PM Modi Chosen By Lord Ram To Renovate The Temple: LK Advani Ahead Of Ayodhya Event

BJP stalwart L K Advani has said in an article to be published in a special edition of the 'Rashtra Dharma' magazine next week that destiny had decided that a grand temple of Lord Ram will be built in Ayodhya and it chose Prime Minister Narendra Modi to renovate his temple.

In his article titled 'Ram Mandir Nirman, Ek Divya Swapna Ki Purti,' Advani reflected on the 'Rath Yatra' he led 33 years ago for the construction of the Ram temple. He expressed that the Ayodhya movement was the "most decisive and transformative event" in his political journey, enabling him to "re-discover India and, in the process, re-understand himself."

The seasoned BJP leader, a key figure in the Ram temple movement, expressed a sense of longing for former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, especially as the significant consecration event at the Ayodhya Ram temple approaches.

"Today the Rath Yatra completed 33 years. When we started the Rath Yatra on the morning of September 25, 1990, we did not know that the faith in Lord Ram with which we were starting this Yatra would take the form of a movement in the country," PTI quoted a source as saying in his article.

In an upcoming article set to be featured in a special edition of the 76-year-old Hindi magazine 'Rashtra Dharma' on January 16, sources reveal that Advani acknowledges Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unwavering support during the Rath Yatra.

"He was not very famous then. But at that very time Lord Ram had chosen his devotee (Modi) to rebuild his temple," the news agency source quoted the BJP veteran as saying in his article.

"At that time I felt that destiny had decided that one day a grand temple of Shri Ram would definitely be built in Ayodhya," Advani said, adding, "Well, now it's only a matter of time".

The consecration ceremony for the Ram temple in Ayodhya is scheduled for January 22. Invitations have been extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, numerous seers nationwide, and other dignitaries. The occasion, known as "Pran Pratishtha" (consecration), anticipates a gathering of over a lakh devotees in the temple town.

"When Prime Minister Narendra Modi consecrates the (Lord Ram's idol at the) temple, he will represent every citizen of our India. I pray that this temple inspires all Indians to adopt the qualities of Shri Ram," Advani said.

"During the Rath Yatra, there were many experiences which influenced my life. Unknown people from remote villages would come to me overwhelmed with emotion after seeing the chariot. They would do 'pranam', chant Lord Ram's name and leave.

"This was a message that there were many people who dreamt of the Ram temple... With the consecration of the temple on January 22, the suppressed desires of those villagers will also stand fulfilled," he added.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad reports that Advani, aged 96, is expected to participate in the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

"He has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modiji for bringing this moment, building a grand Ram Lala temple and fulfilling his resolution," a source said referring to Advani's article for the magazine.