India’s Modi Opens Controversial Hindu Temple in Ayodhya

India’s Modi Opens Controversial Hindu Temple in Ayodhya

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday opened a controversial Hindu temple built on the ruins of a historic mosque in the northern city of Ayodhya, delivering on a crucial Hindu nationalist pledge that his governing party hopes will catapult him to a record third successive term in upcoming elections. The temple, which is still … Read more

The Politicization of the Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony

The Politicization of the Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony

With the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir set to take place on January 22, much has been made about who will be attending the ceremony and who will not.  The responsibility for handing out the invitations to the ceremony is being handled by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The trust was set … Read more

Ram Temple Stirs Religious Fervor as India Readies for Election Fever

Ram Temple Stirs Religious Fervor as India Readies for Election Fever

Sudesh Jaiswal was 36 years old when he, among thousands of people in the shape of a mob, participated in razing the Babri Masjid to the ground on December 6, 1992. The 16th-century mosque stood in the heart of Ayodhya, at the site of the Ramjanmabhoomi, where many Hindus believe that their deity Ram was … Read more

What the Ram Mandir’s Consecration Means for India

What the Ram Mandir’s Consecration Means for India

On January 22, 2024, one of modern India’s most important stories will reach its culmination: the Ram Mandir will be consecrated. The Ram Mandir, a temple being built on the spot in the city of Ayodhya believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu deity Ram — also transcribed as Rama — is pivotal to … Read more