'Bhoomi pujan' HIGHLIGHTS | Ram Mandir is a gift to truth, non-violence, sacrifice, says PM Modi

After the groundbreaking rituals, Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also released a commemorative postage stamp on 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday performed the 'bhoomi pujan' of a Supreme Court-mandated Ram temple in Ayodhya, bringing to fruition the BJP's 'mandir' movement that defined its politics for three decades and took it to the heights of power.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were among those who attended the event at the site where a large number of devout Hindus believe Lord Ram was born.

The guest list, including religious leaders who formed part of the movement that started in the 1980s, was restricted to 175 in view of the COVID-19 crisis.

As a priest chanted Sanskrit 'shlokas' and the ground-breaking ceremony got under way under a giant marquee decorated in shades of reds and yellows, Modi and the other dignitaries, all in masks, maintained social distancing and sat a safe distance away from each other.

Lord Ram ultimate embodiment of supreme values, says Rahul Gandhi

मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम भगवान राम सर्वोत्तम मानवीय गुणों का स्वरूप हैं। वे हमारे मन की गहराइयों में बसी मानवता की मूल भावना हैं।

राम प्रेम हैं
वे कभी घृणा में प्रकट नहीं हो सकते

राम करुणा हैं
वे कभी क्रूरता में प्रकट नहीं हो सकते

राम न्याय हैं
वे कभी अन्याय में प्रकट नहीं हो सकते।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 5, 2020

#RamMandir is a gift to truth, non-violence, sacrifice and just India, says PM #NarendraModi at #RamMandirBhoomiPujan. #RamMandir #RamMandirAyodhya @Namita_TNIE
LIVE: https://t.co/hH7DzoiFR2 pic.twitter.com/ufeUvNESeW

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 5, 2020

Every heart is illuminated. It is an emotional moment for the entire country. A long wait ends today, says PM Narendra Modi. #RamMandir #RamMandirBhoomiPujan #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/k9l0C2zHB5

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 5, 2020

People at a TV showroom in New Delhi watching live coverage of Ayodhya Ram temple foundation stone laying ceremony

With construction of this temple, history is being repeated: PM Modi

Ram temple construction is instrument to unite country. With the construction of the grand Ram Temple, not only history is being made, but is being repeated, says PM #NarendraModi.#RamMandir #RamMandirBhoomiPujan #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/PI0GZ2a6r6

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 5, 2020

Ram Mandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions: PM Modi

#RamMandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions. It'll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of collective resolution of crores of people. It will keep inspiring the future generations: PM Modi in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/ShBEUCFbNw

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

I express gratitude to all citizens of this nation, Indian diaspora: PM Modi

'Jai Siyaram'. This call is resonating not only in the city of Lord Ram but throughout the world today. I express gratitude to all citizens of this nation, Indian diaspora across the world and all the devotees of Lord Ram on today's pious occasion: PM Narendra Modi. #RamMandir pic.twitter.com/Z7WLHdIroE

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Bricks laid as part of Bhoomi Pujan

Bricks laid as part of 'Bhoomi Pujan' for #RamTemple in #Ayodhya.

Soil from more than 2000 pilgrimage sites and water from more than 100 rivers was brought for the rituals. https://t.co/aGj5yugb2K pic.twitter.com/Ca7Yu5pjpm

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

The wishes of devotees will be fulfilled: Ram Mandir Trust President

I have been asked many times when will #RamTemple be constructed. Now, it will be constructed soon. The wishes of devotees will be fulfilled: President of Ram Mandir Trust Nitya Gopal Das at #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/SyiWYcNu9L

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

PM Modi releases commemorative postage stamp

Ayodhya: PM Narendra Modi releases a commemorative postage stamp on the 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir' pic.twitter.com/fM7ACVNjKJ

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

PM Modi unveils plaque of Ram Mandir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils the plaque of #RamMandir in #Ayodhya. President of Ram Mandir Trust Mahant Nitya Gopal Das, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, UP Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat also present with him. pic.twitter.com/BLExodooMz

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

We struggled for 30 years and have attained joy in fulfulling our resolution: RSS chief

We'd taken a resolution. I remember the then RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras telling us that we'll have to struggle for 20-30 yrs, only then will this be fulfilled. We struggled for 30 years & in the 30th year, we've attained the joy of fulfilling our resolution: RSS Chief. #RamMandir pic.twitter.com/tsj6SYkeex

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

So many people had sacrificed, they couldn't be here physically: Mohan Bhagwat

So many people had sacrificed, they couldn't be here physically. There are some who couldn't come here, Advani ji must be at his home watching this. There are some who should've come but couldn't be invited because of the situation (COVID-19): Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief. #RamMandir pic.twitter.com/CLIcUhPAFt

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

India has shown how matters can be resolved peacefully and constitutionally: Yogi Adityanath

Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the power of India's democratic values and its judiciary has shown the world that how can matters by resolved peacefully, democratically and constitutionally: UP CM Yogi Adityanath at #RamTemple event in Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/wwQ59JUzvk

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

PM modi greets attendees with sashtang pranam

#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets attendees with a 'sashtang pranam' (prostration) at #RamTemple event.

175 guests were invited for the programme by the Ram Temple trust, including 135 religious leaders. pic.twitter.com/ygysgYafAD

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Little temple kolam at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's place

In many homes, a rangoli/kolam is made afresh each day with rice powder. This, today, in the little temple at my place. #Ayodhya #AyodhyaBhoomipoojan @ShriRamTeerth pic.twitter.com/GsphTU9dGs

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 5, 2020

Bhoomi Pujan concludes, stage event to follow

Ayodhya: #RamTemple 'Bhoomi Pujan' concludes.

Stage event to follow shortly. PM Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel & President of Ram Mandir Trust Nitya Gopal Das will be on stage for the event. #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/cFCUHkN637

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

PM's dandwat pranam at temporary Ram temple

WATCH | Priest performs the groundbreaking ceremony

#WATCH: Priest at #RamTemple 'Bhoomi Pujan' says, "Nine bricks are kept here... these were sent by devotees of Lord Ram from around the world in 1989. There are 2 lakh 75 thousand such bricks out of which 100 bricks with 'Jai Shri Ram' engraving have been taken."#Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/Qk5VWNsPV3

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Bhoomi Pujan ceremony underway

#RamMandirBhoomiPujan ceremony is underway in #Ayodhya. @Namita_TNIE #RamMandir #RamMandirAyodhya pic.twitter.com/xvXsR2Imvf

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 5, 2020

PM Modi, RSS chief, UP Governor and CM perform bhoomi pujan

PM Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the #RamMandirBhoomiPujan ceremony. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel are also present at the venue. @Namita_TNIE #RamMandir #RamMandirAyodhya
LIVE: https://t.co/EvhdGMm0JI pic.twitter.com/o6pSIxKjtr

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 5, 2020

PM Modi takes part in Ram Temple 'Bhoomi Pujan'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes part in Ram Temple 'Bhoomi Pujan' at Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/Qal0jH3Edy

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

PM Modi plants sapling of Paarijaat at Bhoomi Pujan venue

Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi plants a Parijat sapling, considered a divine plant, ahead of foundation stone-laying of #RamTemple in #Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/fWVihWMYYE

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

View of the Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan venue

A view of the #RamMandirBhoomiPujan venue where PM Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone shortly.@Namita_TNIE #RamMandir #RamMandirAyodhya pic.twitter.com/GyP51JrP5O

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 5, 2020

PM Modi offers Puja at the temporary temple of Lord Ram

#AyodhyaBhoomipoojan PM Modi performing Puja of Lord Ram at bhoomi pujan venue @TheMornStandard @NewIndianXpress @PrabhuChawla @myogiadityanath pic.twitter.com/aZIjCgs6uf

— Namita_TNIE (@Namita_TNIE) August 5, 2020

PM Modi presented with headgear, silver mukul and stole

#Ayodhya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented with a headgear, silver 'mukut' and stole by Sri Gaddinsheen Premdas Maharaj, head priest of 10th-century Hanuman Garhi Temple. https://t.co/3kYihPoJOg pic.twitter.com/ZqamphD0LY

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

WATCH | PM Modi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi temple

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi Temple in #Ayodhya ahead of ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ of #RamTemple pic.twitter.com/yq2XsUlGKo

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

WATCH LIVE | PM Modi in Ayodhya for stone laying ceremony

#WATCH live: PM Narendra Modi in Ayodhya for #RamTemple foundation stone laying ceremony. https://t.co/yo5LpodbSz

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Social distancing at display as PM Modi is welcomed at Ayodhya

The PM's chopper has landed at Ayodhya and mask-clad Modi was welcomed by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and other leaders following the social distancing protocols.

PM modi arrives in Ayodhya for foundation stone laying ceremony

PM Narendra Modi arrives in #Ayodhya to lay the foundation stone for #RamTemple pic.twitter.com/ZUQkUMeQ06

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

WATCH | Emotional Ayodhya gets ready for a new beginning

Ram Rajya is in the Constitution, Ambedkar one of the best Ram Bhakts: Subramanian Swamy

As the foundation stone for the Ram Mandir is laid, the question of what a Ram Rajya will imply for the country has constantly been raised. According to BJP MP and Economist Dr Subramanian Swamy, it implies the "implementation of the Indian Constitution, in a nutshell." (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the Bhoomi Pujan site

Ayodhya: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat at the Ram Janambhoomi site for 'Bhoomi Poojan'#RamMandir pic.twitter.com/2r0NUwj66J

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Invitees at the Ram Janmabhoomi site

Uttar Pradesh: Yog Guru Ramdev, Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Chidanand Maharaj among other invitees at the Ram Janambhoomi site in #Ayodhya.#RamTemple pic.twitter.com/ImwPTeU7aL

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Odisha's kar sevak Sangram took bullets, lived to see Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

“I was confident that the temple of Shri Ram would be constructed some day. But, to see your dream come true, to experience the feeling of fulfilment - it is overwhelming”, said Sangram Keshari Mohapatra. He is one of the two kar sevaks from Odisha, who sustained bullet injuries during the Ram Mandir movement in Ayodhya on November 2, 1990. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

PM Modi leaves for Ayodhya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for #Ayodhya to take part in #RamTemple event.

(Photo source: PMO) pic.twitter.com/VU9uGmzdJB

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

PM's visit to Ayodhya is a proud moment: Hanuman Garhi head priest Premdas ji Maharaj

PM's visit to Ayodhya is a proud moment. We'll honour him with a headgear, a silver crown & a stole with name of Lord Ram printed. We also hope that he rings the 3.5 quintal bell and proceed towards Ram Janmabhoomi: Sri Gaddinsheen Premdas ji Maharaj, head priest of Hanuman Garhi pic.twitter.com/JG1TxsoFlg

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Indian community celebrates 'bhoomi pujan' day in US

USA: Members of the Indian community gathered outside the Capitol Hill in Washington DC to celebrate the foundation laying ceremony of #RamTemple in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/NofEWuM3E5

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Lord Ram decked up for historic foundation stone laying ceremony

With Ayodhya ready for Bhoomi Pujan, Lord Ram is decked up in green, gem & stones studded attire for historic day. PM will lay first brick in foundation for temple of Maryada Purushottam in a couple of hrs @TheMornStandard @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/CJAduOD1V6

— Namita_TNIE (@Namita_TNIE) August 5, 2020

Among those who hailed the moment were spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi. Her message:

"This moment doesn’t mark the victory of one group or the defeat of other. Rather, it marks the victory of mutual love, patience and broad-mindedness," says spiritual guru @Amritanandamayi, about #RamMandir, ahead of Bhoomi Pujan in #Ayodhya. @xpresskerala @MSKiranPrakash pic.twitter.com/NCtvU64IiB

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 4, 2020

Groundbreaking ceremony for Ram temple may lead to re-orientation of political discourse

If the end of one of the lengthiest legal battles over the title suit involving 2.77 acre disputed land in Ayodhya with the Supreme Court ruling on November 9, 2020, marks the climax of one chapter of political narrative woven around Ram temple, another is set to start with PM Narendra Modi laying the first brick for the foundation of the temple of Lord Ram at his birthplace on Wednesday. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Security and COVID-19 protocol to be followed at Hanuman Garhi temple

Uttar Pradesh: Security and #COVID19 protocol to be followed at #Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi temple.

Prime Minister Modi will offer prayers at the temple, ahead of foundation laying ceremony of #RamTemple. pic.twitter.com/ktoIwoONLw

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

Bhoomi Pujan ceremony: Here are the design specifications of Ram Temple in Ayodhya

A series of images showed a grand three-storey stone structure on a raised platform with multiple turrets, pillars and domes. The proposed temple will be 161 ft tall instead of 141ft of the original model and almost double the size of it, according to its architect. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

With construction of Ram Temple, Ram Rajya will be established in India: Baba Ramdev

Today is a historic day. This day will be remembered for long. I am confident that with construction of Ram Temple, 'Ram Rajya' will be established in India: Yog Guru Ramdev at Hanuman Garhi temple in #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/ftYeZ0s5LY

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 5, 2020

Ayodhya decorated for foundation stone laying ceremony

Ayodhya decorated ahead of the foundation stone laying ceremony of #RamMandir today; visuals from Saryu Ghat. pic.twitter.com/S3LPcXVkWF

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 5, 2020

PM's full itinerary for Bhoomi Pujan ceremony

The PM will arrive in state capital Lucknow on Wednesday at 10:35 am and will fly to Ayodhya on a helicopter. He will land at the helipad at Ayodhya’s Saket Degree College premises at around 11:30 am.

At around 11:40 am, the PM will reach Hanumangarhi, where he will have 'Darshan' of Lord Ram and will be engaged in rituals for 10 minutes.

By around 12 pm, he will reach the Ram Janambhoomi premises, which will be followed by 'Darshan' and puja of 'Ram Lalla'.

At around 12:15 pm, the Prime Minister will plant a 'Parijat' sapling at the site of 'Ram Janambhoomi'.

The main rituals of 'Hawan' and 'Puja' are expected to start in the presence of PM Modi at around 12:30 pm and after a gap of 10 minutes at around 12:40 pm, he is expected to finally lay the foundation stone for the construction of Ram Temple.

At around 01:10 pm the Prime Minister may meet the trust members.

He will leave Ayodhya at 2:04 pm.