‘RAM TEMPLE ‘BHOOMI PUJAN’ ON APRIL 25 OR MAY 8’

PRAYAGRAJ: Bhoomi Pujan, an initiation ceremony, of Ram temple in Ayodhya is likely to be held on April 25 or May 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present at the function which will mark the beginning of construction of the grand temple, said Kamleshwar Chaupal, member of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.“A panel of ‘Acharyas’ (illustrious or learned persons) who were entrusted with the task to suggest an auspicious date have suggested April 25 and May 8 as two options for organising ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ ceremony of the temple,” said Chaupal.

“The final date of the ceremony will be decided in the next meeting of the trust scheduled to be held on April 4 in Ayodhya. As soon as date of the ceremony is decided, a formal invitation would be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting his presence during the ceremony marking commencement of construction of Ram temple after a struggle of nearly three decades since the structure was demolished on December 6, 1992,” he said.As per Chaupal, during the recent meeting of office-bearers of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust led by its president Mahant Nritya Gopal Dasji with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20 at latter’s residence, the trust members had requested the PM to visit Ayodhya.

“The PM during the meeting had assured the trust members that whenever they would invite him, he would be present there. There is no better occasion to invite the PM in Ayodhya than the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony,” he said.

Referring to the construction of a Karsewak Memorial inside the premises of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the trust member said if a demand in this context was placed a suitable decision would be taken on it.

According to national spokesperson of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Vinod Bansal, Parishad leaders have demanded construction of a memorial for Kar Sewaks on Ram temple premises.

“It would be a real tribute to Ram Bhakts who sacrificed their lives in the Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan in 1992,” the VHP leaders said.