India / PM Modi becomes first Prime Minister to visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Ayodhya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday (August 5) offer prayers at Hanuman Garhi Mandir in Ayodhya for 10 minutes before proceeding for the ‘bhoomi pujan’ of the Ram Mandir, becoming the prime minister to visit the temple. PM Modi will also be the first prime minister to ever visit the Ram Janmabhoomi.

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

At Hanum Garhi Mandir, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to accompany PM Modi. They will offer his prayers to Lord Hanuman, who is the greatest devotee of Shri Ram. The PM's visit is likely to take place between 11 am and 11.40 am today. 

Significance of Hanuman Garhi temple

At the temple in Hanuman Garhi, Lord Hanuman is seen as a baby seated on Mata Anjani's lap. The shrine is believed to have been built in the 10th century and is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of Lord Hanuman. It takes about 76 steps to reach the main structure that houses the idols of baby Hanuman and his mother. By visiting the temple before heading to the Ram Janmabhoomi, the PM shall follow the age-old tradition of paying obeisance to Lord Hanuman before worshipping his Lord, Shri Ram.

It is believed that this is the place where Lord Hanuman lived after Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya from Lanka along with Mata Sita and his brother Lakshmana. Therefore, the place where Lord Hanuman resided is known as Hanuman Garhi or Hanuman Kot. This complex is spread over 52 bighas and consists of a residential structure as well as the temple.

Ram temple bhoomi pujan

The highly-anticipated ‘bhumi pujan’, to be conducted by priests, will begin at 12:30 pm and the foundation stone will be laid by PM Modi at 12:40 pm. The ceremony will be telecast live on Doordarshan for the millions of devotees of Lord Ram.

Other than the PM, sages, seers, leaders who took an active part in the Ram Mandir movement and political dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityan