consecration of the Ram Mandir
{{Short description|Hindu Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya}}
{{Expand Kannada|date=January 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox event
| title = Rāma Maṁdira Prāṇa Pratiṣṭhā
| image = Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| alt = Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on 22 January 2024
| caption = Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple
| time = 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM IST
| duration = 30 minutes
| date = 22 January 2024
| venue = Ram Janmbhoomi
| location = Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
| type = *Religious
- Consecration
| organisers = Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra
| filmed_by = Doordarshan
| participants = {{bulleted list|Narendra Modi
({{small|Prime Minister of India}})
|Yogi Adityanath
({{small|Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh}})
|Mohan Bhagwat
({{small|Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh}})|Anandiben Patel
{{small|(Governor of Uttar Pradesh)}}}}
}}
The Prana pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Ram Mandir (ISO: Rāma Maṁdira Prāṇa Pratiṣṭhā) was held on 22 January 2024, in a traditional sacred ceremony, wherein priests recited mantras invoking the God Rama.{{Cite web|last=Livemint|date=2024-01-20|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Date, aarti timings, darshan, and other details here|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-date-aarti-timings-darshan-and-other-details-here-11705713816603.html|access-date=2024-01-24|website=mint|language=en}} The prana pratishtha ceremony, that is considered to bring a presence of divinity, is an essential ritual before the inauguration of a Hindu temple.{{Cite book |last1=Waghorne |first1=Joanne Punzo |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OsRRxFvu7XoC |title=Gods of Flesh, Gods of Stone: The Embodiment of Divinity in India |last2=Cutler |first2=Norman |last3=Narayanan |first3=Vasudha |date=1996 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-10777-8 |pages=43–45 |language=en}} The ceremony involved the pran pratishtha of the primary temple deity, Ram Lalla (childhood form of Rama), also known as Balak Ram, and subsequent opening of the temple for visitors.{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-lalla-idol-sculptor-arun-yogirajs-first-reaction-after-reaching-ayodhya-for-pran-prathistha-ceremony-101705902603643.html |title=Ram Lalla idol sculptor Arun Yogiraj's first reaction after reaching Ayodhya | newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=22 January 2024 |access-date= 25 May 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ram-lalla-idol-ram-mandir-arun-yogiraj-ayodhya-2493046-2024-01-24 |title=Ram Lalla gave me the order, I just followed it' Arun Yogiraj on making the idol |newspaper=India Today |date=25 January 2024 |access-date= 25 May 2024}}File:PM Modi during Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir consecration ceremony on 22 January 2024.jpg Narendra Modi during the consecration ceremony at Ram Mandir, Ayodhya on 22 January 2024]]
The temple stands in the city of Ayodhya, which has also been a disputed site of the 16th-century Babri mosque which was destroyed in 1992.{{cite web|last1=Travelli|first1=Alex|last2=Kumar|first2=Hari|title=Why India's New Ram Temple Is So Important|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/world/asia/india-ram-temple-ayodhya.html |website=The New York Times|access-date=22 January 2024|date=22 January 2024}}{{Cite web|last=Mogul|first=Rhea|date=2024-01-20|title=A decades long Hindu nationalist dream is about to be achieved. What does this mean?|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/19/india/india-modi-ayodhya-ram-mandir-explainer-hnk-intl/index.html|access-date=2024-01-20|website=CNN|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Livemint|date=2024-01-20|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Date, aarti timings, darshan, and other details here|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-date-aarti-timings-darshan-and-other-details-here-11705713816603.html|access-date=2024-01-20|website=mint|language=en}} The event was organized by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.{{Cite web|date=2024-01-20|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=2024-01-20|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}
Background and preparations
{{See also|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=June 22, 2023}}{{cite news|last1=Pandey|first1=Kirti|title=Ayodhya's Ram Mandir consecration ceremony likely on January 22 next year, PM Modi to attend ceremony|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-ground-floor-to-be-ready-by-december-ram-temple-trust-chief-nripendra-mishra-article-103965075|access-date=22 January 2024|publisher=Times now|date=September 26, 2023}} The Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust announced that Hindu astrologers, according to Hindu Panchang, have 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=2024-01-22|website=WION|language=en}} In October 2023, the committee members formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do 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=October 26, 2023}}
The trust along with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and city administration carried out extensive preparations to accommodate the large crowds of devotees and the influx of invited guests from all over the world.{{Cite web|date=2024-01-20|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=2024-01-23|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2024-01-17|title=Modi's promised Ram temple is set to open and resonate with Hindus ahead of India's election|url=https://apnews.com/article/india-temple-hinduism-modi-ayodhya-ram-mandir-64e2c1fe6eefdd1c11a1df5905c37698|access-date=2024-01-23|website=AP News|language=en}} The Government of Uttar Pradesh announced public holiday in the state and applied strict security measures in and around the temple premises.{{Cite news|date=2024-01-20|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?from=mdr|access-date=2024-01-20|work=The Times of India|issn=0971-8257}} The security in Ayodhya was increased due to the movement of VIPs.{{Cite news|last=ANI|date=2023-12-16|title=Security arrangements increased in Ayodhya ahead of 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Mandir|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/security-arrangements-increased-in-ayodhya-ahead-of-pran-pratishtha-of-ram-mandir/article67644403.ece|access-date=2024-01-20|work=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web|title=Morning brief: Security beefs up ahead of Ram Temple event, Pak-Iran tensions, and more|url=https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-brief-security-beefs-up-ahead-of-ram-temple-event-pak-iran-tensions-and-more-681747|access-date=2024-01-20|website=WION|language=en-us}} The Government of India along with some state governments declared a half day holiday marking the event for its employees.{{Cite news|date=2024-01-20|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=2024-01-20|work=The Times of India|issn=0971-8257}}
= Ramotsav =
In preparation for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the Government of Uttar Pradesh earmarked ₹100 crore (US$13 million) for 'Ramotsav', a series of religious events spanning 826 local bodies across Uttar Pradesh and the Ram Paduka Yatra.{{Cite news|title=Ramotsav 2024: U.P. govt to hold contests to instill Lord Ram ideals in school children|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/ramotsav-2024-u-p-govt-to-hold-contests-to-instill-lord-ram-ideals-in-schoolchildren-101701963657986.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|date=7 December 2023}} Commencing in December 2023, the events culminated in grand celebrations from Makar Sankranti on 16 January 2024, until the inauguration of the Ram temple on 22 January.{{Cite news|title=Ramotsav 2024: Uttar Pradesh govt to run electric bus in Ayodhya|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ramotsav-2024-uttar-pradesh-govt-to-run-electric-buses-in-ayodhya-11704768507097.html|website=Mint|language=en|date=9 January 2024}} The yatra will follow the Ram Van Gaman Path, retracing Rama's 14-year exile from Ayodhya.{{Cite news|title=Ramotsav 2024: UP govt to run electric buses on Ram Path, Dharma Path for tourists and pilgrims in Ayodhya|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/ramotsav-2024-uttar-pradesh-government-to-run-electric-buses-on-ram-path-dharma-path-for-tourists-and-pilgrims-in-ayodhya-ram-temple-consecration-2024-01-09-910898|website=India TV|language=en|date=9 January 2024}}
= Public holiday on the day =
File:Ram Mandir inauguration celebration Greater Noida.jpg]] The Government of India declared a half day holiday for this event for its employees. Several states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Maharashtra, Assam, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Jharkhand, and Gujarat also declared a public holiday for prana pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir on 22 January.{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=2024-01-19 |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: These states declared a holiday or half day on January 22 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ram-mandir-inauguration-these-states-declared-a-holiday-or-half-day-on-january-22-check-full-list-here-11705625653912.html |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=mint |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Kulkarni |first=Sneha |date=2024-01-22 |title=Ram Mandir Inauguration Holiday: list of states which have declared Jan 22 as holiday; are banks closed? |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/ram-mandir-inauguration-holiday-list-of-states-which-have-declared-jan-22-as-holiday/articleshow/106957760.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-02-03 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}
File:Prime Minister Modi at Pran Pratishtha.jpg Narendra Modi during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, on 22 January 2024]]
File:Uday Umesh Lalit & Sunil Bharti Mittal at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024.jpg and Sunil Bharti Mittal at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya]]
File:Ayodhya Ram Lalla Virajman Sarkar.jpg installed at the sanctum of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya during Pran Pratishtha]]
File:PM at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya.jpg participating in rituals during Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Temple]]
Consecration
=The Idol=
{{See Also|Balak Ram}}
File:PM at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024 20240122150990 (cropped).jpg after consecration ]]
Out of the three idols prepared, the one prepared by sculptor Arun Yogiraj was selected to be placed in the sacred sanctum sanctorum.{{cite web |title='Dream, Luckiest Person': Ram Lalla Sculptor Arun Yogiraj after 'Pran Pratishtha' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/arun-yogiraj-ram-lalla-idol-sculptor-luckiest-person-earth-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-ayodhya-2492006-2024-01-22 |access-date=2024-01-22 |website=India Today }} After consecration, the deity shall be referred as Balak Ram.
=Consecration ceremony=
The consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir was completed by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on 22 January 2024 from 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM IST.{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Mahima|date=2024-01-22|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=2024-01-22|website=The Times of India}}{{cite web|last1=Mashal|first1=Mujib|last2=Kumar|first2=Hari|last3=Loke|first3=Atul|title=Modi Opens a Giant Temple, a Triumph Toward a Hindu-First India|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/world/asia/modi-india-ram-temple.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=22 January 2024|date=22 January 2024}}
The trust invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to perform the rituals.{{Cite news|date=2024-01-18|title=PM Narendra Modi to follow 'sattvic diet', sleep on the floor, before consecration of Ram Mandir|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/pm-narendra-modi-to-follow-sattvic-diet-sleep-on-the-floor-before-consecration-of-ram-mandir/articleshow/106966726.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2024-01-20|work=The Economic Times|issn=0013-0389}} Modi was on a 11-day fast ritual for the consecration at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. During this ritual, he consumed coconut water and fruits and slept 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}}{{Cite web|title=Sleeping on floor, drinking only coconut water: PM Modi's 'Anushthaan' for Pran Pratishtha explained|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/sleeping-on-floor-drinking-only-coconut-water-pm-modis-anushthaan-for-pran-pratishtha-explained/videoshow/106990919.cms|access-date=2024-01-20|website=The Times of India|language=en}}
Prime Minister Modi urged every Indian to light up diyas to mark the occasion and celebrate it like Diwali.{{Cite web|date=2023-12-30|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=2024-01-20|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}
=Attendees=
The ceremony saw attendance of people from all fields including actors, politicians, bureaucrats, businesspeople, spiritual leaders, athletes, etc.{{Cite web|date=2024-01-20|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir LIVE Updates: Priests perform consecration rituals at temple on Day 5|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-live-updates-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-inauguration-consecration-rituals-pm-narendra-modi-latest-news-912758|access-date=2024-01-20|website=India TV|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2024-01-19|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir Guest List: Ambanis, Bachchan And More|url=https://news.abplive.com/lifestyle/ayodhya-ram-mandir-guest-list-ambanis-bachchan-1657870|access-date=2024-01-20|website=ABP Live|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Ram Mandir Consecration Live|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-consecration-live-updates-devotees-get-1st-picture-of-ram-lalla-placed-inside-temples-sanctum-sanctorum-681362|access-date=2024-01-20|website=WION|language=en-us}} The Ramayan TV series actors Arun Govil, Dipika Chikhlia and Sunil Lahri also participated in the event.{{Cite web|date=2024-01-17|title=Ramayan stars Arun Govil, Sunil Lahiri, Deepika Chikhalia to attend Ayodhya Ram temple inauguration|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tv/arun-govil-sunil-lahiri-deepika-chikhalia-to-attend-ayodhya-ram-temple-inauguration-101705454185678.html|access-date=2024-01-20|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}
Address of dignitaries
The gathering of the invitees was addressed by Chief Minister Adityanath, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Modi.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{{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?from=mdr|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}}{{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}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-lalla-will-not-stay-in-a-tent-now-pm-modis-speech-in-ayodhya-top-quotes-101705913344587.html|title='Ram Lalla will not stay in a tent now': PM Modi's speech in Ayodhya | Top quotes|date=22 January 2024|website=Hindustan Times}}File:Prime Minister Modi at Pran Pratishtha.jpg
Beyond the religious significance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the temple's role in shaping a new India, one based on social harmony, economic prosperity, and scientific progress. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from Ram's ideals to build a strong and vibrant nation.
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.com}}{{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}}
RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat spoke of the Ram Mandir as a symbol of national pride, marking the revival of India's cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of preserving ancient traditions and values in a rapidly modernizing 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|via=www.thehindu.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-temple-event-mohan-bhagwat-ayodhya-9122109/|title=Ram Rajya coming, end disputes, take everyone along: RSS chief Bhagwat|date=22 January 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/rss-mohan-bhagwat-at-ayodhya-ram-rajya-is-coming-shun-all-disputes-and-stay-united-414560-2024-01-23|title=RSS' Mohan Bhagwat At Ayodhya, "Ram Rajya Is Coming, Shun All Disputes And Stay United"|date=23 January 2024|website=Business Today}}
Media coverage
= Coverage by international media =
International coverage of the event emphasised it as a public spectacle commemorating the victory of Modi's Hindu nationalism over secularism & Gandhi's composite nationalism. In sharp contrast to national media, international news outlets covered the event in a negative manner, heavily overemphasising the fact that the temple was built over a mosque that was "illegally demolished". India's Muslim population was emphatically portrayed as victims & Hindus were vilified as aggressors, dismissing the complex Hindu-Muslim interactions, history of persecution of Hindus under Islamic rule, the history of Muslims converting non-Muslim places of worship into mosques, religious violence in the region, the polarising nature of the dispute surrounding the site & the court litigation over it. The BBC, often criticised for promoting anti-Indian sentiments alongside pro-Muslim{{Cite web |last=Editor |first=Dominic Kennedy, Investigations |date=2019-10-03 |title=Sikh peer leaves BBC Radio 4 show with swipe at ‘thought police’ |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/sikh-peer-leaves-bbc-radio-4-show-with-swipe-at-thought-police-m3vcjg77w |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=www.thetimes.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2008-09-07 |title=Sikhs and Hindus accuse BBC of pro-Muslim bias |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/sikhs-and-hindus-accuse-bbc-of-promuslim-bias-922482.html |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=The Independent |language=en}} & pro-Pakistani stance,{{Cite web |last=vipin.vijayan |title=BBC slammed for doing propaganda work for Pakistan during interview with scholar Christine Fair |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/bbc-slammed-for-doing-propaganda-work-for-pakistan-during-interview-with-scholar-christine-fair-vpn-qyzzxq |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Asianet Newsable |language=en}} portrayed the events exclusively through the eyes of the Muslim residents of Ayodhya, for which it was slammed by Conservative MP Bob Blackman.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-04 |title=British MP Bob Blackburn calls out BBC's 'biased' coverage of Ayodhya Ram Mandir |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bbc-slammed-for-biased-coverage-of-ram-mandir-ayodya-consecration-ceremony-bob-blackman-2497361-2024-02-04 |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=India Today |language=en}} Qatar based news agency Al Jazeera described it as 'one of modern India's darkest chapters'. The Chinese Xinhua News Agency took a neutral stance over the issue.{{Cite web |last=Team |first=N. L. |date=2024-01-23 |title=Modi’s ‘political triumph’, ‘old wounds’: Foreign media on Ayodhya inauguration |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2024/01/23/modis-political-triumph-old-wounds-foreign-media-on-ayodhya-inauguration |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=Newslaundry |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Livemint |date=2024-01-22 |title=Ram Mandir Consecration: How international media covered Ayodha event {{!}} Today News |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/ram-mandir-consecration-how-international-media-covered-ayodhas-event-11705932700726.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241106015857/https://www.livemint.com/news/world/ram-mandir-consecration-how-international-media-covered-ayodhas-event-11705932700726.html |archive-date=2024-11-06 |access-date=2025-02-03 |work=mint |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Quint |first=The |date=2024-01-22 |title=A Look At How International Media Covered Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony |url=https://www.thequint.com/photos/a-look-at-how-international-media-covered-ram-mandir-consecration-ceremony#9 |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Adnal |first=Madhuri |date=2024-01-22 |title=How World Media Reported PM Modi's Role In Ayodhya Ram Temple Ceremony? |url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/how-world-media-reported-pm-modis-role-in-ayodhya-ram-temple-ceremony-3732483.html |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=www.oneindia.com |language=en}} The Vishwa Hindu Parishad characterised the coverage of the event by Western outlets (from whom other global outlets picked up directly) as "misleading", "biased" & "irresponsible journalism".{{Cite web |last=PTI |title=Western media's coverage of Ram Mandir biased, says VHP in US, Canada and Australia |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/world/western-media-s-coverage-of-ram-mandir-biased-says-vhp-in-us-canada-and-australia-1658873/amp |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=ABP Live |language=en}} The Diplomat compared the event with that of the mass outpouring of Catholics to witness the 1917 miracle of the Lady of Fatima & the possible scale of celebration in the entire Eastern Orthodox Church in case of a hypothetical restoration of the Hagia Sophia as a church under the Greek Patriarchate of Constantinople, which (according to the commentator) is "difficult for the Western secular mind to comprehend".{{Cite web |title=What the Ram Mandir’s Consecration Means for India |url=https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/what-the-ram-mandirs-consecration-means-for-hindus/ |access-date=2025-02-03 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}} The fact that the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram mandir was held (on 5th August 2020) a few days after the Hagia Sophia was reconverted back into a mosque (on 24th July 2020) saw global media draw comparisons between India under Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party & Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party.{{Cite web |last=Kamat |first=Dnyanesh |date=2020-07-22 |title=Turkey, India both face an end to secularism |url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/07/turkey-india-both-face-an-end-to-secularism/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=Asia Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=EurAsian Times |date=2020-08-05 |title=Ram Temple vs Hagia Sophia: Why Islamic Nations Condemned Ram Mandir But Hailed Hagia Sophia Verdict? |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/ram-temple-vs-hagia-sophia-why-some-nations-condemned-ram-mandir-but-hailed-hagia-sophia/?amp |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=EURASIAN TIMES |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Serhan |first=Yasmeen |date=2020-08-13 |title=The End of the Secular Republic |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/08/modi-erdogan-religious-nationalism/615052/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}
See also
{{Portal|Hinduism|India|Religion}}