Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Bharat’s Quest for Ram-Rajya
Summary
In ‘Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Bharat’s Quest for Ram Rajya,’ author and academician Swadesh Singh dives deep into the history of one of India’s historically great cities – Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram – and the relentless 500-year struggle of Hindus in the country to reclaim and rebuild the revered Ram Mandir. The book takes a cut at history dissecting the centuries for the cultural, historical, and religious aspects surrounding the Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute.
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram holds a special place in the hearts of millions across the globe but it has had it’s own fate mired in miseries for centuries now. The author meticulously details the historical account of how Babar, the Mughal emperor, demolished the temple and erected a mosque in its place. Not just that! Several other monarchs razed the temple time and again and the book’s narrative takes us through centuries of Hindu resistance, from conflicts to clashes and struggles for the restoration of the land so sacred to them.
The author’s quill covers not only the historical and political aspects but also the cultural, architectural, demographical, and spiritual dimensions of Ayodhya and the significance of the temple city for the country’s people. He addresses the legal journey, presenting conflicts, evidence, and the struggle of the Hindu community to reclaim their sacred site. He incorporates court proceedings, ASI reports, and the centuries-long battle for justice, and the outcomes each time, the hordes of people involved in deciding the fate of the temple, with impressive details.
The book expands its scope to include the broader historical context of dynasties, their rise and fall, and the impact of Islamic invasions on the region of Avadh, now Ayodhya. The lineage of Ikshavaku, from which Shree Ram Ji descended, is also traced with a focus on ancestral names. He trails all the places in Ayodhya that have been famous since ages such as Sita ki Rasoi, Kanak Bhawan, Hanumangarhi, Sarayu river, etc. discusses the history and significance of each, and how now these places are to be given their due diligence under the Shri Ram Heritage Walk Project.
He then moves on to to discuss the design, carving, and architecture of the stones and sculptures used in the temple, the minds and hands at work, the time taken, costs involved, providing readers with a vivid image of the grandeur of the newly constructed Mandir. In a devoted section, Mr Singh narrates the contemporary events leading to the inauguration of the grand temple and emphasizes the significance of this historical moment for Hindus who can now worship Shree Ram Ji at the very place of his birth. He next discusses the central government and state government’s efforts to transform Ayodhya into a religious hub by putting it on the tourist map of the world. Suffice it to say that when all the plans for the beautification of the great city of Lord ram is materialised, it’ll be a spectacle for the world to watch.
Well-researched and detailed, this book has pretty much everything one needs to know about the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The language of the book is accessible, making it easy for readers to grasp the details; albeit in some places the history opens too vast to remember everything if you’re not a history buff. The complete, comprehensive, and contemplative approach make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir saga. Everything you need to know about the revered Hindu temple is here!
The book concludes on the thought of the tag line – Bharat’s quest for Ram-Rajya. After 5 centuries, the Ram Mandir is back, Lord Ram is back in his home town, but can Indians expect the same fair and flourishing Ram-Rajya Ayodhya once witnessed? Only time will tell!
About the Author
Swadesh Singh is an author, teacher and activist. Educated from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, his professional experience spans more than 15 years during which he has worked with reputed media organizations in the national capital and currently teaches Political Science at Delhi University. He has four books to his credit and regularly writes for newspapers, online platforms and academic journals.
P.S.: I received a review copy from the publisher, but the review remains unbiased.
Have you read ‘Ayodhya Ram Mandir’? What did you think?
