=6 March 2003 |title=I found pillar bases back in mid-seventies: Prof Lal |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/oldStory/19644/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116055005/http://archive.indianexpress.com/oldStory/19644/ |archive-date=16 January 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=25 August 2020 |title=Proof of temple found at Ayodhya: ASI report |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/25ayo1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008082504/https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/25ayo1.htm |archive-date=8 October 2020 |access-date=7 October 2020 |website=Rediff |language=en |agency=PTI}} The claims were heavily disputed by critics as contradictory and unreliable.{{cite web |last1=Sharma |first1=Betwa |title=Babri Revisited: ASI Suppressed Animal Bone Findings At Mosque Site |url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/babri-asi-suppressed-animal-bone-findings-at-mosque-site_in_5c42c412e4b0a8dbe1718924 |website=HuffPost |access-date=16 January 2024 |date=20 January 2019 |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116120450/https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/babri-asi-suppressed-animal-bone-findings-at-mosque-site_in_5c42c412e4b0a8dbe1718924 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Ayodhya-verdict-yet-another-blow-to-secularism-Sahmat/article15766526.ece |title=Ayodhya verdict yet another blow to secularism: Sahmat |date=3 October 2010|newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006063051/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article809521.ece |archive-date=6 October 2010 |url-status=live}}{{Cite book |author=Aligarh Historians Society |url=https://archive.org/details/HistoryJudgementOfAllahabadHighCourtInRamjanmabhumibabriMasjidCase/mode/2up |title=History & Judgement of Allahabad High Court in Ramjanmabhumi and Babri Masjid Case |date=3 January 2011 |access-date=8 August 2020}}{{cite web |title=Archeologist Who Observed Dig Says No Evidence of Temple Under Babri Masjid |url=https://thewire.in/history/babri-masjid-asi-excavation-ayodhya-ram-temple |website=The Wire |access-date=17 January 2024 |date=6 December 2022 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401222754/https://thewire.in/history/babri-masjid-asi-excavation-ayodhya-ram-temple |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Pankaj |first1=Jayant |title=Rama Janmabhoomi Issue: Exposing the myth behind the narrative |url=https://www.internationalmagz.com/articles/rama-jamnabhoomi-issue |website=The International |access-date=17 January 2024 |date=6 December 2021 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529053114/https://internationalmagz.com/articles/rama-jamnabhoomi-issue |url-status=live}} Archaeologist K. K. Muhammed maintained that remains of a Hindu temple were found in 1978, and accused several historians of averting a settlement for the dispute.{{Cite web |date=21 January 2016 |title=Left historians prevented resolution of Babri Masjid dispute, says KK Mohammed, former ASI regional head |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/left-historians-connived-with-extremists-mislead-muslims-on-babri-issue-says-archaeologist-in-new-book-2592188.html |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103031506/https://www.firstpost.com/india/left-historians-connived-with-extremists-mislead-muslims-on-babri-issue-says-archaeologist-in-new-book-2592188.html |url-status=live}}

Over the years, various title and legal disputes took place, such as the passage of the Acquisition of Certain Areas at Ayodhya Act in 1993. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the {{convert|2.77|acre|order=flip}} of disputed land be divided into three parts, one going to the Ram Lalla or Infant Rama, represented by the Hindu Mahasabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one going to the Muslim Sunni Waqf Board, and one going to Hindu religious denomination Nirmohi Akhara.{{Cite web|url=http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ayodhyabench4.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928085435/http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ayodhyabench4.html|url-status=dead|title=Ram Janm Bhumi Babri Masjid: Gist of Judgments|archivedate=28 September 2011}} All three parties involved appealed against the division of disputed land to the Supreme Court.{{cite news |title=Court orders 3-way division of disputed Ayodhya land |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article804632.ece?homepage=true |newspaper=The Hindu |date=30 September 2010 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003104001/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article804632.ece?homepage=true |archive-date=3 October 2010 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/cases/babri-masjid-ram-janmabhoomi-case/ |title=Ayodhya Dispute Case Background |website=Supreme Court Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063612/http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/cases/babri-masjid-ram-janmabhoomi-case/ |archive-date=6 January 2018 |url-status=dead}}

In the Supreme Court's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute in 2019, it was decided that the disputed land would be handed over to a trust formed by the Government of India for the construction of a Ram temple.

The court referenced the 2003 report from the ASI, as evidence suggesting the presence of a structure beneath the demolished Babri Masjid, that was found to be non-Islamic.{{Cite news |date=16 October 2019 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |access-date=27 December 2023 |language=en-GB}} The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgement concluded that the underlying structure beneath the mosque was not an Islamic structure, and also concluded that no evidence was found that a non-Islamic structure was specifically demolished for the construction of the Babri Masjid.{{cite web |last=Daniyal |first=Shoaib |title=No, the Supreme Court did not uphold the claim that Babri Masjid was built by demolishing a temple |website=Scroll.in |date=11 November 2019 |url=https://scroll.in/article/943337/no-the-supreme-court-did-not-uphold-the-claim-that-babri-masjid-was-built-by-demolishing-a-temple |access-date=3 February 2024 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204165034/https://scroll.in/article/943337/no-the-supreme-court-did-not-uphold-the-claim-that-babri-masjid-was-built-by-demolishing-a-temple |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|title=Ayodhya verdict: The ASI findings Supreme Court spoke about in its judgment|date=4 April 2022|newspaper=India Today|location=New Delhi, India|access-date=22 January 2024|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219085908/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|url-status=live}} Another salient aspect in the apex court's judgement is on the question on the claim of Hindus that disputed structure as the birthplace of Rama. The court observed that the Hindu claim is 'undisputed' and opined that there is clear evidence that Hindus believed that site to be Rama's birthplace.{{cite news|last=Dam|first=Abhirup|title=In search of Ram: The death of wisdom, tradition and philosophy|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/in-search-of-ram-the-death-of-wisdom-tradition-and-philosophy/cid/1721222|work=The Telegraph|date=22 November 2019|access-date=12 February 2024|language=en|archive-date=19 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219175552/https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/in-search-of-ram-the-death-of-wisdom-tradition-and-philosophy/cid/1721222|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Ayodhya verdict: The ASI findings Supreme Court spoke about in its judgment|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|work=India Today|date=4 April 2024|access-date=12 February 2024|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219085908/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|url-status=live}}

The trust was eventually formed under the name of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. On 5 February 2020, it was announced in the Parliament of India that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accepted a plan to construct the temple. Two days later, on 7 February, {{convert|5|acre|ha|order=flip}} of land was allocated for a new mosque to be built {{cvt|22|km}} away from Ayodhya City in Dhannipur village, Ayodhya.{{cite news|title=From Parliament Floor, PM Modi Announces 15-Member Trust for Ayodhya Ram Temple; 5 Acres Allotted for Masjid|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/modi-announces-setting-up-of-trust-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-2487595.html|work=News18|date=5 February 2020|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231072035/https://www.news18.com/news/politics/modi-announces-setting-up-of-trust-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-2487595.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=7 February 2020 |title=Dhannipur near Ayodhya already has 15 mosques, local Muslims want hospital and college too |url=https://theprint.in/india/dhannipur-near-ayodhya-already-has-15-mosques-local-muslims-want-hospital-and-college-too/361492/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202103401/https://theprint.in/india/dhannipur-near-ayodhya-already-has-15-mosques-local-muslims-want-hospital-and-college-too/361492/ |archive-date=2 February 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021}}

{{See also|Hindu temple architecture}}

The original design for Ram Mandir was devised in 1988 by the Sompura family of Ahmedabad.{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Alok |date=23 July 2020 |title=Ayodhya's Ram Temple Will Be 161-Foot Tall, An Increase Of 20 Feet |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-will-be-161-feet-tall-an-increase-by-20-feet-2267315 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825071325/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-will-be-161-feet-tall-an-increase-by-20-feet-2267315 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=23 July 2020 |website=NDTV}} The Sompuras have contributed to the design of over 100 temples worldwide for at least 15 generations, including the Somnath temple.{{Cite web |last=Sampal |first=Rahul |date=28 July 2020 |title=Somnath, Akshardham & now Ram Mandir – Gujarat family designing temples for 15 generations |url=https://theprint.in/india/somnath-akshardham-now-ram-mandir-gujarat-family-designing-temples-for-15-generations/469120/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729110356/https://theprint.in/india/somnath-akshardham-now-ram-mandir-gujarat-family-designing-temples-for-15-generations/469120/ |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} The chief architect of the temple was Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his two sons, Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, who are also architects.

A new design, with some changes from the original, was prepared by the Sompuras in 2020, per the Hindu texts, the Vastu shastra and the Shilpa shastras. The temple will be {{convert|250|ft|m}} wide, {{convert|380|ft|m}} long and {{convert|161|ft|m}} high.{{Cite web |date=4 January 2024 |title=Nagara-style architecture, no iron: What the historic Ram temple in Ayodhya will look like |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/nagara-style-architecture-no-iron-what-the-historic-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-will-look-like-13575222.html |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105174610/https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/nagara-style-architecture-no-iron-what-the-historic-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-will-look-like-13575222.html |url-status=live}} Upon completion, the temple complex became the world's third largest Hindu temple.{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=5 August 2020 |title=280-feet wide, 300-feet long and 161-feet tall: Ayodhya Ram temple complex to be world's third-largest Hindu shrine |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/Jul/21/280-feet-wide-300-feet-long-and-161-feet-tall-ayodhya-ram-temple-complex-to-be-worlds-third-largest--2172847.html |access-date=17 February 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203120637/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/Jul/21/280-feet-wide-300-feet-long-and-161-feet-tall-ayodhya-ram-temple-complex-to-be-worlds-third-largest--2172847.html |url-status=live }} It is designed in the Māru-Gurjara architecture of Nagara style, a type of Hindu temple architecture found primarily in northern India. A model of the proposed temple was showcased during the Prayag Kumbh Mela in 2019.{{Cite news |date=6 February 2020 |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction to begin in April this year: Trustee |work=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ram-temple-work-to-begin-in-april-this-year-trustee-120020601389_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713220403/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ram-temple-work-to-begin-in-april-this-year-trustee-120020601389_1.html |archive-date=13 July 2020}}

The temple's main structure has been built on a raised platform with three storeys. It has five mandapas in the middle of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and on the entrance passage. The Shri Ram Darbar, located on the first floor, comprises five halls – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. In Nagara style, the mandapas are decorated with shikharas.{{Cite web |title=Ram Temple sanctum sanctorum likely to be built by end of the year |date=13 June 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |access-date=29 January 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906112533/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title=Ram temple to be grander than planned earlier: Architect |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 July 2020 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620205021/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |url-status=live}} Adorned with deity statues, the temple includes dedicated mandirs for Surya, Bhagwati, Ganesh, and Shiv at the corners. Annapurna and Hanuman temples are on the northern and southern arms. The foundation features a {{convert|14|m|ft|adj=on}}-thick roller-compacted concrete layer resembling artificial rock, with a {{convert|21|ft|m|adj=on}} granite plinth for moisture protection, avoiding iron use. Accessibility is ensured with ramps, lifts, and facilities for the elderly and differently-abled. A pilgrims facility centre for 25,000 people offers medical and locker services. Environmental focus preserves 70% of the {{convert|70|acre|ha|adj=on}} area as green space, emphasising water conservation.{{Cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=The Ayodhya Ram temple: 4 mandirs at each corner, 5 mandaps and emphasis on green cover |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-mandaps-green-cover-architecuture-9096270/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123034350/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-mandaps-green-cover-architecuture-9096270/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=22 January 2024 |title=With no iron or steel, Ayodhya temple is a study in sandstone |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ayodhya-ram-temple-a-new-age-architectural-marvel-carved-in-stone/article67765899.ece |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129092438/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ayodhya-ram-temple-a-new-age-architectural-marvel-carved-in-stone/article67765899.ece |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=22 January 2024 |title=Nagara architecture, 392 pillars, 5 mandaps: The key features of Ram Mandir |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nagara-architecture-392-pillars-5-mandaps-decoding-ram-janmabhoomi-mandirs-key-features-101705892188859.html |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129152826/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nagara-architecture-392-pillars-5-mandaps-decoding-ram-janmabhoomi-mandirs-key-features-101705892188859.html |url-status=live}}

The temple has a total of 366 columns. The columns have 16 idols each to include the incarnations of Shiva, the 10 Dashavataras, the Chausath Yoginis, and the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati. The width of the stairs are {{convert|16|ft|m}}. Per scriptures dedicated to the design of temples dedicated to Vishnu, the sanctum sanctorum is octagonal in shape.{{Cite web |last=Misra |first=Leena |date=6 August 2020 |title=Meet the Sompuras, master architects who are building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/meet-the-sompuras-master-architects-who-are-building-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-6540155/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806211703/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/meet-the-sompuras-master-architects-who-are-building-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-6540155/ |archive-date=6 August 2020 |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express}} The temple covers an area of {{convert|10|acre|ha|order=flip}}, while the remaining {{convert|57|acre|ha|order=flip}} of land has been developed into a complex with a prayer hall, a lecture hall, an educational facility and other facilities including a museum and a cafeteria.{{Additional citation needed|date=February 2024|reason=TNIE article does not support the sentence in full.}} According to the temple committee, the site has a capability to handle 70,000 visitors.{{Cite web |date=6 November 2023 |title=Nripendra Misra, Chairman Of Construction Panel On 'Pran Pratishtha' Of Ram Mandir In Ayodhya |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/nripendra-misra-chairman-of-construction-panel-on-pran-pratishtha-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-404726-2023-11-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203225127/https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/nripendra-misra-chairman-of-construction-panel-on-pran-pratishtha-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-404726-2023-11-06 |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |website=Business Today |language=en}} Larsen & Toubro offered to oversee the design and construction of the temple free of cost, and became the contractor of the project.{{Cite news |date=3 March 2020 |title=L&T to oversee the construction of Ram temple: Vishwa Hindu Parishad |work=Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/l-t-to-oversee-ram-temple-construction-champat-rai-120030300169_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304170359/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/l-t-to-oversee-ram-temple-construction-champat-rai-120030300169_1.html |archive-date=4 March 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=29 February 2020 |title=L&T ready to construct Ram temple in Ayodhya for free, say VHP leaders |work=The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2020/feb/29/lt-ready-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-for-free-say-vhp-leaders-2110327.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823054736/https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2020/feb/29/lt-ready-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-for-free-say-vhp-leaders-2110327.html |archive-date=23 August 2020}} The Central Building Research Institute, National Geophysical Research Institute and the Bombay, Guwahati and Madras IITs have assisted in areas such as soil testing, concrete supply and design.{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Avaneesh |date=10 September 2020 |title=Ayodhya Ram Temple construction: L & T reaches out to IIT-M for expert help on design, concrete |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-ram-temple-lt-iit-m-expert-help-design-concrete-6590242/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125184356/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-ram-temple-lt-iit-m-expert-help-design-concrete-6590242/ |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Rashid |first=Omar |date=4 January 2021 |title=Work on Ayodhya Ram temple foundation to begin by January-end, says trust |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/work-on-ayodhya-ram-temple-foundation-to-begin-by-january-end-says-trust/article33492571.ece |url-status=live |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109052524/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/work-on-ayodhya-ram-temple-foundation-to-begin-by-january-end-says-trust/article33492571.ece |archive-date=9 January 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}

The construction work has been accomplished with {{Convert|600000|cuft}} of sandstone from Baansi in Rajasthan. No iron and steel has been used in the construction of the temple, and the fusing of the stone blocks has required ten thousand copper plates.{{Cite web |date=20 August 2020 |title=Construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya begins |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/construction-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-begins20200820133647/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122124219/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/construction-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-begins20200820133647/ |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=ANI News |language=en}} In a culturally significant move, Thailand also symbolically contributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, by sending soil to the Ram Janmabhoomi, building on their prior gesture of sending water from two rivers in Thailand to honour the temple.{{Cite web |title=Ayodhya's Ram Temple To Receive Soil From Thailand Ahead Of Consecration |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhyas-ram-temple-to-receive-soil-from-thailand-ahead-of-consecration-4621617 |access-date=2 December 2023 |website=NDTV |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202065305/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhyas-ram-temple-to-receive-soil-from-thailand-ahead-of-consecration-4621617 |url-status=live}}

According to the temple trust, the final blueprint of Ram Mandir included temples dedicated to Surya, Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, Vishnu and Brahma in the temple grounds.{{Cite news |date=13 September 2021 |title=6 temples of different deities to be constructed in Ram Janmabhoomi premises |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-temples-different-deities-constructed-ram-janmabhoomi-premises-1852092-2021-09-13 |url-status=live |magazine=India Today |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122054503/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-temples-different-deities-constructed-ram-janmabhoomi-premises-1852092-2021-09-13 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |agency=Press Trust of India}}

The Ram Mandir was built with funds gained through international fundraising drives, involving nearly two million volunteers. Ramnath Kovind was the first to contribute, donating {{INR}}500,000 on 14 January 2021, during his tenure as the 14th president of India.{{cite news|date=10 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Temple: Nearly Rs 5,000 Crore Donations Received Ahead Of Consecration Ceremony|url=https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-nearly-rs-5000-crore-donations-received-ahead-of-consecration-ceremony-8734580.html|work=News 18|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=12 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212232201/https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-nearly-rs-5000-crore-donations-received-ahead-of-consecration-ceremony-8734580.html|url-status=live}} Over 127 million donations amounting to approximately {{INR}}50 billion were received by the temple.{{cite news|date=28 December 2023|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Kashi And Prayagraj Beggars Donate Rs 4 Lakh|url=https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-kashi-and-prayagraj-beggars-donate-rs-4-lakh-8720424.html|work=News 18|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=29 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229082038/https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-kashi-and-prayagraj-beggars-donate-rs-4-lakh-8720424.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Das|first=Yudhajit Shankar|date=22 January 2024|title=How the Ayodhya Ram temple became a mandir of the masses|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sunday-special/story/ram-mandir-inauguration-temple-movement-vhp-rss-fundraising-drive-masses-connected-ayodhya-2482499-2023-12-31|work=India Today|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=9 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209155558/https://www.indiatoday.in/sunday-special/story/ram-mandir-inauguration-temple-movement-vhp-rss-fundraising-drive-masses-connected-ayodhya-2482499-2023-12-31|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kapoor|first=Sheersh|date=22 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: How much money was spent and what does UP stand to gain?|url=https://bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/ayodhya-ram-mandir-how-much-money-was-spent-and-what-does-up-stand-to-gain/107045031#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Economic%20Times,₹3%2C500%20crore%20in%20donations.|work=The Economic Times|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201162620/https://bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/ayodhya-ram-mandir-how-much-money-was-spent-and-what-does-up-stand-to-gain/107045031#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Economic%20Times,₹3%2C500%20crore%20in%20donations.|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=8 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: 'అయోధ్య' విరాళాల మొత్తం ఇప్పటివరకు ఎంత? అధికమొత్తం ఇచ్చింది ఎవరు?|url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/national/who-donated-most-money-ayodhya-ram-mandir-1910581|language=Telugu|work=Sakshi|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109023453/https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/national/who-donated-most-money-ayodhya-ram-mandir-1910581|url-status=live}} Some media outlets in India claimed that the construction of the Ram mandir was one of the world's biggest crowd funded projects.{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Swadesh|date=10 January 2024|title=This is how world's largest crowdfunding project was achieved in Ayodhya|url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/this-is-how-worlds-largest-crowdfunding-project-was-achieved-in-ayodhya/1912804/|work=The Print|access-date=13 February 2024|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213094352/https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/this-is-how-worlds-largest-crowdfunding-project-was-achieved-in-ayodhya/1912804/|url-status=live}} Fundraising by the Mandir trust has ended on 27 February 2021.{{cite news|last=Gopinathan|first=Meenakshi|date=21 January 2024|title=రామ మందిర నిర్మాణానికి 10 కోట్ల మంది విరాళాలు ఇచ్చారు…45 రోజుల్లో రూ.2500 కోట్లు!|language=Telugu|url=https://telugu.vikatan.com/india/10-crore-people-donated-for-the-construction-of-ram-mandirrs-2500-crore-in-just-45-days|work=Vikatan|access-date=13 February 2024|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213094351/https://telugu.vikatan.com/india/10-crore-people-donated-for-the-construction-of-ram-mandirrs-2500-crore-in-just-45-days|url-status=live}}

In 2015, the Hindu Mahasabha, among the leading organisation involved in the Ram Mandir issue, alleged the BJP-affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of carrying out donation scam of over {{INRConvert|1400|c}} over the construction of the temple. The VHP denied this allegation.{{cite web |last=Verma |first=Lalmani |title=Ram Temple in Ayodhya: Hindu Mahasabha claims VHP 'pocketed' Rs 1,400 cr; Singhal rubbishes charge |website=The Indian Express |date=16 July 2015 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-temple-in-ayodhyahindu-mahasabha-claims-vhp-pocketed-rs-1400-cr-singhal-rubbishes-charge/ |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081135/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-temple-in-ayodhyahindu-mahasabha-claims-vhp-pocketed-rs-1400-cr-singhal-rubbishes-charge/ |url-status=live}}

In 2019, the national spokesperson of the Nirmohi Akhara, Mahant Sitaram Das, accused the VHP of carrying out a {{INRConvert|1400|c}} scam over the temple.{{cite web |title=Ram Temple: Nirmohi Akhada accuses VHP of financial scam over funds collected for building mandir |website=news.abplive.com |date=30 January 2019 |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/ram-temple-nirmohi-akhada-accuses-vhp-of-alleged-financial-scam-worth-1400-crores-over-money-collected-for-building-mandir-907460 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326153532/https://news.abplive.com/news/india/ram-temple-nirmohi-akhada-accuses-vhp-of-alleged-financial-scam-worth-1400-crores-over-money-collected-for-building-mandir-907460 |url-status=live}} Political leaders from opposition parties have also questioned the methods of fund collection.{{Cite web |date=17 February 2021 |title=Ram Mandir: Siddaramaiah questions fund drive, HDK says he was threatened |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-mandir-siddaramaiah-questions-fund-drive-hdk-says-he-was-threatened-143621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217121455/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-mandir-siddaramaiah-questions-fund-drive-hdk-says-he-was-threatened-143621 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Johari |first=Aarefa |date=13 February 2021 |title=Ram temple fundraisers leave behind stickers on doors – sparking fear and concern |url=https://scroll.in/article/986670/ram-temple-fundraisers-leave-behind-stickers-on-doors-sparking-fear-and-concern |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216072240/https://scroll.in/article/986670/ram-temple-fundraisers-leave-behind-stickers-on-doors-sparking-fear-and-concern |archive-date=16 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2021 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}

The public were warned of instances in which online scammers posed as fundraisers.{{cite news|date=19 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram temple consecration: Beware of fake donation websites, 'VIP passes' & other online scams|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/technology/ayodhya-ram-temple-consecration-beware-of-fake-donation-websites-vip-pass-online-scams-2856062|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=12 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212232508/https://www.deccanherald.com/technology/ayodhya-ram-temple-consecration-beware-of-fake-donation-websites-vip-pass-online-scams-2856062|url-status=live}}

{{See also|2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute}}

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust began the first phase of construction of the Ram Mandir in March 2020.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Pratul |date=23 March 2020 |title=1st phase of Ram temple construction begins in Ayodhya |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/23/1st-phase-of-ram-temple-construction-begins-in-ayodhya.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330175900/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/23/1st-phase-of-ram-temple-construction-begins-in-ayodhya.html |archive-date=30 March 2023 |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=The Week |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=8 May 2020 |title=Ram Mandir Construction: राम मंदिर निर्मितीच्या पहिल्या टप्प्यातील काम सुरू |language=mr |trans-title=Ram Mandir Construction: Ram mandir Foundation Starts First Phase of Work |work=Times Now Marathi |url=https://www.timesnowmarathi.com/india-news-international/article/ram-mandir-foundation-first-phase-of-work-starts-cleaning-of-site-starts/292477 |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018015943/https://www.timesnowmarathi.com/india-news-international/article/ram-mandir-foundation-first-phase-of-work-starts-cleaning-of-site-starts/292477 |archive-date=18 October 2021}} The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India caused a temporary suspension of the construction.{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=9 April 2020 |title=Ram Mandir plans continue during COVID-19 lockdown, temple trust releases its official Logo |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/09/ram-mandir-plans-continue-during-covid-19-lockdown-temple-trust-releases-its-official-logo-2127639.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414021852/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/09/ram-mandir-plans-continue-during-covid-19-lockdown-temple-trust-releases-its-official-logo-2127639.html |archive-date=14 April 2020 |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=1 January 1970 |title=COVID-19: लॉकडाउन खत्म होते ही अयोध्या में शुरू होगा भव्य राम मंदिर निर्माण |trans-title=COVID-19: The Ram Temple construction will begin in Ayodhya after the end of lockdown |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-after-lockdown-ram-mandir-construction-work-will-start-in-ayodhya-upnga-upns-3094651.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509073923/https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-after-lockdown-ram-mandir-construction-work-will-start-in-ayodhya-upnga-upns-3094651.html |archive-date=9 May 2020 |access-date=8 May 2020 |website=News18 India |language=hi}} On 25 March 2020, Ram's idol was moved to a temporary location in the presence of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath.{{Cite news |last=Rashid |first=Omar |date=25 March 2020 |title=U.P. Chief Minister Adityanath shifts Ram idol amid lockdown |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-chief-minister-adityanath-shifts-ram-idol-amid-lockdown/article31160225.ece |url-status=live |access-date=24 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414223226/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-chief-minister-adityanath-shifts-ram-idol-amid-lockdown/article31160225.ece |archive-date=14 April 2020 |issn=0971-751X}} In preparation for the temple's construction, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised a '{{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan}}', in which individuals would gather at different places to chant the 'Vijay Mahamantra' – {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram}}, on 6 April 2020. This was said to ensure "victory over hurdles" in constructing the temple.{{Cite news |date=4 April 2020 |title=VHP to organise 'Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan' |work=Outlook |agency=IANS |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vhp-to-organise-vijay-mahamantra-jaap-anushthan/1508964 |url-status=live |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806200651/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vhp-to-organise-vijay-mahamantra-jaap-anushthan/1508964 |archive-date=6 August 2020}}

It was officially announced by Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Kshetra Trust, that 22 January 2024 would be the scheduled date for the installation of the Ram Lalla idol in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On 25 October 2023, a formal invitation was extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the ceremony.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Sheenu|date=25 October 2023 |title=Uttar Pradesh: Ram Temple Trust invites PM Modi to install Lord Ram idol in Ayodhya on Jan 22, 2024 |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614 |access-date=3 November 2023 |website=India TV News |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103142302/https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614 |url-status=live}}

In 2020, the national spokesperson of the Nirmohi Akhara, Mahant Sitaram Das, criticised the BJP's decision to have the temple foundation begun by Narendra Modi and said that the work of building the temple should be done only by the religious priests.{{cite web |last=Jaiswal |first=Anuja |title=Leave bhoomi pujan to saints: Nirmohi Akhara spokesperson tells PM |website=The Times of India |date=24 July 2020 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/leave-bhoomi-pujan-to-saints-nirmohi-akhara-spokesperson-tells-pm/articleshow/77156140.cms |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081133/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/leave-bhoomi-pujan-to-saints-nirmohi-akhara-spokesperson-tells-pm/articleshow/77156140.cms |url-status=live}} A number of Hindutva proponents, including online social media influencers, raised objections over the temple's construction with regards to its design and involvement of the Muslims, claiming that they found Islamic motifs in the Ram Mandir. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, responded to these concerns by saying that temple was being sculpted by experts, and there could be no question about their religion.{{cite web |last=Deb |first=Abhik |title=Why some Hindutva supporters are angry with Modi's Ayodhya temple inauguration |website=Scroll.in |date=22 December 2023 |url=https://scroll.in/article/1060891/why-some-hindutva-supporters-are-angry-with-modis-ayodhya-temple-inauguration |access-date=6 January 2024 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106071025/https://scroll.in/article/1060891/why-some-hindutva-supporters-are-angry-with-modis-ayodhya-temple-inauguration |url-status=live}}{{Verify source|date=January 2024}}

The vice-president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Pandit Ashok Sharma, said that the BJP "got the entire thing politicised."

A number of opposition parties, as well as BJP members themselves, have criticised the BJP for using the temple to for gain political mileage.{{cite web |title=JD(U) Minister Slams BJP's Attempt |website=The Times of India |date=2 January 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/lord-ram-lives-in-our-heart-jdu-minister-slams-bjps-attempt/articleshow/106464409.cms |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081136/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/lord-ram-lives-in-our-heart-jdu-minister-slams-bjps-attempt/articleshow/106464409.cms |url-status=live}} The President of the Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, had questioned the authority of Home Minister Amit Shah, after he declared the opening date of the temple.{{cite web |last=Manoj |first=C G |title='Are you mahant of Ram Temple?': Mallikarjun Kharge slams Amit Shah for announcing temple opening date |website=The Indian Express |date=6 January 2023 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-temple-mallikarjun-kharge-amit-shah-announcing-opening-date-8365437/ |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125132453/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-temple-mallikarjun-kharge-amit-shah-announcing-opening-date-8365437/ |url-status=live}} The BJP leader Subramanian Swamy questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's involvement in Ram Mandir's inauguration.{{cite web |title=BJP leader Subramanian Swamy questions PM Modi attending inauguration of Ram temple |website=The News Minute |date=27 December 2023 |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bjp-leader-subramanian-swamy-questions-pm-modi-attending-inauguration-of-ram-temple |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104110807/https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bjp-leader-subramanian-swamy-questions-pm-modi-attending-inauguration-of-ram-temple |url-status=live}} The Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Indian media for diverting attention from critical governance issues by overly focusing on the temple.{{cite web |last=Team |first=WION Web |title=Ram temple consecration ceremony: Shashi Tharoor slams BJP over politicisation of religious event |website=WION |date=27 December 2023 |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/temples-not-governments-shashi-tharoor-slams-bjp-over-ram-temple-inauguration-674041 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227130402/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/temples-not-governments-shashi-tharoor-slams-bjp-over-ram-temple-inauguration-674041 |url-status=live}}

File:Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performing Bhoomi Pujan at ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on August 05, 2020.jpg Narendra Modi performing Bhumi Pujan or the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ram Mandir. Also visible are the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, and the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel.]] On the occasion of Bhumi Pujan, the Ram Lalla's dress was stitched by tailors Bhagwat Prasad and Shankar Lal, a fourth generation tailor to Rama's idol.{{Cite web |date=27 July 2020 |title=अयोध्या: 5 अगस्त को इस टेलर का सिला पोशाक पहनेंगे रामलला |trans-title=On 5 August Ram will wear clothes stitched by this tailor |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-ayodhya-tailor-bhagwat-prasad-and-shyam-lal-preparing-cloths-for-ramlala-upat-3187451.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727043827/https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-ayodhya-tailor-bhagwat-prasad-and-shyam-lal-preparing-cloths-for-ramlala-upat-3187451.html |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=27 July 2020 |website=News18 India |language=hi}}

The temple construction officially started again after a Bhumi-Pujan ({{Trans|ground breaking ceremony}}) on 5 August 2020. The three-day long Vedic ritual was held ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony, which revolved around the installation of a {{convert|40|kg|abbr=in}} silver brick as the foundation stone by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the day before on 4 August, the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Ramarchan Puja}} ({{Translation|Puja of Rama's feet}}) was performed, in order to ritually invite all the major deities into the temple.{{Cite web |date=4 August 2020 |title='Ramarchan puja' begins ahead of 'bhoomi pujan' in Ayodhya |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-ramarchan-puja-begins-ahead-of-bhoomi-pujan-in-ayodhya-2835952 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829200353/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-ramarchan-puja-begins-ahead-of-bhoomi-pujan-in-ayodhya-2835952 |archive-date=29 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=DNA India |language=en}}

On the occasion of the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Bhoomi Poojan}}, soil and holy water were collected from several religious places across India, such as the Triveni Sangam of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayagraj, the head of the Kaveri river at Talakaveri in Karnataka, and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Kriti |date=22 July 2020 |title=Ram temple bhumi pujan: Sangam soil, water to be taken to Ayodhya; proceedings to be telecast live |work=The Times Of India |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ram-temple-bhumi-pujan-sangam-soil-water-to-be-taken-to-ayodhya-proceedings-to-be-telecast-live/625336 |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726052246/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ram-temple-bhumi-pujan-sangam-soil-water-to-be-taken-to-ayodhya-proceedings-to-be-telecast-live/625336 |archive-date=26 July 2020}} Soil was also sent from various Hindu temples, gurudwaras and Jain temples across the nation, as well as from the four pilgrimage sites in Char Dham, to bless the temple.{{Cite news |date=25 July 2020 |title=Soil from Sharda Peeth in Kashmir to be used in Ram Mandir foundation in Ayodhya |work=The Kashmir Monitor |url=https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/soil-from-sharda-peeth-in-kashmir-rss-hqrs-in-nagpur-to-be-used-in-ram-mandir-foundation-in-ayodhya/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726045901/https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/soil-from-sharda-peeth-in-kashmir-rss-hqrs-in-nagpur-to-be-used-in-ram-mandir-foundation-in-ayodhya/ |archive-date=26 July 2020}}

Before the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought Hanuman's blessing by praying at the Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya.{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |editor-last=Ray |editor-first=Meenakshi |title=After bhoomi poojan at Ayodhya, RSS' Mohan Bhagwat says we have fulfilled our resolve |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-bhoomi-poojan-at-ayodhya-rss-mohan-bhagwat-says-we-have-fulfilled-our-resolve/story-kqQsI65xMwDKXkCkijqkBP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825071324/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-bhoomi-poojan-at-ayodhya-rss-mohan-bhagwat-says-we-have-fulfilled-our-resolve/story-kqQsI65xMwDKXkCkijqkBP.html |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Mohan Bhagwat, Chief of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and Chief of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Nritya Gopal Das and Narendra Modi gave speeches.

Some priests and religious leaders, such as Swaroopanand Saraswati, complained that 5 August was not a ritually auspicious date and that the ceremony did not follow proper ritual procedures. They also claimed that the function did not include a havan.{{Cite web |last=Pradhan |first=Sharat |date=7 August 2020 |title=At Ayodhya Bhoomi Pujan, Modi Became All-in-One; Proper Rituals Not Followed, Allege Pundits |url=https://thewire.in/politics/ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-narendra-modi-priests-pundits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924014614/https://thewire.in/politics/ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-narendra-modi-priests-pundits |archive-date=24 September 2020 |access-date=7 August 2020 |website=thewire.in}} Writer and activist Arundhati Roy, a noted critic of PM Modi, pointed out that the chosen date marked one year since the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement criticising India for commencing for constructing a temple on the former site of the destroyed Babri Masjid.{{Cite news |date=28 May 2020 |title=Pakistan criticises India for starting construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-criticises-india-for-starting-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/article31694301.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626073923/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-criticises-india-for-starting-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/article31694301.ece |archive-date=26 June 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |agency=PTI}}

In 2017, the Hindu Mahasabha accused the BJP, Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar organisations of hijacking the Ram Mandir despite having no involvement in its long battle.{{cite web |last=Rai |first=Sandeep |title=India News |website=The Times of India |date=18 November 2015 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rss-the-biggest-traitor-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/49823815.cms |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826055542/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rss-the-biggest-traitor-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/49823815.cms |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Rai |first=Sandeep |title=We were real architects of Ram temple movement: Hindu Mahasabha |website=The Times of India |date=6 December 2017 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/we-were-real-architects-of-ram-temple-movement-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/61952411.cms |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627132639/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/we-were-real-architects-of-ram-temple-movement-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/61952411.cms |url-status=live}} In 2020, Pramod Joshi, the national spokesperson of the Hindu Mahasabha, said that the real credit of Ram Mandir belongs to Hindu Mahasabha, and that the Hindu Mahasabha should have performed the bhumi pujan, but instead had been kept away. He added that the committee for the temple was formed at the BJP's central office and the Hindu Mahasabha was sidelined.{{cite web |last1=Karmarkar |first1=Ninad |script-title=mr:अयोध्येतल्या राममंदिराचं खरं श्रेय हिंदू महासभेचंच! भाजपने विश्वासघात केल्याची हिंदू महासभेची आगपाखड |trans-title=Real credit for the Ram temple in Ayodhya goes to Hindu Mahasabha |website=marathi.abplive.com |date=4 August 2020 |url=https://marathi.abplive.com/news/mumbai/real-credit-for-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-goes-to-hindu-mahasabha-796253 |language=mr |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081135/https://marathi.abplive.com/news/mumbai/real-credit-for-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-goes-to-hindu-mahasabha-796253 |url-status=live}}

The temple trust decided to launch a nationwide "mass contact and contribution campaign" aimed at reaching 55–600 million people. Voluntary donations of {{INRConvert|1}} and higher were accepted.{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Neelam |date=15 December 2020 |title=Ram Mandir trust to launch nationwide fund collection drive next month for temple construction |url=https://theprint.in/india/ram-mandir-trust-to-launch-nationwide-fund-collection-drive-next-month-for-temple-construction/567100/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112093311/https://theprint.in/india/ram-mandir-trust-to-launch-nationwide-fund-collection-drive-next-month-for-temple-construction/567100/ |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} On 1 January 2021, former President Ram Nath Kovind made the first contribution towards the construction of the Ram Mandir by donating more than {{INRConvert|5|l}}.{{Cite web |date=15 January 2021 |title=President Kovind donates Rs 5 lakh for Ram temple construction as fund-raising drive kicks off |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/president-kovind-donates-rs-5-lakh-for-ram-temple-construction-7147458/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120155721/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/president-kovind-donates-rs-5-lakh-for-ram-temple-construction-7147458/ |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} Several leaders and notable personalities across the nation followed this. By April 2021, around {{INRConvert|5000|c}} was collected from donations across India.{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Sanjay |date=28 February 2021 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple fundraising drive concludes. Rs 21000000000 collected |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-mandir-temple-fundraising-drive-concludes-funds-collected-1774058-2021-02-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228170831/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-mandir-temple-fundraising-drive-concludes-funds-collected-1774058-2021-02-28 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |access-date=28 February 2021 |work=India Today}}{{Cite web |date=17 April 2021 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple donation: 15,000 bank cheques worth Rs 22 crore bounce |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/around-15000-collected-bank-cheques-donations-for-ram-temple-bounce-2355453.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419064904/https://zeenews.india.com/india/around-15000-collected-bank-cheques-donations-for-ram-temple-bounce-2355453.html |archive-date=19 April 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=Zee News |language=en}} Nearly 150,000 VHP activists participated in collecting donations. The temple trust also received donations from the members of the Muslim and Christian communities.{{Cite news |date=7 February 2021 |title=Karnataka Dy CM, Christian organisations donate over Rs 1 crore for Ram temple's construction |url=http://businessworld.in/article/Karnataka-Dy-CM-Christian-organisations-donate-over-Rs-1-crore-for-Ram-temple-s-construction/07-02-2021-374870 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508121954/https://www.businessworld.in/article/Karnataka-Dy-CM-Christian-organisations-donate-over-Rs-1-crore-for-Ram-temple-s-construction/07-02-2021-374870/ |archive-date=8 May 2023 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=Business World}}

File:அயோத்தி இராமர் கோயில் கட்டுமானப் பணி.jpg

In August 2021, a viewing location was created for the public to observe the construction works in the temple site.{{Cite web |date=9 August 2021 |title=Corridor for devotees to see construction of Ram temple |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/corridor-for-devotees-to-see-construction-of-ram-temple-101628516896092.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811142812/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/corridor-for-devotees-to-see-construction-of-ram-temple-101628516896092.html |archive-date=11 August 2021 |access-date=11 August 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} Following the groundbreaking ceremony, up to {{convert|40|ft|m}} of debris were removed and the remaining earth compacted.{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Alok |date=16 September 2021 |editor-last=Sanyal |editor-first=Anindita |title=First Glimpse of Ayodhya Temple Construction, Opening Before 2024 Polls |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-site-in-ayodhya-showcased-opening-before-lok-sabha-polls-2543113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052520/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-site-in-ayodhya-showcased-opening-before-lok-sabha-polls-2543113 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=NDTV}} The foundation was made using roller-compacted concrete.{{Cite web |date=30 June 2021 |title=Construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya caught in satellite images |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/construction-ayodhya-ram-temple-satellite-images-1821165-2021-06-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052521/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/construction-ayodhya-ram-temple-satellite-images-1821165-2021-06-30 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}} A total of 47–48 layers, with each layer {{convert|1|ft|m|adj=on}} high, were completed by mid-September 2021.{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Meenakshi |date=17 September 2021 |title=Ram Mandir foundation complete; granite from Karnataka, Mirzapur's sandstone to be used next |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-mandir-foundation-complete-see-images-101631854940761.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052522/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-mandir-foundation-complete-see-images-101631854940761.html |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} Due to electricity supply issues in Mirzapur, the cutting of the sandstone was slowed down. In early 2022, a video was released by the temple trust, showing the planned construction of the temple in 3D along with other related information.{{Cite web |last=Dixit |first=Pawan |date=13 January 2022 |title=Trust launches YouTube channel, releases short movie on Ram temple construction |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/trust-launches-youtube-channel-releases-short-movie-on-ram-temple-construction-101642096502714.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131237/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/trust-launches-youtube-channel-releases-short-movie-on-ram-temple-construction-101642096502714.html |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=14 January 2022 |title=Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust releases short film on mandir construction |url=https://navjeevanexpress.com/shri-ram-janmabhoomi-teerth-kshetra-trust-releases-short-film-on-mandir-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131237/https://navjeevanexpress.com/shri-ram-janmabhoomi-teerth-kshetra-trust-releases-short-film-on-mandir-construction/ |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Navjeevan Express}}{{Cite web |date=15 January 2022 |title=Ram Temple: Second phase of foundation expected to be completed by Jan end |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ram-temple-second-phase-of-foundation-expected-to-be-completed-by-jan-end-11642219352876.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131234/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ram-temple-second-phase-of-foundation-expected-to-be-completed-by-jan-end-11642219352876.html |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Mint}}

In January 2023, two 60-million-year-old Shaligram rocks, 26 tonnes and 14 tonnes respectively, were sent from the Gandaki river in Nepal. These rocks were used to carve the idol of Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum.{{Cite news |title=Rare rocks for Lord Ram idol to reach Ayodhya from Nepal on February 2 |work=IndiaTV News |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ram-temple-construction-rare-rocks-for-lord-ram-idol-to-reach-ayodhya-from-nepal-on-february-2-latest-updates-2023-01-28-842996 |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128164449/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ram-temple-construction-rare-rocks-for-lord-ram-idol-to-reach-ayodhya-from-nepal-on-february-2-latest-updates-2023-01-28-842996 |archive-date=28 January 2023}} In August 2023, according to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, 70% of the groundwork was completed and 40% of the roof work was completed.{{Cite web |date=17 May 2023 |title=Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Takes Shape: Here's First Look of 'Garbha Griha' | See Pics |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-takes-shape-heres-first-look-of-garbha-griha-see-pics-article-100292909 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521102451/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-takes-shape-heres-first-look-of-garbha-griha-see-pics-article-100292909 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |access-date=21 May 2023}} In December 2023, the entire base, along with the six smaller temples that surround the main temple, which consists of the sanctum sanctorum, were almost completed.{{cite news|last=Chakraborty|first=Prateek|title=Ayodhya Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum nearly ready. See pics|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-construction-update-sanctum-sanctorum-consecration-ceremony-2474062-2023-12-09|work=India Today|date=9 December 2023|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226121728/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-construction-update-sanctum-sanctorum-consecration-ceremony-2474062-2023-12-09|url-status=live}} For its consecration, only the ground floor was opened.{{cite news|last=Pandey|first=Geeta|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: India PM Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68003095|publisher=BBC News|date=22 January 2024|access-date=22 January 2024|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122144228/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68003095|url-status=live}} The temple is expected to be completed by July 2025.{{Cite news |date=2024-10-04 |title="Construction of Shikhar has started": Nripendra Mishra on Ram Janmabhoomi construction |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/construction-of-shikhar-has-started-nripendra-mishra-on-ram-janmabhoomi-construction/articleshow/113933339.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-10-04 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}

File:Glimpses of Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024.jpg ceremony outside the temple on 22 January 2024]]{{Main|Consecration of the Ram Mandir}}

On 22 June 2023, Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Misra announced that the ground floor of the three-story temple was complete and was expected to open for the devotees in January 2024.{{cite news|last1=Tak|first1=Yashavi|title=Ayodhya: Construction Committee Announces To Open Ram Temple By 24 January 2024|url=https://news24online.com/india/ayodhya-construction-committee-announces-to-open-ram-temple-by-24-january-2024-yas/144989/|access-date=22 January 2024|publisher=News 24|date=22 June 2023|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122233000/https://news24online.com/india/ayodhya-construction-committee-announces-to-open-ram-temple-by-24-january-2024-yas/144989/|url-status=live}} The Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust announced that Hindu astrologers had selected 22 January 2024 as the auspicious date for the consecration ceremony.{{Cite web|title=Ram Mandir consecration: Why was 22 January 2024 picked as date for ceremony|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-why-has-22-january-2024-been-picked-as-the-date-for-the-ceremony-678233|access-date=22 January 2024|website=WION|date=9 January 2024 |language=en|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122233727/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-why-has-22-january-2024-been-picked-as-the-date-for-the-ceremony-678233|url-status=live}}

In preparation for the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony, the Government of Uttar Pradesh earmarked {{INRconvert|100|c}} for 'Ramotsav', a series of religious events that spanned 826 local bodies across Uttar Pradesh along with the Ram Paduka Yatra, commencing in December 2023 and culminating in the grand celebrations from Makar Sankranti on 16 January 2024, and lasting until the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on 22 January. The yatra followed the Ram Van Gaman Path, retracing Rama's 14-year exile from Ayodhya.{{Cite web |date=1 December 2023 |title=₹100 cr for Ramotsav: Mega events in run-up to Ram temple inauguration |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rs-100-cr-for-ramotsav-mega-events-in-run-up-to-ram-temple-inauguration-101701372006307.html |access-date=2 December 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202064404/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rs-100-cr-for-ramotsav-mega-events-in-run-up-to-ram-temple-inauguration-101701372006307.html |url-status=live}} The trust, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Ayodhya city administrators carried out extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of devotees and invited guests from all over the world.{{Cite web|date=20 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram mandir inauguration 2 days away, here's all you need to know about the temple, the preparations|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-2-days-away-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-temple-the-preparations-9118836/|access-date=23 January 2024|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=23 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123000814/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-2-days-away-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-temple-the-preparations-9118836/|url-status=live}} Strict security measures were enacted in and around the temple premises.{{Cite news|date=20 January 2024|title=3-layered security cordon to guard Ayodhya temple|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/3-layered-security-cordon-to-guard-ayodhya-temple/articleshow/107000860.cms|access-date=20 January 2024|work=The Times of India|issn=0971-8257|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120000616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/3-layered-security-cordon-to-guard-ayodhya-temple/articleshow/107000860.cms|url-status=live}}

The Government of Uttar Pradesh announced public holiday to mark the occasion. The Government of India and some state governments declared a half day holiday.{{Cite news|date=20 January 2024|title=Ram Mandir Inauguration: These states have declared a holiday on Jan 22, check full list|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/ram-mandir-inauguration-list-of-states-declaring-holiday-on-jan-22/articleshow/106950979.cms|access-date=20 January 2024|work=The Times of India|issn=0971-8257|archive-date=19 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119230743/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/ram-mandir-inauguration-list-of-states-declaring-holiday-on-jan-22/articleshow/106950979.cms|url-status=live}}

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to perform the Prana Pratishtha of the newly made idol in the sanctum sanctorum.{{cite news|last1=Parashar|first1=Devendra|last2=Sharma|first2=Sheenu|title=Uttar Pradesh: Ram Temple Trust invites PM Modi to install Lord Ram idol in Ayodhya on Jan 22, 2024|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614|access-date=22 January 2024|publisher=India TV|date=26 October 2023|archive-date=3 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103142302/https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614|url-status=live}} In preparation, he undertook an 11-day fast, consuming only coconut water and fruit and sleeping on the ground at night.{{cite web|title=PM Modi Breaks His 11-Day Fast After 'Pran Pratishtha' Ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya|url=https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/pm-modi-breaks-his-11-day-fast-after-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-at-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-in-a517|website=Lokmat Times|access-date=22 January 2024|archive-date=23 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123050117/https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/pm-modi-breaks-his-11-day-fast-after-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-at-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-in-a517|url-status=live}} He performed the consecration ceremony on 22 January 2024 from 12:15 PM to 12:45PM IST.{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Mahima|date=22 January 2024|title=Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Puja Time and Abhijeet Muhurat on January 22, 2024: Know its details|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/religious-places/ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-puja-time-and-abhijeet-muhurat-on-january-22-2024-know-its-details/articleshow/107041925.cms|access-date=22 January 2024|website=The Times of India|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122050649/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/religious-places/ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-puja-time-and-abhijeet-muhurat-on-january-22-2024-know-its-details/articleshow/107041925.cms|url-status=live}} Prime Minister Modi urged every Indian to light up diyas to mark the occasion and celebrate it like Diwali.{{Cite web|date=30 December 2023|title=Celebrate Diwali across country on January 22, on the day of Ram temple ceremony: PM Modi at Ayodhya|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/celebrate-diwali-january-22-ram-temple-ceremony-pm-modi-ayodhya-9088953/|access-date=20 January 2024|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120065221/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/celebrate-diwali-january-22-ram-temple-ceremony-pm-modi-ayodhya-9088953/|url-status=live}}

File:Prime Minister Modi at Pran Pratishtha.jpgThe guests were addressed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Modi.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-address-at-the-pran-pratishtha-of-shree-ram-lalla-at-ayodhya-ji/?tag_term=pmspeech&comment=disable |title=PM's address at the Pran-Pratishtha of Shree Ram Lalla at Ayodhya ji |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=12 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092740/https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-address-at-the-pran-pratishtha-of-shree-ram-lalla-at-ayodhya-ji/?tag_term=pmspeech&comment=disable |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/16-themes-from-pm-modis-ayodhya-speech-from-forgiveness-to-the-dawn-of-a-new-era/articleshow/107057789.cms|title=From forgiveness to dawn of new era: 16 themes from PM Modi's Ayodhya speech|newspaper=The Times of India|date=22 January 2024|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206031346/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/16-themes-from-pm-modis-ayodhya-speech-from-forgiveness-to-the-dawn-of-a-new-era/articleshow/107057789.cms|url-status=live}} Modi also spoke of Rama as a symbol of righteousness and unity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-pm-modi-said-lord-ram-not-a-problem-but-10-top-quotes-from-speech-11705917547618.html|title=Lord Ram is 'not a problem but...': 10 things PM Modi said in Ayodhya today|date=22 January 2024|website=mint|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=3 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203192929/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-pm-modi-said-lord-ram-not-a-problem-but-10-top-quotes-from-speech-11705917547618.html|url-status=live}}

While Yogi Adityanath's address was steeped in religious fervor, celebrating the Ram Mandir as a victory for faith and perseverance. He praised the devotion of millions who contributed to the temple's construction and acknowledged the divine blessings that guided the process.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-pran-pratistha-ram-temple-yogi-adityanath-in-yogi-adityanaths-ram-temple-speech-a-veiled-swipe-at-mulayam-yadav-4910287|title=In Yogi Adityanath's Ram Temple Speech, A Veiled Swipe At Mulayam Yadav|website=NDTV|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=3 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203192218/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-pran-pratistha-ram-temple-yogi-adityanath-in-yogi-adityanaths-ram-temple-speech-a-veiled-swipe-at-mulayam-yadav-4910287|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mandir-wahin-bana-hai-yogi-adityanath-after-conclusion-of-pran-pratishtha-in-ayodhya-full-speech-article-107049147|title='Mandir Wahin Bana Hai...': Yogi Adityanath After Conclusion Of 'Pran Pratishtha'|date=22 January 2024|website=TimesNow|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127162631/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mandir-wahin-bana-hai-yogi-adityanath-after-conclusion-of-pran-pratishtha-in-ayodhya-full-speech-article-107049147|url-status=live}}

Mohan Bhagwat spoke of the Ram Mandir as a symbol of national pride, marking the revival of India's cultural heritage. He emphasised the importance of preserving ancient traditions and values in a rapidly modernising world.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shun-disputes-stay-united-as-ram-rajya-coming-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat/article67765226.ece|title=Stop fighting over petty issues and stay united, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat|first=Ishita|last=Mishra|newspaper=The Hindu|date=22 January 2024|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127162631/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shun-disputes-stay-united-as-ram-rajya-coming-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat/article67765226.ece|url-status=live}}

The guest list also included prominent industrialists, scientists, actors, army officers, spiritual leaders and Padma awardees.{{Cite web |date=25 October 2023 |title=PM Modi invited to install Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya temple on January 22 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-invited-to-install-lord-rams-idol-at-ayodhya-temple-on-january-22-11698246179120.html |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=Mint |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210062714/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-invited-to-install-lord-rams-idol-at-ayodhya-temple-on-january-22-11698246179120.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/7000-prominent-personalities-in-guest-list-for-inauguration-of-ram-temple-1503247665.html|title=Gautam Adani, Virat Kohli among 7,000 prominent personalities in guest list for inauguration of Ram temple|website=The Statesman |date=7 December 2023|access-date=10 December 2023|archive-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210062714/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/7000-prominent-personalities-in-guest-list-for-inauguration-of-ram-temple-1503247665.html|url-status=live}} The event was organised by Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra.{{Cite web|date=20 January 2024|title=Ram temple chief priest's strong reaction after Ram Lalla idol photo leaked online: 'Should be investigated'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-chief-priest-acharya-satyendra-das-strong-reaction-after-ram-lalla-idol-photo-leaked-online-101705724806402.html|access-date=20 January 2024|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120064559/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-chief-priest-acharya-satyendra-das-strong-reaction-after-ram-lalla-idol-photo-leaked-online-101705724806402.html|url-status=live}}

None of the four Shankaracharyas of the four cardinal mathas, citing various reasons, took part in the ceremony.{{Cite web |title=Sringeri pontiff denies displeasure over Ayodhya Ram's consecration, calls it 'false propaganda' |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/01/12/sringeri-pontiff-denies-displeasure-over-ayodhya-rams-consecration-calls-it-false-propaganda.html |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=The Week |language=en |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113132507/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/01/12/sringeri-pontiff-denies-displeasure-over-ayodhya-rams-consecration-calls-it-false-propaganda.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last1=Dash |first1=Nivedita |date=12 January 2024 |title=Sringeri, Dwarka Peeth request people to disregard 'false propaganda' about Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sringeri-dwarka-peeth-request-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-updates-2024-01-12-911486 |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=India TV News |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112074334/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sringeri-dwarka-peeth-request-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-updates-2024-01-12-911486 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Goudar |first=Mahesh M. |date=11 January 2024 |title=Sringeri Shankaracharya won't attend Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya. Here's why |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/sringeri-shankaracharya-wont-attend-ram-mandir-consecration-in-ayodhya-heres-why/ |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=The South First |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113132507/https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/sringeri-shankaracharya-wont-attend-ram-mandir-consecration-in-ayodhya-heres-why/ |url-status=live}} Sringeri Sharada Peetham issued a denial that its head seer Bharathi Tirtha had expressed some displeasure and called the ceremony a "matter of joy" for all Hindu believers.{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=12 January 2024|title=Sringeri mutt requests people to disregard "false propaganda" about pran-pratishtha at Ram Temple|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sringeri-mutt-requests-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-pran-pratishtha-at-ram-temple20240112110536/#:~:text=New%20Delhi%20%5BIndia%5D%2C%20January,published%20by%20the%20official%20website.|work=ANI|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=13 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113143407/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sringeri-mutt-requests-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-pran-pratishtha-at-ram-temple20240112110536/#:~:text=New%20Delhi%20%5BIndia%5D%2C%20January,published%20by%20the%20official%20website.|url-status=live}} Tirtha blessed the event and sent an administrative officer, Gowrishankar as representative of the matha.{{cite news|editor=Karthik K K|date=20 January 2024|title=From a stringent 'Sathvik' diet to a serious eye injury, Ram Lalla idol sculptor braved all odds|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jan/20/from-a-stringent-sathvik-diet-to-a-serious-eye-injury-ram-lalla-idol-suclptor-braved-all-odds|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jan/20/from-a-stringent-sathvik-diet-to-a-serious-eye-injury-ram-lalla-idol-suclptor-braved-all-odds|url-status=live}} The head seer of Govardhan Math, Nischalananda Saraswati said that the ceremony deviated from established tradition.{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=15 January 2024|title="This is not about ego...": Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanand clarifies decision to skip Ram Mandir inauguration|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/this-is-not-about-ego-puri-shankaracharya-swami-nischalanand-clarifies-decision-to-skip-ram-mandir-inauguration-101705289498980.html|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/this-is-not-about-ego-puri-shankaracharya-swami-nischalanand-clarifies-decision-to-skip-ram-mandir-inauguration-101705289498980.html|url-status=live}} The head seer of Jyotir Math, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has stated that the ceremony is against Hindu sastras as the temple is still under construction.{{cite news|date=12 January 2024|title='Temple construction incomplete': All four shankaracharyas to skip Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/temple-construction-incomplete-all-four-shankaracharyas-to-skip-ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-ceremony-412826-2024-01-11|work=Business Today|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/temple-construction-incomplete-all-four-shankaracharyas-to-skip-ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-ceremony-412826-2024-01-11|url-status=live}}{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=22 January 2024|title="Hindus' self-respect has awakened under PM Modi...": Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/hindus-self-respect-has-awakened-under-pm-modi-shankaracharya-avimukteshwaranand/articleshow/107034407.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/hindus-self-respect-has-awakened-under-pm-modi-shankaracharya-avimukteshwaranand/articleshow/107034407.cms|url-status=live}} The head seer of the Dwarka Sharada Peetham, Swami Sadanand Saraswati welcomed the ceremony as a "long-awaited moment".{{cite news|last=Srivastava|first=Nisha|date=20 January 2024|title=Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati says "Pran Pratishtha ceremony' long awaited moment"|url=https://thedailyguardian.com/shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-says-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-long-awaited-moment/|work=The Daily Guardian|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201649/https://thedailyguardian.com/shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-says-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-long-awaited-moment/|url-status=live}} He said that none of the four Shankaracharyas were angry and that it was not appropriate for them to attend given, the massive crowd expected.{{cite news|last=Mitra|first=Hritika|date=15 January 2024|title=None of the Shankaracharyas are angry: Sharda Peeth's Swami Sadanand Saraswati on Consecration ceremony|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sharda-peeth-shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-befitting-reply-to-opposition-latest-updates-2024-01-15-911997|work=The Economic Times|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201649/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sharda-peeth-shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-befitting-reply-to-opposition-latest-updates-2024-01-15-911997|url-status=live}}

File:Ram Temple miniature not to scale replica Diwali New Delhi 3.jpg of 2020 at Pacific Mall in West Delhi{{Cite web |date=25 October 2020 |title=Delhi's Pacific Mall installs 32-foot-tall replica of Ayodhya's Ram temple ahead of Diwali |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-s-pacific-mall-installs-32-foot-tall-replica-of-ayodhya-s-ram-temple-ahead-of-diwali-1734891-2020-10-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109093017/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-s-pacific-mall-installs-32-foot-tall-replica-of-ayodhya-s-ram-temple-ahead-of-diwali-1734891-2020-10-25 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=24 October 2020 |title=With replica of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, West Delhi's Pacific Mall mall showcases faith |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/oct/24/with-replica-of-ayodhyas-ram-temple-west-delhispacific-mall-mall-showcases-faith-2214428.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111142231/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/oct/24/with-replica-of-ayodhyas-ram-temple-west-delhispacific-mall-mall-showcases-faith-2214428.html |archive-date=11 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}]]

The temple construction has been accompanied by a $10 billion transformation plan for Ayodhya town, "encompassing a new airport, revamped railway station, and township development", fostering multiple hotel development projects and stimulating various economic activities.{{Cite news |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhyas-over-10bn-revamp-could-generate-around-3bn-in-tax-revenue-for-up-682522 |title=Ayodhya's over $10 billion revamp could generate around $3bn in tax revenue for UP |date=22 January 2024 |publisher=WION |access-date=31 March 2024 |quote="$10 billion transformation plan, encompassing a new airport, revamped railway station, township development" |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404090713/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhyas-over-10bn-revamp-could-generate-around-3bn-in-tax-revenue-for-up-682522 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=17 December 2023|title=Uttar Pradesh becomes second-largest economy in India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uttar-pradesh-becomes-second-largest-economy-in-india/articleshow/106067291.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224161905/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uttar-pradesh-becomes-second-largest-economy-in-india/articleshow/106067291.cms|url-status=live}} As Hindu devotees all over the world throng to have a darśana (auspicious viewing) of this deity, the subsequent economic impact has been estimated to further enrich the state by the end of the year 2024 by four trillion Indian rupees (equivalent to 48 billion US dollars).{{cite news|editor=TNN|date=24 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Temple opening to make UP richer by Rs 4 lakh crore: SBI research|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/temple-opening-to-make-up-richer-by-4l-cr-sbi-research/articleshow/107098469.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215000945/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/temple-opening-to-make-up-richer-by-4l-cr-sbi-research/articleshow/107098469.cms|url-status=live}}

Given its religious significance among Hindus, it is estimated that with 50 million annual visitors, Ayodhya's Ram temple is likely to become the most visited Hindu pilgrimage site in India.{{cite news|editor=TOI|date=5 March 2024|title=Ayodhya's Spiritual Soar: Set to surpass Mecca and Vatican as a global pilgrimage hub|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/ayodhyas-spiritual-soar-set-to-surpass-mecca-and-vatican-as-a-global-pilgrimage-hub/videoshow/107179566.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=28 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128103643/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/ayodhyas-spiritual-soar-set-to-surpass-mecca-and-vatican-as-a-global-pilgrimage-hub/videoshow/107179566.cms|url-status=live}} After the opening of the Ram Temple to public on 23 January 2024, Ayodhya has welcomed 2.4 million visitors in just 12 days.{{Cite web |url=https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ministry/ayodhya-records-2-4-mn-visitors-in-12-days-govt-eyeing-historic-site-development-schemes-modi/107427042 |title=In the last 12 days following the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya has welcomed 2.4 million visitors |date=5 February 2024 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=25 March 2024 |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404100715/https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ministry/ayodhya-records-2-4-mn-visitors-in-12-days-govt-eyeing-historic-site-development-schemes-modi/107427042 |url-status=live }} Based on the current visitor numbers, the Ayodhya's Ram temple is projected to become one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, surpassing Mecca and the Vatican.{{cite news|date=24 January 2024|title=Ayodhya's Spiritual Soar: Set to surpass Mecca and Vatican as a global pilgrimage hub|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/culture/ayodhya-ram-temple-50-million-visitors-expected-each-year-surpassing-tirupati-mecca-and-vatican-18880731.htm|publisher=CNBC TV18|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127093052/https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/culture/ayodhya-ram-temple-50-million-visitors-expected-each-year-surpassing-tirupati-mecca-and-vatican-18880731.htm|url-status=live}} Given the temple rush by devotees from all parts of India, it was estimated that spiritual tourism at Ayodhya has potential to create thousands of jobs as more manpower is required to cater the needs of the Ram mandir visitors and also attract huge investments.{{cite news|last1=Bhattacharya|first1=Rica|last2=Philip|first2=Lijee|date=17 January 2024|title=As Ram Mandir opens doors, jobs come rushing into Ayodhya|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/hr-policies-trends/as-ram-mandir-opens-doors-jobs-come-rushing-into-ayodhya/articleshow/106907127.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127032436/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/hr-policies-trends/as-ram-mandir-opens-doors-jobs-come-rushing-into-ayodhya/articleshow/106907127.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite news|editor=Tiasa Bhowal|date=17 January 2024|title=Ram Mandir open, travel industry pumps in billions to get Ayodhya ready for a billion|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/travel/story/ram-mandir-travel-industry-gets-ayodhya-ready-for-billions-2492668-2024-01-25|work=India Today|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316172446/https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/travel/story/ram-mandir-travel-industry-gets-ayodhya-ready-for-billions-2492668-2024-01-25|url-status=live}}

On April 17, 2024, the first Ram Navami (Ram's birth) festival after the consecration of the Ram Temple was celebrated by thousands of devotees.{{cite news|date=18 April 2024|title=Ayodhya Temple On Ram Navami, 'Surya Tilak' shines on Ram Lalla|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-temple-on-ram-navami-surya-tilak-shines-on-ram-lalla-9276650/|work=Indian Express|access-date=18 April 2024}} On this occasion, the Ram Temple witnessed a unique event at noon as the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol was anointed with a ray of sunlight, known as Sūrya Tilaka ({{Translation|Sun tilak}}).{{cite news|date=17 April 2024|title=The Science Behind 'Surya Tilak' Ceremony At Ayodhya's Ram Temple|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/the-science-behind-surya-tilak-ceremony-at-ayodhyas-ram-temple-5460250 | work=NDTV|access-date=18 April 2024}} As the sun rays illuminated the forehead of the Lord Ram Lalla idol, scores of devotees celebrated the event. The development of the Sūrya Tilaka mechanism involved collaboration between scientists from Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP), Bangalore, who devised a sophisticated apparatus consisting of mirrors and lenses to direct a beam of light to the deity's forehead, marking a significant scientific feat.

File:Uttar Pradesh tableau on Rajpath at the 72nd Republic Day.jpg tableau in the Republic Day parade of 2021|250x250px]]

During the 2021 Republic Day parade on Rajpath, Uttar Pradesh's tableau showcased a replica of the Ram Mandir.{{Cite news |title=Ayodhya on Rajpath: UP's Republic Day tableau showcases replica of Ram temple |date=26 January 2021 |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/ayodhya-on-rajpath-ups-republic-day-tableau-showcases-replica-of-ram-temple-2337866.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130170622/https://zeenews.india.com/india/ayodhya-on-rajpath-ups-republic-day-tableau-showcases-replica-of-ram-temple-2337866.html |archive-date=30 January 2021 |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=Zee News}} In October 2023, Durga Puja celebrations in Santosh Mitra Square, Kolkata exhibited a replica of Ram Mandir, along with other notable buildings around the world.{{Cite web |title=Why the 'Ayodhya Ram Temple' Pandal Cannot be a Centrepiece of Kolkata's Durga Puja |work=The Wire |date=21 October 2023 |department=Opinion |first=Partho Sarothi |last=Ray |url=https://thewire.in/article/communalism/ayodhya-ram-temple-durga-puja-kolkata |access-date=29 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117181320/https://thewire.in/communalism/ayodhya-ram-temple-durga-puja-kolkata |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=In Pictures: Ram Mandir-Themed Durga Puja Pandal In Kolkata Draws Massive Crowd |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-pictures-ram-mandir-themed-durga-puja-pandal-in-kolkata-draws-massive-crowd-photos-326395 |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Outlook India |date=24 October 2023 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117152301/https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-pictures-ram-mandir-themed-durga-puja-pandal-in-kolkata-draws-massive-crowd-photos-326395 |url-status=live}}

{{Anchor|Mandir wahi banayenge}}{{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}} ({{Translation|The temple will be built exactly there}}) is an expression in Hindi, and has become one of the most popular slogans concerning the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and Ram Mandir. It has been used as early as 1985–86, was popularised in the 1990s, and has several variations.{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Nalin |date=4 August 2020 |title='Mandir Wahin Banayenge' Said L.K. Advani 30 Years Ago, But Will Stay Home on August 5 |url=https://thewire.in/politics/lk-advani-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-temple-rath-yatra |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120064018/https://thewire.in/politics/lk-advani-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-temple-rath-yatra |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=The Wire}}{{Cite web |last=Hemanth |first=S. A. |date=10 November 2019 |title='Slogans we shouted in '85 have come true today' |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/101119/slogans-we-shouted-in-85-have-come-true-today.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206144455/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/101119/slogans-we-shouted-in-85-have-come-true-today.html |archive-date=6 December 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}

It has been a symbol of hope and it has become a part of festivities, and has also become a part of stand-up comedy, jokes and memes.{{Cite web |last=Kundu |first=Swapnajit |date=5 August 2020 |title=How 'Mandir Wahin Banega' gained prominence |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/how-mandir-wahin-banega-gained-prominence-869715.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520213330/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/how-mandir-wahin-banega-gained-prominence-869715.html |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Khilnani |first=Rohit |title=Comedian Vir Das On Cracking Jokes On Demonetisation, Ram Temple Issue |website=NDTV |date=7 February 2020 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/entertainment/news/comedian-vir-das-on-cracking-jokes-on-demonetisation-ram-temple-issue-540093 |language=hi |access-date=24 February 2024 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224054332/https://www.ndtv.com/video/entertainment/news/comedian-vir-das-on-cracking-jokes-on-demonetisation-ram-temple-issue-540093 |url-status=live }} In 2019, the slogan was used in the Parliament of India, and it has also been used by media houses.{{Cite web |date=10 November 2019 |title='Sir Ram': A look at how some Hindi and English newspapers covered the #AyodhyaVerdict |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/11/10/sir-ram-a-look-at-how-some-hindi-and-english-newspapers-covered-the-ayodhyaverdict |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206201650/https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/11/10/sir-ram-a-look-at-how-some-hindi-and-english-newspapers-covered-the-ayodhyaverdict |archive-date=6 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Newslaundry}}{{Cite web |last=Krishnan |first=Revathi |date=4 August 2020 |title=ABP News all excited about Ram temple, India Today & NDTV 24x7 focus on J&K woes |url=https://theprint.in/plugged-in/abp-news-all-excited-about-ram-temple-india-today-ndtv-24x7-focus-on-jk-woes/474161/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208011150/https://theprint.in/plugged-in/abp-news-all-excited-about-ram-temple-india-today-ndtv-24x7-focus-on-jk-woes/474161/ |archive-date=8 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} The slogan has been used as a threat as well as a vow.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Sandipan |date=4 August 2020 |title=Mandir Wahin Banayenge: After 30 years, BJP's tryst with Hindutva destiny |url=https://thefederal.com/the-legend-of-ramjanmabhoomi/mandir-wahin-banayenge-after-30-years-bjps-tryst-with-hindutva-destiny/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128201927/https://thefederal.com/the-legend-of-ramjanmabhoomi/mandir-wahin-banayenge-after-30-years-bjps-tryst-with-hindutva-destiny/ |archive-date=28 January 2022 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=The Federal |language=en-US}}

There are variations of the slogan such as one used by Lal Krishna Advani: "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Saugaṁdha Rāma kī khātē haiṁ, hama maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}}" ({{Translation|We take a vow of Rama that we will build the temple exactly there}}). Other variations and adaptations include "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Vahīṁ banēgā maṁdira}}" ({{Translation|A temple will be built there}}), "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Jahām̐ Rāma kā janma huā thā, hama maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}}" ({{Translation|The temple will be built where Rama was born}}), "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Rāmā Lallā hama āēm̐gē, maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}}" ({{Translation|Ram Lalla, we will come, the temple will be built there, or Ram Lalla we will come to construct a Mandir exactly there}}) and "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Pahalē maṁdira, phira sarakāra}}" ({{Translation|First the temple, then the government}}).{{Cite news |date=22 November 2018 |title=Uddhav Wonders For How Long Will People be 'Fooled' With 'Mandir Wahi Banayenge' Slogan |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/uddhav-thackeray-wonders-for-how-long-will-people-be-fooled-with-mandir-wahi-banayenge-slogan-1947331.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207183809/https://www.news18.com/news/india/uddhav-thackeray-wonders-for-how-long-will-people-be-fooled-with-mandir-wahi-banayenge-slogan-1947331.html |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=News18 |language=en |agency=PTI}}

• The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya by Meenakshi Jain, {{ISBN|9788173055799|8173055793}}
• Sunrise over Ayodhya: Nationhood in Our Times by Salman Khurshid, {{ISBN|9789354923050|9354923054}}

• Mission Ayodhya directed by Sameer Ramesh Surve{{Cite web |title='मिशन अयोध्या' सिनेमाच्या पोस्टरची चर्चा, कलाकारांची नावं गुलदस्त्यात, प्रदर्शनाची तारिख मात्र जाहीर |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/mission-ayodhya-movie-release-date-out-know-more-details/articleshow/114846490.cms |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}}

• Hindu pilgrimage sites in India
• Hindu pilgrimage sites of world
• List of Hindu festivals
• Rama Navami festival
• Tourism in India
• Devashila Yatra

{{notelist|35em|refs=

{{efn|name="mythological_birthplace"|The term "mythical," or "mythological," is loaded. In the Hindu Epic Ramayana, regarded by many Hindus as an historical account (see Itihasa-Purana), Ram's birthplace is at the legendary city Ayodhya, which is believed by many Hindus to be the same as present-day Ayodhya. {{harvtxt|Dumper|2020}} elaborates: "It is an historical fact that Ayodhya's previous name was "Saketa," but it was renamed in the fifth century CE by a king of the Gupta dynasty who wished to associate himself with the mythical birthplace of Lord Ram. Over time, the symbolic name became the real name, and the mythical birthplace of Lord Ram has become, in the eyes of many Hindus, the real birthplace now [...] what is "believed in" motivates and engenders the passion around such holy sites [...] As Varshney points out about Ayodhya, 'Muslim leaders kept harking back on the religious meaning of Ayodhya, refusing to encounter the nationalistic meaning. Worse, the various mosque action committees (and the secular historians) initially argued that Rama was a mythological figure, for there was no historical proof for Rama's existence or his birthplace. This was a gratuitous argument.... Religious belief does not depend upon rational evidence.'"}}

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• {{cite book | last =Dumper | first =Michael | year =2020 | title =Power, Piety, and People: The Politics of Holy Cities in the Twenty-First Century | publisher =Columbia University Press}}

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