"You Said Build Temple, Today It Stands": CM Yogi Recalls 500-Year Struggle as 30 Lakh Diyas Light Up Ayodhya
Over 30 lakh diyas lit up Ayodhya for the 10th Deepotsav as CM Yogi Adityanath reflects on the 500-year struggle for the Ram Temple.
In a breathtaking display of faith and spiritual grandeur, Ayodhya Dham celebrated its 10th edition of Deepotsav on Saturday evening. The city was transformed into a sea of light as over 30 lakh earthen lamps (diyas) illuminated 56 ghats along the sacred Saryu River, marking a resurgence of the city's glory against the backdrop of the newly constructed Ram Temple.
The landmark event was attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alongside thousands of saints and devotees. The celebrations sought to recreate the spiritual essence of the Treta Yuga, featuring elaborate cultural performances that brought key episodes of the Ramayana to life. The banks of the Saryu River at Ram Ki Paidi also hosted spectacular light and drone shows, while the atmosphere remained charged with prayers and aarti.
From Criticism to Consecration
Addressing the gathering at Ram Katha Park after offering worship to Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reflected on the evolution of Deepotsav. He recalled that the early iterations of the festival were met with skepticism and criticism from those who questioned whether such celebrations were part of Ayodhya's tradition.
The Chief Minister specifically remembered the demands made during those early years. "Remember the first Deepotsav. Back then, people used to say that it was not part of our tradition. There were slogans raised, saying, ‘Yogi ji, do one thing — build the temple.’ And today, you can see for yourself that the temple has been built," he stated.
A Journey of 500 Years
Tracing the historical trajectory of the city, Adityanath spoke of the centuries of struggle and the era of foreign invaders. He noted that for 500 years, many doubted if Ram Lalla would ever be enshrined in Ayodhya again. He described the current state of Ayodhya Dham as the fulfillment of the aspirations for which countless kar sevaks and revered saints made supreme sacrifices during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
The Chief Minister credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the city's transformation, stating that Ayodhya has regained its spiritual identity after years of systemic neglect. He highlighted the massive infrastructure overhaul, specifically pointing to the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport as a symbol of this progress.
He further remarked that Ayodhya—a place that once saw lathi charges and gunfire for the mere mention of Shri Ram's name—has now come alive once more, evoking the memories of the Treta Yuga.
A Stern Warning to Critics
In a sharp turn, Chief Minister Adityanath directed a message toward those who had historically opposed the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He asserted that those who had insulted saints and devotees in the past must seek forgiveness before stepping foot in the holy city.
"I have come here today to assure you of this: those who once neglected and insulted us, who opened fire on the devotees of Lord Ram, and who humiliated and lathi-charged the saints—if they ever visit Ayodhya, they must come only after offering an apology. Let them apologise to the devotees of Lord Ram; let them apologise to the saints. Let them repent for their past actions," the Chief Minister declared.
A Symbol of Self-Respect
Adding to the sentiment, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan described the Ram temple as a powerful symbol of Hindu self-respect. He praised the combined leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their roles in the comprehensive development of Ayodhya.
The Vice President highlighted the unique nature of the current leadership, noting that after a long period, a saint has become the chief minister of the state, while Prime Minister Modi, hailing from a humble background, has led the nation for the last 12 years.