Ram Mandir: A Year-by-Year Complete History of the Grand Temple of Ayodhya
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is one of the most significant and emotional religious landmarks in India. It represents centuries of devotion, cultural identity, historical struggles, archaeological research, legal decisions, and ultimately, the unifying spirit of millions of people. The inauguration of the Ram Mandir on 22 January 2024 is not just the completion of a temple but the culmination of a journey that spans thousands of years. This article presents a detailed, year-by-year overview of how the Ram Mandir was finally completed and how the dream turned into reality.
Ancient History (Treta Yuga to 1500 CE)
According to Hindu scriptures, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. The original Ram Mandir is believed to have existed during the Treta Yuga. Over centuries, Ayodhya continued to be a spiritual center where devotees celebrated Ram’s legacy. By the medieval period, multiple texts and travelers’ records described a temple at Ram Janmabhoomi.
1528: Babri Structure Built
In 1528, during the Mughal era, Mir Baqi, a general of Emperor Babur, built a mosque at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Many sources claim it was constructed after demolishing the existing temple. This became the root of a long-standing dispute between communities.
1853–1949: Early Conflicts and Legal Records
1853: The first recorded clashes over the site occurred.
1859: The British administration built a fence to separate Hindu and Muslim worship areas.
1885: Mahant Raghubir Das filed a court case requesting permission to build a temple. The plea was dismissed, but the site’s religious importance was acknowledged.
1949: Idols of Ram Lalla Appear
On the night of 22–23 December 1949, idols of Ram Lalla appeared inside the structure. The government locked the area and declared it disputed, but allowed Hindus to worship outside.
1986–1992: Momentum for Temple Construction
1986: A court ordered the unlocking of the premises for Hindu worship.
1989: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) laid the Shilanyas for a new temple.
6 December 1992: The Babri structure was demolished, leading to nationwide tension. The central government took control of the site.
2003–2010: Archaeological Findings and Court Verdicts
2003: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted excavations and reported evidence of a massive pre-existing Hindu temple structure beneath the disputed land.
2010: The Allahabad High Court divided the land into three parts but the matter moved to the Supreme Court.
2019: Landmark Supreme Court Judgment
On 9 November 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a historic verdict:
- The entire 2.77 acres was given for the construction of Ram Mandir.
- A separate 5-acre land was allotted to Muslims for building a mosque.
- The court accepted the ASI findings confirming the temple’s archaeological presence.
This verdict ended a 500-year dispute and paved the way for construction.
2020: Bhoomi Pujan & Construction Begins
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Ram Mandir took place on 5 August 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with saints and dignitaries, laid the foundation stone.
Key facts:
- Temple design inspired by Nagara architecture.
- Entire structure made of pink sandstone.
- No steel or iron used.
