Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration on Monday of a grand temple to the Hindu god Lord Ram on a site believed to be his birthplace, in a historic event for the Hindu majority of the world’s most populous nation.
Portrayed as a Hindu awakening from centuries of subjugation by Muslim and colonial powers, the event is also being seen as a crucial element in the prelude to Modi’s campaign for a rare third term in general elections due by May.
“The supernatural moment of the consecration … is going to leave everyone emotional,” Modi posted on social network X minutes before the ceremony began. “It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme.”
He chanted Hindu religious verses before placing flower petals at the feet of the deity and clasped his palms in prayer, then bowed before it and circled a sacred flame, while outside, a military helicopter showered petals on the temple.
Traditional clarinets played devotional music during the rituals for the 51-inch (130-cm) tall, black stone deity that represents the god-king while politicians, businessmen, sports and media stars watched along with millions nationwide.
Thousands clad in saffron danced in the streets, waving saffron flags as they chanted religious slogans.
“This is a very proud moment for all Hindus,” said Mewaram Prajapati, who came from Modi’s western home state of Gujarat.
“Our lord suffered a lot. He stayed in tents, braving heat, cold and rains,” he added, referring to earlier structures at the site. “Now our god will finally settle in his palace.”
The temple delivers on a key 35-year-old promise by Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but it has been a contentious political issue that helped catapult the party to prominence and power.
