Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Family members of 58 karsevaks who were killed in Godhra massacre invited for Pran Pratishta

The Godhra incident, a tragic chapter in India’s history, occurred on February 27, 2002, when a train carrying Karsevaks was set on fire at the Godhra railway station in Gujarat. The attack resulted in the loss of 58 lives, as the train compartment was engulfed in flames. The karsevaks were on their way back from Ayodhya after participating in activities related to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

The decision to invite the family members of these Karsevaks for the Pran Pratishta ceremony is seen as a gesture of remembrance, respect, and acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by these individuals for the cause they believed in. The families, who have carried the memories of their loved ones for over two decades, will now have an opportunity to be present at the historic moment when the Ram Mandir is consecrated.

The invitation extends beyond a religious ceremony; it carries the weight of historical significance and the collective memory of a nation. It symbolises the resilience and strength of those who, despite facing tragedy, remain connected to their faith and the larger cultural and religious narrative of the country.

The families of the Karsevaks have expressed gratitude for the invitation, recognising it as a meaningful gesture that honours the sacrifice of their loved ones. Many have indicated their intention to attend the ceremony, viewing it as an occasion to find solace, closure, and a sense of connection to the larger narrative of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

The Pran Pratishta ceremony itself holds immense cultural and religious importance. It marks the moment when the deity, in this case, Ram Lalla, is consecrated and brought to life in the temple. The ceremony involves a series of rituals and prayers conducted by pujaris and pandits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the ceremony, along with other dignitaries. The inclusion of the families of the Godhra victims adds an emotional layer to the event, emphasising the continuity of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and its enduring impact on the lives of those who participated in it.

As the nation eagerly awaits the historic Pran Pratishta ceremony, the presence of the Karsevaks’ families serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during a critical juncture in India’s history. It reinforces the idea that the construction of the Ram Mandir is not just a physical manifestation of a temple but a collective memory etched in the hearts and minds of those who have been part of the journey.