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Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
PM didn't want the Ram temple to become temple of the north…(his message was) develop Ayodhya so that it has cosmopolitan features: Nripendra Misra
Since he was picked as the officer-architect-in-chief of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, Nripendra Misra has made 120 trips to the town for work. In an interview with The Indian Express two days after the consecration of the statue of Ram as the king of Ayodhya, Misra, who served as the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his entire first term, reflects on his learnings in the past five years. Excerpts: Since you were appointed the chairman of the Ram temple's Construction Committee in February 2020, Ayodhya must have dominated your calendar? Soon after my appointment, Covid was around the corner, and a national lockdown was ordered. I waited for about three months before starting my journey by car from Delhi to Ayodhya. It takes about nine hours. I arrived here with the two agreements — with L&T and Tata Consulting Engineers. Over the last five years, I have made about 120 trips to Ayodhya. And, each trip is a minimum of three days. I calculated that it is more than 365 days. More than a year of my life has been spent staying in the Circuit House in one room. Fortunately, they never changed that room. My day starts at 9 am and ends in the evening. The seven new temples that have been built now…how do they relate to the Ram temple? The seven new temples belong to Valmiki, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Vashistha, Nishadraj, Ahilya and Shabari. They were some of the key persons involved in Ram's life journey, especially his growing up to be a maryada purushottam. These seven temples encapsulate the message that the Prime Minister is keen to spread — of social cohesion, and a feeling that Ram belongs to everyone. After the consecration or Pran Pratistha in January 2024, what has been the Prime Minister's message to you for the last year or so? Whenever I have met the prime minister, not very frequently, but yes, whenever he is kind enough… at the temple, he wanted to understand the process, engineering. Because of his own experiences in Gujarat, having done the Sardar Patel statue, he was very familiar. When I went for the first time, the controversy was at its peak about what kind of foundation and technology we should adopt because of the soil condition being close to the river and also close to Nepal earthquake features… So, that was the anxiety there. The moment I shared it with him, he expected this and said, 'Yes, yes, that is the most important aspiration of sadhus… the temple should last a thousand years.' The moment I landed here, 'thousand years' was ringing in my ears. So, I explained to him that we did the soil foundation, (which) he was familiar with completely… So, these were the kind of details he was willing to listen to and give his best advice. And, a kind of relationship developed. Once this (temple) got completed, he was very concerned about ensuring people come from all directions of India and abroad – North, South, East, West. He was very worried that this temple should not become a temple of the North. So, every time he inquired about the number of devotees coming, the expected ratio, the proportion of people coming from the South. He felt at one stage that people who come from the South should not only accept it, but they should feel homely (at home). Please develop Ayodhya in a manner that it has cosmopolitan features. His other concern was the youth. He kept on repeating that the youth will ask what Ayodhya is and who Lord Rama is. He wanted them to know the cultural heritage of this country. So, many people say that Prime Minister Modi is the kind of prime minister who has revived the cultural heritage and wealth of this nation. This (the Ram temple in Ayodhya), according to him, was the central point around which we could then weave the other structures. Be it Kedarnath, be it Shiva temple in Madhya Pradesh, be it Ram temple somewhere in Maharashtra or Rameshwaram in South. The cultural revival, not in the conservative sense, but in the sense of an entire thought process. For the temple movement, led by the BJP, Ayodhya was a cause for correcting a historical wrong. Do you think a reconciliation has been achieved? The message I was given by the prime minister was there should be nothing negative about what happened. There are inscriptions in front of the temple in Hindi and English. Nowhere have we used the name that such and such person came and he destroyed the temple. It is mentioned, of course, that the temple got destroyed, then the aandolan and finally culmination in the Supreme Court judgement, and its acceptance at the national level. The PM's message was, please do not discuss negative thoughts. He kept mentioning that if you make that a prominent message, the younger generation would feel small. He did not want the younger generation to suffer from these temporary shocks that Sanatan Dharma faced. The younger generation should know how we have regained and conserved. You have been in the government for long – as a DM, a telecom regulator, and then in the Prime Minister's office. Having seen politics, economy and society from a vantage position, how do you interpret the post-temple mood among those who were part of the movement? Do you see them moving forward or do you see multiple claims still coming for temples to be built in different places? I place this responsibility not so much on the government. It will have to be of various social groups, representatives, elected or not elected – they must recognise. They have limits on correcting issues. We all know that the time which has gone does not come back. We do not keep it in our clutches. Once they realise that the time has gone by and once they realise the dream of the future while living in the present, then the society will be more positive, and will look towards the issues of development. After all, there is another agenda. You and I are worried. There is 7% growth. Will I maintain it? I am going to be the third country in terms of economic power very soon. Why can't I become number 2 or 1? China is always in our memory – that they are far ahead of us. If these are the challenges, we weaken society by disintegration. We should rather strengthen the society to divert this energy to development… Social leaders of my country have a great responsibility. In size, India would probably replace Japan as the fourth-largest economy… From the economic point of view, what should be the focus? …we may have crossed (Japan) but they don't have so many poor, they don't have problems with proper nourishment. They don't have problems with education and health. I may say that I produce maximum milk, but does everyone take milk? The answer is no. So, my target should not be that I am maximum (at these parameters). My target should be, am I giving each individual the gains of my growth? I put health, wellness, hospitals at number 1, education at number 2, and third and most important is empowering the rural women. My agenda will be to achieve these goals. The inclusivity of the Ayodhya project is reflected in what you said. But we also see Sambhal (the row over Jama Masjid there) coming up… It's a problem. It's very special, deeper. Certain issues are in some manner localised. I always say the judgment on Ram temple was accepted by all only because it was by the Supreme Court. Everything got normalised. Everyone was then following daily routines. We can not seek justice for the past. It has to be forgotten. The temple construction is almost over. You are also the Chairperson of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library. What role do you visualise for yourself over the next few years? I am speaking about this for the first time. I have started thinking how long and how much. Perhaps, I will have to set the path, that I am useful up to this point, and beyond that I must divert my energies somewhere else. I am there in the Sangrahalaya. That assignment is with me. I will have to find some kind of constructive work to devote my time after six months or so. Do you see the Ayodhya city growing in terms of prosperity, too, alongside the rise in tourism? When I first came from Lucknow, Ayodhya was not even the size of a tehsil town. While we were seeing this battle in the courts and in other places, the local inhabitants belonging to different communities grabbed it (the opportunity)… A person earning Rs 500 is earning Rs 1,000 today. With that, of course, economic exploitation will come. People are encroaching on land. Speculation of land price is at its peak because the investments are coming, and the investment people want to maximise gains. At this stage, a planned growth is required. The temple pulls devotees and tourists. Do you think there should be more to make them stay in Ayodhya, since people come here but leave by evening? Yes. This should not become Agra. People stay in Delhi, come to Agra, and return. There is nothing else in Agra except the Taj Mahal. That was one agenda in my mind. Outside the premises of Ram temple, the social-cultural site has to be found. So, people spend a day or two more in Ayodhya. We must build 5-stars, community halls, and there have to be a lot more cultural presentations. P. Vaidyanathan Iyer is The Indian Express's Managing Editor, and leads the newspaper's reporting across the country. He writes on India's political economy, and works closely with reporters exploring investigation in subjects where business and politics intersect. He was earlier the Resident Editor in Mumbai driving Maharashtra's political and government coverage. He joined the newspaper in April 2008 as its National Business Editor in Delhi, reporting and leading the economy and policy coverage. He has won several accolades including the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award twice, the KC Kulish Award of Merit, and the Prem Bhatia Award for Political Reporting and Analysis. A member of the Pulitzer-winning International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Vaidyanathan worked on several projects investigating offshore tax havens. He co-authored Panama Papers: The Untold India Story of the Trailblazing Offshore Investigation, published by Penguin. ... Read More
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Second Pran Pratistha in Ayodhya today: How it will be different from the first
NEARLY ONE and a half years after the Pran Pratistha of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the town will on Thursday witness a second Pran Pratistha. The construction work on the main temple is nearing completion, with the stage set on June 5 for the consecration of the Ram Darbar made out of white makrana marble on the first floor, depicting Lord Ram in his 'king form', accompanied by Goddess Sita, Hanuman and three brothers. Simultaneously, consecration will also take place at the seven temples dedicated to different deities in the parcotta (rampart) of the main temple on Thursday. However, unlike last year, the town is rather quiet this time around, with the focus mainly on the religious rituals involving 101 Acharyas from different parts of the country including Kashi, Ayodhya, Basti, Delhi, Kolkata, Devprayag, Haridwar, Jammu etc, who have come to perform the rituals for the Ram Darbar as well as the other temples. While activities in the rest of the town are progressing as usual, except for a few restrictions, the chanting of mantras and havans are taking place at the nine Yagya Kundas simultaneously. Since there is no major influx of VIPs, unlike the previous year, traffic restrictions were also kept to a minimum till Thursday. However, on June 5, traffic restrictions have been put in place across the town as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to take part in the consecration rituals and also attend the 'Trayodashi' event to mark the birth anniversary of the Saryu River, as well as Ganga Dussehra functions. June 5 is also Adityanath's 53rd birthday. An official with the Ram Janma Bhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said that apart from the religious rituals, there would be 'no event this time' and the focus is mainly on the religious rituals this time and on sadhus and acharyas performing the same or would be participating on the final day – Thursday. He pointed out that CM Adityanath has been invited as he is a saint himself and to also mark his birthday. According to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the Pran Pratishtha rituals will begin at 11 am on Thursday, featuring special worship, vedic chanting and havan ceremonies for the installation of the idols. Trust Secretary Champat Rai informed that these rituals would conclude around 1:30 pm on Thursday, with the performing of arti. Devotees from across the country can continue to visit the Ram Temple as well as Hanuman Garhi temple during the rituals, officials said. Starting June 3, around 12 hours of rituals have been performed daily – from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. Officials at the Trust informed that while the main Acharya leading the rituals is Jai Prakash Tripathi from Kashi, next to him would be Acharya Chandra Bhanu Sharma from Delhi. Ram Temple Trust member Anil Mishra and his wife will be the main 'Yajman' at the event. On Wednesday, the Utsav Vigrahas (smaller idols for the purpose of celebration) were taken on a tour of the premises. Unlike the first day (Tuesday), apart from the Yagya Mandap, worship was also done at the places where Pran Pratishtha was held. Trust officials informed that from 6:30 am onwards, the invoked deities were worshipped for two hours in the yajna mandap. Then the 'annadhiwas' ritual was carried out, where the idols are offered food. Then, the bathing of the idols was carried out. Later, from 2 pm to 3 pm, the Utsav Vigrahas (or the celebration idols' were taken for a visit to the premises, followed by Shayya Dhiwas, where the idols are put to rest. In the late afternoon, the Vastu Puja of the palaces was performed, where these idols have been placed.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Elon Musk's father visits Ram Temple: ‘Wonderful, amazing… Has inspired so many'
BUSINESSMAN AND father of tech billionaire Elon Musk, Errol Musk, reached Ayodhya on Wednesday along with his daughter Alexandra Musk and visited the Ram Temple as well as the Hanuman Garhi temple. Musk also met priests at both the temples. 'Temples are marvelous and the people are even more marvelous,' said Musk. The visit came a day before the conclusion of the three-day rituals of the second Pran Pratistha at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Terming his experience as 'wonderful' and 'amazing', Musk also pointed out that the Musk, who is the Global Advisor to Servotech Renewable Power System Ltd, began his India trip on June 1 and will be in the country till June 6, a spokesperson for the Haryana-based company said in a statement. 'It is a wonderful opportunity to see something amazing that has inspired so many people in this country. India is a wonderful place,' said Musk. He further said, 'We have a lot of Indians in my country…I know the Indian culture, coming here just reinforces it. Very good culture, very kind people, full of love, decency…' said Musk soon after his arrival at the Ayodhya airport in a chartered plane around 2:30 pm. 'I am looking forward to spending a lot of time in India. I am very impressed with what I have seen,' he said. Echoing him, Alexandra Musk told mediapersons, 'I have seen the culture, people and food and I am excited to see more. India is a very welcoming place.' Asked if he has any plans of investment in Uttar Pradesh in particular, Musk nodded and said that these 'are being worked out.' – WITH PTI INPUTS
The Hindu
03-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Second phase of Ram temple consecration starts in Ayodhya
Series of ceremonies to mark the second phase of consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya began on Tuesday. The events started with processions from the Saryu River followed by rituals for the 'Pran Pratistha' of the deities at the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the temple as well as in seven other temples located within the ramparts. Heavy security arrangements were made across the city for the three-day event, which will conclude on Thursday, on the occasion of Ganga Dasara. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to attend four key events related to the consecration, including the main ceremony, the Saryu Trayodashi Utsav, the birthday celebrations of trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, and an event on the World Environment Day. Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai, has urged the devotees to avoid visiting as no special arrangements for the crowd have been made considering the heat. The trust has also not made any public invitations for the event. 'The temple remains open for darshan of Lord Ram but the first floor of Ram Darbar and nearby temples are still under construction and are not open to devotees,' he said. Ayodhya District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde said considering the extra rush in town, arrangements such as shaded waiting areas, drinking water, sanitation and ORS sachets had been put in place for devotees. Emergency hospital beds had also been reserved across the district.
Indian Express
02-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Ceremony to mark 2nd Pran Pratishtha on Ram Temple premises to begin today: Trust
A GRAND ceremony to mark the second Pran Pratishtha at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is set to begin from Tuesday where consecration of deities will be performed in the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the Ram Temple as well as in seven other temples located within the parikote (ramparts). The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, established for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, on Monday said it has completed preparations for the event, which will be attended by several VVIPs, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The celebrations will culminate on June 5, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra. In January last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the Pran Pratistha (consecration ceremony) of Lord Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum of the RamTemple in Ayodhya. On Monday evening, the auspicious ceremony began with a Kalash (holy pot) procession starting from the banks of the Saryu River. Around 200 local women went to the riverbank and collected holy water in kalash (sacred pots) and brought it to the temple, which is around 2.5 km away. This procession passed through Veena Chowk, Ram Path, Singarhat and Rangmahal Barrier before reaching the Ram Temple complex. The pots containing water will be kept at a designated place inside the temple. The water would be used from Tuesday for several purposes during rituals inside the temple during the three-day function. Ram Temple Trust member Dr Anil Mishra told The Indian Express that the kalash yatra was completed on Monday. According to officials, on June 3 and 4, worship will be performed, during which 1,975 mantras will be chanted and offerings will be made to the Fire God (Agni Devta) each day for 12 hours from 6:30 am. Along with this, devotional recitations, including the Ram Raksha Stotra, Hanuman Chalisa and other bhajans, will also be organised. On the final day, the rituals would start from 6:30 am and will continue till 1 pm. After the Pran Pratishtha, arti bhog would start at all the eight places but would not be open for the public for sometime as of now, said another Trust official. The main ceremony will take place on June 5, during which the Pran Pratishtha will be conducted for the Ram Darbar idols (Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman), as well as the consecration of idols in seven other temples. A government official said CM Adityanath is scheduled to attend four key programmes during the event. Apart from the main Pran Pratishtha, he will also take part in the Maa Saryu Trayodashi Janmotsav, the birth anniversary celebrations of Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and a plantation drive in Pushp Vatika to mark World Environment Day. Sadhus and others who could not attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony held on January 22, 2024, have been invited, the official added. Well-known scholar and priest from Chandauli, Jayprakash Tiwari, along with 101 Vedic acharyas, will perform the Pran Pratishtha of the deities in all eight temples simultaneously, said Dr Anil Mishra who would be the main 'yajman' on the consecration day. Meanwhile, to ensure the convenience of the devotees, Ayodhya District Magistrate (DM) Nikhil Tikaram Funde said extensive arrangements have been made, including shaded rest areas, drinking water stations and mobile toilets. Special measures have also been taken in light of the prevailing heat, with 10 hospital beds reserved in each district hospital for emergencies. ORS packets are being distributed at the temple premises, outposts and police stations, said the official. Resting areas and other amenities have also been made available within the temple premises for pilgrims. Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover said that multiple joint inspections have been conducted along with the DM. Security has been intensified with the deployment of ATS and STF teams to ensure a smooth and secure event. Security for both VVIPs and devotees remains our top priority, the official added. The official said that like last year's celebration, a similarly large turnout is anticipated for this event as well.
