Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi lays foundation stone of Ram Mandir's 'Garbh Griha' in Ayodhya

The construction of a temple at Ram Janmabhoomi has entered its second phase with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laying the foundation of the sanctum sanctorum – the 'Garbha Griha' -- on Wednesday.

Amidst chanting of Vedic mantras, Yogi performed the 'Shila Pujan' and placed the first carved brick in the 'Garbha Griha,' where the idols of Lord Ram would be placed. On the occasion, he said that a gruelling wait of 500 years is over and a grand temple – a symbol of people’s belief -- would be a reality.

"The 500-year old 'tadpan' of devotees is going to end and we will have a temple here," Adityanath asserted. It will be a 'Rashtra mandir' and its work will move forward with full speed.

The sanctum sanctorum area would be opened for devotees before the 2024 Parliament elections.

The chief minister said invaders had assaulted India's faith. “Now, in the end, India has won." "Once again the adage, Satyameva Jayate (truth triumphs), has come true.’’ The ‘victory’ was achieved through the path of "Dharma, Truth and Justice", he added.

CM Yogi remembered the leaders and organisations behind the temple movement -- Ashok Singhal, the RSS and his own Gorakh Peeth.

The UP Government has also decided to set up a new township in Ayodhya and the housing board of state has allocated Rs 320 crore for it. It would be developed on 1400 acres of land. The state government has also sanctioned Rs 100 crore for development of tourism infrastructure in Ayodhya and Rs 300 crore for construction of the approach road to the temple.