LUCKNOW: Describing the Ram temple movement as the ‘grand narrative’ that laid the foundation for the spiritual and cultural awakening of future generations, defence minister Rajnath Singh said the Indian Armed Forces acted in line with Lord Ram’s ideals during Operation Sindoor.
Singh was addressing a gathering on Wednesday after hoisting a flag at the Annapurna Temple on Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya.
He participated in the rituals as a ‘mukhya yajman’ (chief patron of the religious rituals) along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath during the second anniversary of the consecration of Ram Temple.
The defence minister said that despite repeated attempts by foreign invaders to erase Sanatan, the saffron flag was now fluttering freely atop the Ram temple, standing as a message of civilisational continuity.
"Lord Ram is humble. Lord Ram is virtuous. Lord Ram is compassionate. But whenever necessary... he assumes the role of vanquishing the wicked with equal ferociousness. During Operation Sindoor, we worked with the same inspiration of Lord Ram," he said.
"Just as Lord Ram's objective to end adharma, our aim was to teach terrorists and their patrons a lesson through restrained, focused and purposeful action," Singh said adding that modern India remained committed to "maryada" (dignity) even in conflict.
He added that Lord Ram was not merely a character or a chapter in a scripture but a living moral force that guided society in moments of moral dilemma, restraint and duty.
He described Ram Janmabhoomi movement as "one of the world's biggest" both in terms of geography and time.
He claimed that history had shown that time delivers justice to all.
“Those who stood with Ram and Dharma continue to serve the nation, while those who obstructed the path of faith have been left behind," said Singh.
Singh described the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla as a moment of deep spiritual fulfilment, saying that witnessing Lord Ram seated in his divine temple felt like the culmination of a lifetime.
Singh said he felt the chosen one to be present on the occasion, adding that after centuries of waiting, Lord Ram was consecrated in his permanent abode two years ago and was now illuminating not only Ayodhya but the entire world with his divine presence.
Calling the present generation fortunate, the defence minister said it was a rare privilege to witness the culmination of a centuries-long struggle.
"For all of us, the greatest satisfaction will be that we saw Lord Ram seated in Ayodhya with our own eyes," he said.
Meanwhile, CM Yogi Adityanath reminded the gathering how the previous government was responsible for bloodshed in Ayodhya and earlier ‘Ram bhakts’ used to face lathis for remembering the Lord Ram and were put behind the bars.
Attending the celebrations in Ayodhya, Yogi said Ayodhya witnessed several ups and downs during the temple movement since independence. He noted that the name “Ayodhya” signifies a land untouched by war, a place the valour, glory, and strength of which always kept the enemies at bay. However, he said that due to selfish motives, religious extremism, and appeasement politics, some forces turned the city into a centre of unrest and conflict.
“We all witnessed the struggle and neglect the city faced in the past. In 2005, under the Samajwadi Party regime, Ayodhya also witnessed a barbaric terror attack. The group left no stone unturned to leave the city battered and wounded. But the brave PAC personnel gunned them down. They did not realise nobody can dare violate Ayodhya city; it is protected by Lord Hanuman,” he said.
Criticising the past governments for their weakness, Yogi pointed out that Ayodhya keeps sending them a message that it would continue to thrive.
“The latest message the city is sending to such individuals is clear — no sanatani in the world can leave the city without being overwhelmed with emotions upon visiting it,” he said, addressing the audience at Angad Tila in the afternoon after the puja rituals.
"It is this same Ayodhya that, under the successful leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past 11 years, has witnessed three significant events that can never be forgotten," he said.
He recalled the milestones beginning with August 5, 2020, when PM Modi performed 'bhoomi pujan' of the Ram temple, ending centuries of humiliation.
It was followed by ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, led by the PM. The third landmark marked the hoisting of the saffron flag atop the temple's main spire on November 25, this year, that too by PM Modi.
Yogi said the flag hoisting sent a strong message to the world that the Sanatan Dharma stood above all and would continue to guide the nation's spiritual consciousness.
Earlier, Pran Pratishthha Dwadashi was celebrated with much fan-fare amid the chanting of vedic mantras and religious on Ram Temple complex, commemorating the second anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla's idol, temple authorities said.