Struggles In The Past

Sri Ram was born in the 65th generation in the Surya-vansha after Satyawadi Harischandra, Moradhwaja, Dileep, Raghu and others.

Sri Ram was born in the 65th generation in the Surya-vansha after Satyawadi Harischandra, Moradhwaja, Dileep, Raghu and others.

Salaar Masud invaded the place twice in 1033 AD. He was countered by Raja Suhaldev. Salaar Masud was killed at the hands of the Hindus in the battle of Baharaich.

Emperor/Samrat Vikramaditya got reconstructed all the dilapidated Mandirs throughout the country. On the basis of the particulars and specifications given in the ancient documents available at the time he reconstructed an artistic magnificent temple of Sri Ram in Ayodhya at the place of the old temple. The new temple consisted of 84 pillars of kasauti stone.

The Mughal Babar invaded four times in between 1526 AD and 1530 AD. The temple was destroyed by his commander Mir Baqui in 1528. He was given a tough fight by Raja Mahtabsingh of Bheeti, the Rajguru of Hansbar Pt. Devideen Pandey, and the Raja of Hansbar, Sri Ranvijay Singh and Maharani Jayarajkumari.

During the reign of Humayun, i.e. between 1530 and 1556 AD, there were 10 battles. Swami Maheshanand fought alongwith an army of the Saddles and was slain. Maharani Jairajkumari too fought with her woman army.

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There were 20 battles during the reign of the Mughal Akbar, i.e. between 1556 and 1605 A.D. Swami Balramacharya who fought achieved heroic end. Akbar permitted the Hindus to build the temple at the Chabutra at the intervention of Raja Birbal and Raja Todarmal.

There were 30 battles between, 1658 and 1707 AD, i.e. during the reign of the zealot Aurangzeb. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, Baba Vaishnavdas, Kunwar Gopal Singh, Thakur Jagdamba Singh and others gave a tough fight. Excepting the last one the Hindus came out victorious in these battles.

There were 30 battles between, 1658 and 1707 AD, i.e. during the reign of the zealot Aurangzeb. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru, Baba Vaishnavdas, Kunwar Gopal Singh, Thakur Jagdamba Singh and others gave a tough fight. Excepting the last one the Hindus came out victorious in these battles.

Between 1814 and 1836 AD, there were 3 battles during the rule of Nawab Naasiruddin Ahmed. He was opposed by the Raja of Makrahi

There were 2 battles during the rule of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, i.e. between 1847 and 1857 AD. Baba Uddhavdas and the ruler of Bheeti challenged the Nawab's army.

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah appointed a three-man commission consisting of the representatives of the Hindus, the Muslims and the East India Company. They arrived at the conclusion that there never was a Masjid at that place.

At the time of 1857 War of Independence there was visible Hindu-Muslim unity and the Muslims decided to, hand over the Ram- Janmasthan to the Hindus after the war was over. But the English hanged Baba Ramcharandas and Amir Ali, the then leaders of the Hindus and the Muslims respectively. Thus the decision regarding the Ram-Janamasthan could not be implemented. ,

During the 1912 and 1914 AD of the English rule the Sadhus and the Hindu society gained -control over the Janmasthan forcibly. But because of the English, the control could not be retained.

Thus from the beginning till 1914 AD there were in all 79 battles in which nearly 3 lakh 50 thousand devotees of Ram sacrificed their lives.

The country achieved independence on 15 August 1947. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Home Minister resolved to wipe out the vestiges of slavery from the country. With the consent of the Union Cabinet he got the Bhagwan Somnath temple, which was demolished by the Mehmood of Ghazni, centuries ago, reconstructed in Saurashtra. The reconstructed temple was inaugurated by the then President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

On December 22-23, 1949 night the image of Sri Ramlala Virajman appeared at his birthplace in Ayodhya. Sri Krishna Kumar Nayyar was the District Magistrate of Faizabad in those days. Its pooja is performed daily, both times, by the Pujari appointed by the government, and this is being continued till this day.

In 1949 during the Chief Ministership of Pandit Govindballabh Pant iron bars were put up there and it was locked too. However, the daily poojan continued.

In 1964 on Sri Krishna-Janamashtini day the Vishva Hindu Parishad was formed by the Dharmacharyas at the Saandipani Ashram of Swami Chinmayananda at Powai, Bombay.

At the First Meet of the Dharam-sansad held on April 7-8, 1984 at Delhi, 528 Sants from all over the country and representing all the sampradayas, participated, They resolved unanimously to liberate the Rain-Janambhoomi.

On September 25, 1984 Sri Ram-Janaki Rath-Yatra started from Sitamarhi in Bihar with the purpose of awakening the nation to this issue.

On October 6, 1984, thousands of Sants and lakhs of Rambhakatas took a vow on the bank of the river Saryu at Ayodhya followed by a padayatra (foot march) to Lucknow.

At the mammoth Dharma-Sabha a demand for unlocking the Janamabhoomi was made.

On October 8, 1984 the Ram-Janaki Rath-Yatra moved toward Lucknow from Ayodhya.

On October 14, 1984 an unprecedented mammoth public meeting was held at Lucknow, The same day a delegation called on the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh to demand the liberation of Sri Ram-Janambhoomi.

On October 16,1984 Sri Ram-Janaki Rath-Yatra started from Lucknow towards Delhi, but because of the assassination of Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi on Oct. 31, 1984 the programme was discontinued and kept in abeyance.

On March 26,1985 a decision to form Balidani Jathas of 50 lakh Ram-bhaktas was taken.

Mahant Ramchandra Das Ji took a vow to immolate himself if Sri Ram-Janambhoomi temple was not unlocked by April 18, 1985, the Ram-Navami day.

At the Second Meet of the Dharma-sansad and the Sant-Sammelan at Udipi (Karnataka) on Oct., 31,1985, in which 851 Sants participated a plan for the ensuing struggle in this respect was formulated.

In December 1985 the Bajrang Dal gave a call for Uttar Pradesh Bandh.

On Jan. 19, 1986 at the Sammelan of Sants of Uttar Pradesh a declaration for starting the struggle from the Maha Shivratri day was made.

On Feb. 1, 1986 the Ram Mandir was unlocked on the orders of the Distt. Court, Faizabad, Jubilation throughout the country.

On 18-12-1985 a trust named Sri Ram Janambhoomi Nyasa was founded for the construction of temple at Sri Ram-Janambhoomi after the unlocking.

On Feb. 14,1986 the Muslims observed Black Day as a protest against the unlocking of the temple. About one hundred temples were destroyed by them in Kashmir at that time.

In Jan. 1987 the Babri Masjid Action Committee, under the leadership of Syed Shahabuddin gave a call for the boycott of the Republic Day, Flagrant violation of the constitution and anti- national speeches by them at Boat Club, New Delhi.

In 1987 the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh prohibited Sri Ram- Janaki Ratha Yatra.

Sri Ram Janambhoomi Mukti Samitis were formed throughout the country in 1987.

In July 1988, the Sant Sammelan held at Haridwar resolved to oppose vehemently the Mini and Long Marches toward Ayodhya proposed by the Muslims.

The Babri Masjid Action Committee declared its intention of rendering namaz at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Aug. 12, 1988 following a mini march, and on Oct. 23, following a Long March.

On Oct. 8, 1988 all educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh observed complete Bandh at the call of the Bajrang Dal.

On Oct. 14, 1988 an unprecedented Bandh was observed throughout Uttar Pradesh in protest against the Long March call. Bajrang Dal announced its resolve to recite Hanuman Chalisa at the Jama Masjid in Delhi. Youth organisations of Rajasthan, Madhya, Pradesh, Maharashtra announced the performing of Kirtans etc. at the masjids in their respective states.

Syed Shahabuddin withdrew unconditionally late in the evening on Oct. 13, 1988 the Long March programme.

On Feb. 1, 1989 at the Sant Maha-Sammelan and the Third Meet of the Dharma-sansad on the occasion of Maha Kumbha at Prayagraj, nearly one lakh Sants made the historic declaration of holding Sri Ramshila-poojan throughout the country and of Silanyas for Sri Ram Mandir on Nov. 9,1989.

On May 27-28,1989 at Haridwar these decisions were ratified by the Central Meeting of the Sants from all provinces.

On July 13-14, 1989 at Ayodhya the Bajrang Shakti-deeksha Samaroh concluded successfully despite very adverse weather conditions. About 6000 Bajrang Dal workers took deeksha; i.e. got initiated, at the meet.

On July 26-27,1989 a meeting of incharges who would guide the workers of 5 regional groups for Sri Ramshila poojan programme, held sit Nagpur.

A lot was said against Shilanyas (the foundation laying) programme. Not only the Union and State-level ministers like Sardar Buta Singh, Sri Narain Dutt Tiwari, and political leaders like Sri Kamlapati Tripathi and Sri Vishvanath Pratap Singh but also Jagadguru Swami Swarupanand Ji tried in their own way to obstruct this programme of the Parishad.

Endeavour to impede the programme continued at the government level. U.P. Govt. on Aug. 14, 1989 tried unsuccessfully to get an order from the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, banning in effect the Shila-poojan programmes of the Parishad.

Swami Swarupanandji went to the extent of declaring that the muhurt announced for the shilanyasa was not shubh. He said the shilanyasa should not be performed when the Sun is in the Southern orbit (i.e. dakshinayan). The Vidwat Parishad of Kashi was asked for its views in this regard. It gave the verdict that there was no flaw (baadha) in performing shilanyasa during Dakshinayan. It further opined that soil-excavation be performed from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the 9th November, and the Shilanyas performed between 1.33 p.m. to 1.38p.m. on 9th Nov. 1989, for it was the best period for doing so.

The historic "Indraprasth Dharmayatra" programme was carried on from 17th to 22nd Sep. 19819 in Delhi. 1859 Sadhus participated in the programme. The Sadhus traversed 20-25 km daily in various localities of the capital. Lakhs of people sought their Darshan and ashirvad (blessings).

The then Union Home Minister 8. Buta Singh invited Mahant Avaidyanathji, Mahant Nrityagopaldasji, Sri Daudayal Khanna and myself for talks at the residence of Sri Narayanadutt Tiwari, the then Chief Minister of U.P.

As a result of these talks the police departments throughout the country were directed to provide government protection and co-operation to the programmes of the Parishad beginning on 30th Sep. 1989.

From 30th Sep. 1989, the Ramshila - poojan programme announced earlier started at every village and town as per schedule.

On 13th Oct. 1989, in the Lok Sabha, a resolution was adopted unanimously asking the government not to cooperate in the Shila-poojan programme of the VHP. The VHP was asked to cancel its Shila-poojan programme.

On 15th Oct. 89, Sri V.M.Tarkunde of the P.U.C.L. filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court asking it to prohibit the Ramshila-poojan Yatras of the VHP.

On 16th Oct. 1989, an announcement regarding the General Elections to the Lok was made.

On 17th Oct. 1989, a meeting with the Union Home Minister Sri Buta Singh was held at night and it was conveyed to him that the Shilanyas-poojan will not be postponed under any circumstances.

On Oct. 18,1989, an appeal of Sri Ram Jethmalani was published requesting the VHP to withdraw its Shilanyas programme in every case.

On Oct. 18, 1989, Smt. Sheela Dixit was asked to inform the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister that they should allow the Shilanyas programme in order to save themselves from involvement in an unnecessary controversy.

On Oct. 18-19,1989 an emergency meeting of the High Power Committee appointed by Sri Ram Janambhoomi Mukti Yajna Samiti was held.

On Oct. 19,1989 Mahant Avaidyanath announced at the Press club Delhi that the Shila-Nyasa will in every case be performed at the designated place and time.

On Oct. 27,1989, while disposing of the writ petition of Sri V.M. Tarkunde, the Supreme Court gave the ruling that taking out of the religious processions was a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution. Therefore, the taking of the Ramshilas to Ayodhya could not be prevented.

On Nov. 2, 1989, the scholars from Kashi arrived in Ayodhya to identify the place for Shilanyas. Sri Chandrakant Sompura, the Chief Architect of the proposed temple, was also present at that time. They unanimously identified for this purposes a spot 192 ft from Vigrah to the East and 17-1/2ft. from there to the South.

On the evening of Nov. 2, 1989, an -8 ft. square piece of land at the approved site was tidied after coating it with cow- dung paste, and a flag planted at the spot.

On Nov. 5,1989, Sants and Mahants in their thousands as well as the raths full of venerated Ramshilas started arriving in Ayodhya.

On Nov. 6, 1989, the then Prime Minister, the then Union Home Minister, the then UP Chief Minister and others met Pujya Devraha Baba and sought to change the place for Shilanyas.

On Nov. 7,1989, after discussions with the Baba it was decided that the shilanyasa shall be performed at the very spot where the flag had been hoisted on 2nd November.

On Nov. 7,1989, the Allahabad High Court disposed of the writ petition of the UP Govt. containing the request that the High Court declare the place of Shilanyas as disputed and prevent the performing of the sail. The court ruled that it was for the government to decide whether the place was disputed or not.

From the speeches on Nov. 6-8,1989, of the Bajrang Dal Workers and the salts who had assembled at the huge tent township on the banks of river Saryu at Ayodhya, it was almost certain that the main Dharmacharyas of the VHP Margadarshak Mandal, the office bearers of the VHP and the 15 thousand assembled workers will be courting arrest. The atmosphere prevailing there was very tense.

On Nov. 8, 1989 to the joy and relief of crores of people the Govt. of UP declared that the place where Shilanyas was proposed to be performed was not a disputed territory. The police force deployed at the Shilanyas site was withdrawn. The dark clouds of doubt and suspense were shattered and the bright sun of Shilanyas shone brilliantly.

On Nov. 9,1989, Poojya Mahant Avaidyanathji, Poojya Vamdevji Maharaj, Mahant Sri Ramchandra ji appeared on the scene before 10-12 a.m. and the work of soil-excavation was accomplished in the presence of thousands of devotees.

On Nov. 10, 1989, amidst the blowing of conches and the loud shouting of religious slogans by lakhs of people, Sri Kameshwar Chopal, the Harijan brother from Bihar, laid the first shila in the presence of press reporters and photographers from amongst every country of the world. Therefore, with the laying of shilas by various Sants - Mahants, the programme of Shilanyas was successfully accomplished. People throughout the country at the very same time of 1.35 p.m. made flower offerings facing in the direction of Ayodhya.

On Nov. 10, 1989, a meeting of the Margadarshak Mandal was held at night. Every member was agreed that the natural corollary of Shilanyas was the construction of the temple. It was, therefore, decided that the Sants will go for kar-Seva on the next day i.e. the 11th November. It was decided that if they are prevented from doing so, then keeping in view the impending Lok Sabha General Elections, they will not resort to any harsh step like that of Satyagraha for the time being.

On Nov. 11, 1989, more than 7 thousand saints and grihasthas with their spades and pick-axes started from the banks of the Saryu towards the Janambhoomi. On the orders of the District Magistrate they were prevented there "m doing construction work. Hence, they returned to their camps.

On Jan. 27-28, 1990, at the Sant-Sammelan held at Prayagraj, it was decided that the construction work of the temple would be resumed on February 14,1990. The same time, the door was kept open for dialogue with the Government till February 6,1990, as the Prime Minister expressed a desire for such a dialogue.

On Feb. 6, 1989 the Prime Minister invited the Sarvadhikar Samiti of Sri Ram Janambhoomi Yagna Samiti for discussions. After the discussions, the Prime Minister wanted time for consultation with his ministerial colleagues. Afterwards, the Union Home Secretary informed the Samiti that the Prime Minister wanted some more time for finding solution to the problem and also that he has agreed to form a Committee for the purpose.

The Sarvadhikar Samiti was not satisfied with the attitude of the Government. 1 was, therefore, sent to Lucknow to prepare for the Satyagraha. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister issued a statement that he was confident that the solution to the problem could be found within four months.

On Feb. 7, 1990, a meeting of the members of the Sarvadhikar Samiti present in Delhi was held. It was decided that an emergency meeting of the Samiti be called on Feb. 9, 1990. It was also decided to meet the Prime Minister before the meeting of the Samiti and find out the basis of his optimism in the matter.

On Feb. 8, 1990, the members of the Sarvadhikar Samiti present in Delhi met the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister reiterated his confidence of finding the solution to the problem in four months time. The Samiti Members decided to give due consideration to the appeal of the Prime Minister in an emergency meeting.

At the emergency meeting of the Sarvadhikar Samiti held at Delhi on Feb. 9,1990, it was decided to wait for four months more to solve the problem which had defied solution for 450 years. Therefore, the appeal of the Prime Minister was accepted.