Indian expats celebrate grand inauguration of Ram Mandir
INDIAN expats in the Philippines celebrated the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, also known as the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) Philippines, a non-profit organization representing the Indian diaspora in the Philippines, headed the celebration through a series of events.
The Ram Mandir holds immense historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hinduism. The site, which was a subject of dispute for decades, saw the culmination of a prolonged legal and socio-political journey with the Supreme Court of India ruling in favor of the construction of a Hindu temple.
The groundbreaking ceremony in August 2020 marked the official commencement of the construction, and the grand inauguration took place on August 5, 2020, in Ayodhya. The mandir stands as a symbol of cultural and religious harmony, representing a historic moment for the Hindu community worldwide.
“It’s an achievement that the whole world is celebrating,” Johnny Chotrani, chairman of Philippines-India Business Council, on behalf of OFBJP Philippines Convenor Rameash TK, told The Manila Times in an interview.
“Originally it was a temple, then a mosque was created but then it was abandoned and then it was taken over because there was a dispute. Finally, the case was won. That was the birthplace of Lord Ram, so it’s a very historic place. The best part of it was the political will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get it back. That’s why it’s under the banner of BJP,” he added.
In solidarity with the momentous occasion, OFBJP Philippines organized a series of events to celebrate the “glory of Lord Ram” in the Philippines.
On January 22, the group held a live streaming event at SM Megamall Cinema in Mandaluyong City to witness the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir, bringing together devotees and well-wishers.
Around 300 Indian expats and supporters of BJP attended the event with the participation of Ambassador of India to Philippines Shambhu S Kumaran.
Apart from that, a ceremonial diya (lamp) lighting and Ram Tilak event was also held during the live streaming event to symbolize “the spreading of light and auspiciousness.”
Meanwhile, last January 20, a vibrant bike rally was organized to commemorate the grand occasion and raise awareness about the cultural significance of the Ram Mandir. The shobha yatra (procession) started off at the University of Perpetual Help System Delta Las Piñas and traversed the city until late evening. This unifying event gathered over 150 OFBJP supporters, students and Ram Bhakts (devotees).
On the other hand, last January 16, a spiritual gathering at the Hindu Temple in Pasig, featured the recitation of Ram Charitra Manas, a sacred text narrating the life and teachings of Lord Rama.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a grand temple built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, characterized by its towering spires or shikharas. The temple is built using pink sandstone and is spread across an area of 2.77 acres. The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard and has several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. The most striking feature of the temple is the giant Shaligram stone, a black stone believed to represent Lord Ram and brought from the Gandaki river in Nepal.
For the Indians, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is not just a temple, but a symbol of faith, unity, and cultural heritage. The construction of the temple is a landmark event in the history of India, signifying the triumph of truth, justice, and righteousness. The temple is a testimony to the enduring spirit of the Hindu community and their unwavering devotion to Lord Ram.