The consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir is scheduled for 22nd January 2024 (Monday) in Ayodhya. Hindus throughout the world are actively preparing for the auspicious occasion which is arriving after five centuries. On the other hand, the sacred event is opposed by many radical and left-wing elements, including some leaders of the Samajwadi Party and Congress.
The truth that there are still eight mosques standing in Ayodhya Dharmanagari (holy religious region) surrounding the temple has been withheld by those who have banded together to fabricate a fake scenario of bigotry against Hindus in the name of Ayodhya. There is also a Muslim-majority neighbourhood here that practices its faith openly.
More than 3400 temples of multiple sects however Lord Ram is adored by all
OpIndia gathered details from the Ayodhya Dharmanagari area, which is officially spread out throughout 10.24 square kilometres. There are roughly 3,400 temples here, which are dedicated to several branches of Sanatana Dharma and observe different forms of worship. The fact that every temple is built around it communicates the idea that despite diversity Hinduism has a single root.
These Hindu temples, representing all sects, also serve as a sign of Sanatana Dharma’s reverent acceptance of Lord Ram. The existence of over 3400 temples demonstrates the unity in diversity and the encompassing nature of Lord Ram.
4 Gurudwaras and 2 Jain temples in Ayodhya’s sacred vicinity
Furthermore, there are four Gurdwaras in Ayodhya Dharmakshetra (a holy religious area). They have been there since ancient times and are representations of the union of Sikhism and Hinduism which some contemporary Khalistani ideologues are attempting to disprove. Ayodhya is also home to two Jain temples. Hindu pilgrims travel from all over the world to visit both Jain and Sikh religious places with great respect. These historical religious sites also provide witness to their long-standing connection to the name of Lord Ram.
8 mosques and 4 graveyards in 10 square kilometres
The most notable aspect of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is the presence of Islamic houses of worship which refer to Hinduism as “Kufr” (non-belief) and “Shirk” (idolatry/polytheism) and claim to be the greatest of all religions. The Dharmanagari region has four graveyards and eight mosques. Additionally, Ayodhya has a few mosques that are located only a hundred meters from the Ram Janmbhoomi-owned property. They usually have loudspeakers attached which are used to deliver “Azaan” (Islamic call for prayer) five times a day. Their paint and lights are also being taken care of routinely regularly. Every Muslim follows their religion here with total ease.
A mosque is located less than a hundred meters from the Ayodhya Dham junction apart from this. Its huge dome can be seen glowing green from a distance. This place frequently has a throng of devotees as well.
The OpIndia team visited two cemeteries around Vidya Kund in Dharmakshetra where we witnessed hundreds of concrete graves. These cemented graves have stones with Arabic engraved on them. Muslims from the nearby locations continue to come here to bury their deceased relatives. The number of such cemeteries in Ayodhya Dharmakshetra is reportedly more than four. Those with radical or communist views have not yet come to terms with this evidence of the inclusiveness right in the heart of Lord Ram’s abode.
Muslim-majority area adjacent to the temple
There is a community with a predominance of Muslims next to the location possessed by Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya with the name Kajiyana. The vicinity is also home to Iqbal Ansari, the petitioner for the Muslim side in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri dispute. While there is an overwhelming presence of saints and Hindu seers in and around Ayodhya all the time, Muslim residents live comfortably and in peace, even in neighbourhoods close to the Ram Mandir premises.
Muslim shops in Arundhati Complex
Mahant Mahesh Das told OpIndia that everyone has been influenced by Lord Ram. Individuals who accuse him of communalism should travel to Ayodhya personally and obtain firsthand knowledge. Another individual named Mahant Ajay Das mentioned to OpIndia that those extremist and leftist groups who have never been to Ayodhya and are unaware of the syncretic culture prevailing here are slandering the name of Lord Ram by making absurd and baseless allegations.
Vimalendra Srivastava, a local, told OpIndia that Muslims had been given shops in the new multi-story Arundhati shopping complex at Dharmakshetra Terhi Bazar. One of them is the shoe dealer, Babu Bhai, also known as Moin Ahmed. This complex was created specifically for business owners whose establishments were included in the city’s redevelopment.
Many Tajiyas were taken out last year
A police officer stationed in Ayodhya on the condition of anonymity stated that Tajiya (miniature replica of the tomb of Imam Hussain carried out during Muharram) processions were taken out with great fanfare last year in the Kajiyana area which is next to the Ram Mandir. Around six Tajiya drums and cymbals were there along the boundary of the Janmbhoomi obtained grounds. Muslims chanted their religious slogans loudly at the time. The thousands of devotees who had been in Ayodhya at that time did not object to the traffic congestion or other issues on the roadways during the short period. The administration was offered full support by the local saints and monks during this event.
The majority of Muslims in Ayodhya’s Dharmakshetra work in industries like tailoring, carpentry, salons and shoe manufacturing. They have also witnessed immense growth because of Ayodhya’s large-scale development. Some of the attendees at Vashisht Kund which is close to the Kajiyana locality added that the Muslim community celebrates all of its festivals here with a lot of pomp each year.
Saket Degree College for higher education is almost next to Kajiyana. An excessive number of Muslim student leaders have assumed positions of authority within the student union. There has never been an instance of discrimination against any Muslim male or female student on the grounds of religion, even though the majority of students at the college are Hindu. Dhruvaraj, a former official of the student union, characterises it as a product of inclusiveness adopted from Lord Ram himself.
While communal harmony thrives in Ayodhya, with people belonging to different religions and sects living peacefully, the region is set to experience rapid development and economic boom, especially after the construction of Ram Mandir. The development of an international airport at Ayodhya is one such avenue that is not only going to enhance the connectivity of the temple town with the rest of the world but also boost tourism and give a fillip to auxiliary industries and local businesses.