April 20, 2024

Ayodhya was the place where Lord Ram was born. The dispute over the exact place notwithstanding, a grand temple must be built in Ayodhya to venerate Ram, who is worshipped as Maryada Purshottam, or the ideal man, by most Hindus. That being the subject of a court case and too much ill-will between Hindus and Muslims over the now desecrated Babri Masjid will take too much time to come to fruition. In the meantime, the government has announced the plan to construct a Ramayan Museum in Ayodhya. This is a good decision.

The Ramayan by Valmiki describes Lord Ram’s journey from birth till becoming the king after vanquishing Ravan in Lanka. Even without there being a temple in Ayodhya it is a pilgrimage place for many Hindus, some of whom even like to spend their Diwali there. So it is in the fitness of things that a museum depicting the story of Ramayan is constructed there.

Apart from bringing Ramayan to the world, the museum will give a huge boost to the local economy as it will attract the faithful from all over the world. Every religion has a central place where the pious go. Roman Catholics have The Vatican while Muslims go on Haj to Mecca and Medina. Hinduism has many Gods and consequently many sacred places. But for Ram bhakts, Ayodhya remains the biggest draw. The UP chief minister has already identified a 25 acre plot for the same and has asked the government to upgrade the project to a full-fledged Ramlila Theme Park, hoping to cash on religious tourism.

Given past experience, it is easy to view the decision to announce the construction of the museum as an attempt by the BJP to cash in on Hindu sentiments ahead of the UP elections. Even if it is that, the good is that an asset dedicated to Lord Ram will be created. Vinay Katiyar, the firebrand founder of Bajrang Dal and now a BJP MP, has said that the government is giving a “lollipop” to Hindus. But it is better to let the temple issue be resolved amicably before disturbing the status quo. Let us celebrate the memory of Lord Ram through the museum till them. One is sure Lord Ram the benevolent will approve.