LK Advani likely to go with PM Modi to Ayodhya; Ram Mandir foundation stone a silver brick

PM Narendra Modi is set to visit Ayodhya on August 5 for "bhoomi pujan" ceremony to begin construction of a grand Ram Temple, and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra has begun preparations for it, its members said on Sunday. Top BJP sources told Republic TV that senior party leader Lal Krishna Advani is likely to accompany Prime Minister for ceremony. 

In late 1980s, BJP veteran leader became political face of Ram Janmabhoomi movement, giving it heft and wide publicity.  party included Ram temple issue in its manifesto in 1989 under presidentship of Advani.

'PM's visit tentatively scheduled for August 5'

According to Trust president Nritya Gopal Das, "bhoomi pujan" will be performed with placing of a 40-kg silver brick at sanctum Santorum. Three-day-long Vedic rituals, beginning August 3, will precede main ceremony.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aadityanath will also join "bhoomi pujan" ceremony. "I cant tell exact date but we have got information that PM's visit has been tentatively scheduled for August 5," said Triloki Nath Pandey, decree-holder of Ram Janmabhoomi mandated by Supreme Court.

Before "bhoomi pujan" ceremony, Vedic rituals will be performed by ss from Varanasi as was done during shifting of idol of Ram Lalla from sanctum sanctorum to a temporary structure, said Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, spokesperson of Trust president Nritya Gopal Das.

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Priests in Ayodhya have prepared an elaborate plan for three-day event. Mahant Kamal Nayan Das said on Saturday, before August 5 being finalised, "We have suggested two auspicious dates -- August 3 and 5 -- for Prime Minister's visit based on calculations of movements of stars and planets." 

READ | PM Modi finalises August 5 date for Ram Mandir's foundation stone-laying in Ayodhya

Ayodhya verdict 

Constitution Bench of SC in its verdict on vember 9, 2019, awarded entire disputed area in Ayodhya to Hindu parties, after a 40-day marathon hearing. It directed Centre to formulate a scheme within three months which will be responsible for building a temple. On or hand, SC ordered that an alternative land of 5 acres in Ayodhya would be given to Sunni Central Waqf Board for construction of a mosque.

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Ram Mandir Trust formation & meetings

Prime Minister Modi had anunced formation of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Lok Sabha on February 5, with his own former Principal Secretary Nripendra Misra heading construction committee. committee has met several times and has invited PM to lay foundation stone when construction begins. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on March 25 performed special puja and shifted Ram Lalla from makeshift temple in Ayodhya to ar a pre-fabricated temple in same premises.

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(With PTI inputs)