These days everyone is talking about Ayodhya and its upcoming verdict, but sad part is most of us are bothered about Holiday on the day of verdict, rather than gravity of issue and post verdict concerns of the issues for a common man. It is a political & power game issue and a common citizen from any religion has no interest in custody of Ayodhya land.
Recently during few conversations I realized that many of us aren’t even aware about the facts on the issue. Without being biased and without any intention to hurt sentiments of others, I would like to throw some light on this issue.
Ayodhya issue is related to piece of land which has a disputed structure as its center. This area of land known as Ram Janmbhumi (Birth place of Lord Rama) is considered to be a sacred place according to Hindu belief and had a temple from the ancient times. According to many historical notes during Mughal invasion of India in early 16th century the temple was demolished/ modified and a mosque, now known as “Babri Masjid” was built in the same place, which was named after Mughal emperor Babar.
Before 1940 the place was known as Masjid-i-janmasthan and it is been said that Hindus and Muslims both use to worship together in disputed structure till mid 19 century. In year 1885, Mahant Raghubar Ram moved the courts for permission to erect a temple just outside the Babri Masjid premises but District Judge dismissed the case citing the passage of time. Hindus in the area were claiming that the Mosque had not been used by Muslims since 1936, and they took over the 'unused' mosque in 1949.
In 1984 Vishwa Hindu Parishad (a religious Hindu association) launched a movement to reclaim the site for Hindus who want to erect a temple dedicated to the lord Rama. During 1989-90, inauguration of a proposed new grand Temple with Government permissions, led to politically motivated religious unrests in many parts of India and Government moved court. The temple movement took momentum with Karsevaks (Hindu volunteers) pouring into Ayodhya. Many political parties, religious leaders from both communities made situation worse by national calls, rallies & remarks on disputed structure and thus provoking the religious sentiments.
On 6 December 1992, a mob of karsevaks demolished the structure despite a commitment by the government to the Indian Supreme Court that the mosque would not be harmed, which led to riots & unrest in many parts of country killing over 2000 people. On 16 December 1992, Government set Liberhan Commission to probe the circumstances that led to the demolition of Babri structure. It has been longest running commission in India's history with several extensions granted by various governments.
On February 27, 2002 around 58 people were killed in Godhra, Gujarat, in an attack on a train believed to be carrying Hindu volunteers from Ayodhya. Riots followed in the state and over 1000 people were reported to have died in riots.
God only knows how many people have lost their lives, home, livelihood and their loved ones. Time & again this issue is raised for personal interest by national leaders and common men who do not have any interest in the issue suffer. Both religions have sentiments with structure in Ayodhya, so a common solution is required.When GOD IS EVERYWHERE and FOR EVERYONE, then why so much confusion? Why a hospital or a public facility center cannot be built at the disputed place, which can serve people in need rather than serving religion.
It’s my sincere request to you all “please don’t get provoked or influenced by any political & religious speech. Worship is valued with intention with which one prays not with place where you pray”.
Amit
