RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a poignant message on the significance of the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, calling it a day that should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi," marking the "true independence" of Bharat. He emphasized that the country, which had faced external attacks and invasions for centuries, finally reclaimed its self-identity and sovereignty with the completion of the Ram Mandir. For Bhagwat, this moment wasn’t merely a ceremonial milestone; it was a turning point in Bharat’s history, signifying the nation’s spiritual and cultural resurgence. The consecration, he said, was not just about erecting a physical structure but about awakening the "self" (swa) of the nation, helping India rediscover its roots and stand tall in the global arena, offering a model of resilience, unity, and spiritual strength.
The grand event of the idol consecration on January 22, 2024, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains one of the most significant in modern Indian history. However, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, the ceremony will be fully completed on January 11, 2025, marking the official one-year anniversary. Bhagwat made it clear that the temple's consecration was a moment of unity and pride for the country. Unlike many other significant national events, this occasion saw no discord or division, but rather, the country united around the cause, transcending religious and regional differences.
Bhagwat made these remarks while attending the "National Devi Ahilya Award" ceremony in Indore, where Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, was presented with the prestigious honor. Rai, who played a pivotal role in the construction of the Ram Mandir, dedicated his award to the countless individuals, both famous and anonymous, who contributed to the success of the movement. He described the Ram Temple as not just a place of worship, but a symbol of "Hindustan ki Moonchh" (the nation’s pride), reflecting the collective will and determination of the people. Rai reiterated that he was merely a medium through which the will of the people was fulfilled.
The award itself was given by the Shri Ahilyotsav Samiti, a social organization based in Indore. The organization annually honors individuals who have made remarkable contributions in social, cultural, and spiritual fields. Past recipients of the National Devi Ahilya Award include some of India’s most respected figures, including Nanaji Deshmukh, Vijaya Raje Scindia, Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, and Sudha Murty. The award ceremony, which was attended by dignitaries and luminaries, was a moment of reflection on the spiritual, social, and cultural contributions of these figures.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who is the president of the Shri Ahilyotsav Samiti, also spoke at the event. She announced plans for a grand memorial dedicated to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered ruler of the Holkar dynasty in Indore. Mahajan said the memorial would serve as a reminder of Ahilyabai's leadership and virtues, ensuring that future generations learn about her character and the impact she had on India’s history.
In the larger context, Bhagwat’s comments on the Ram Temple and the ongoing Ram Mandir movement are significant not only for their spiritual and cultural implications but also for their political resonance. The movement, which has spanned several decades, has been a unifying factor for large sections of Indian society. For many, the Ram Temple is more than just a place of worship; it represents the fulfillment of a long-standing aspiration to reclaim a religious and cultural landmark that was destroyed during the Mughal period. The RSS, under Bhagwat’s leadership, has been at the forefront of the movement, advocating for the temple’s construction and promoting a vision of India as a spiritual powerhouse.
The celebration of "Pratishtha Dwadashi" as a day of independence aligns with the RSS’s broader ideology of promoting India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It positions the consecration of the Ram Temple as a key moment in the nation’s history, signaling a return to traditional values and a reaffirmation of Bharat’s historical identity. The movement’s success in bringing together diverse groups across the country underscores the deep emotional connection that millions of Indians have to the Ram Mandir, both as a religious site and as a symbol of national pride and unity.
Through this temple, the RSS and its affiliates aim to ensure that future generations continue to recognize and honor the rich cultural and spiritual traditions that have shaped India’s identity for millennia.
