limited satisfaction – VHP of America

On behalf of the Hindu American community of USA, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) of America (VHPA) expresses limited satisfaction with the verdict delivered by Allahabad High Court in the ‘Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi (RJB) [Bhagwan Sri Ram’s Birth Place]’, Ayodhya, India, title suit.

We welcome the opinion of majority of justices that by belief and practice, the Sanctum Santorum of the temple is indeed the birthplace of Bhagwan Sri Ram (Ram Janma sthal) and should be allocated to Bhagwan Sri Ram where a temple can be built for His worship.

A majority of the court also accepted the findings of Archaeological Survey of India and ruled that the structure destroyed on Dec. 6, 1992 was constructed after demolition of a Hindu temple. Even Justice Khan admitted that the Babari structure was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple.

Hindu organizations have long claimed that the Babri structure was not a mosque, because it was not built as per the Islamic tenets. A majority of the justices has also upheld this contention. This vindicates VHPA’s long standing view on the Ram Janma Bhoomi movement and the need to have a grand Ram temple at the site where Bhagwan Sri Ram was born.

While the majority of the court has agreed with Hindu viewpoint on Sri Ram Janma Bhoomi, we respectfully disagree with High Court’s decision to allocate 1/3 of the land to Sunni Waqf Board. VHPA sees such a decision as inconsistent with the fundamental principles of justice and contrary to the corollary flowing out of High Court’s very own considered determination: that the disputed land is Bhagwan Sri Ram’s birthplace to begin with and the mosque was built over a razed-down pre-existing grand Hindu temple. This decision is tantamount to appeasement of a particular community which was not expected in judicial arena.

A billion Hindus around the world had been patiently watching, for almost six decades, the legal maneuvers hoping for a verdict wherein justice would be fully served. Hindus cannot accept building of a mosque, so close to their holy place, i.e., birth place of Bhagwan Sri Ram. VHPA feels that this verdict will create permanent friction between two religious communities, instead of bringing about reconciliation.

The Church of Nativity in the heart of Bethlehem marks one of Christianity’s most sacred sites as the birthplace of Christ. It is not just another Church. Similarly the temple at the site of Bhagwan Sri Ram’s birthplace in Ayodhya, India, is most sacred to all Hindus around the world. It is not just another Temple!

The RJB issue when seen in the context of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent plan for construction of a ‘symbol of victory’ in the form of Cordoba house, illustrates the long-lasting and far-reaching consequences of such events on the society for many a generations. Many of us are aware that the Cordoba House initiative symbolizes the butchery of Christians in Spain and the destruction of a Christian place of worship, the Cathedral of Cordoba, by Islamists. The church was then replaced by one of the then largest mosques in the world. Thankfully, it has been restored to its original state.

VHPA would advise Hindus all over the world to continue to engage with Indian authorities, through all legal means, and impress upon them to hand over the entire formerly disputed site to Hindus thereby facilitating the construction of a grand Sri Ram temple.

VHPA does not view this verdict as a victory or defeat. We view this as an important opportunity for all the people having ancestral or philosophical roots in the land of India to reunite and affirm their cultural and philosophical roots by building a grand temple to Bhagwan Sri Ram destroyed by a foreign invader.

VHP of America appeals to everyone for religious harmony, peace and respect for the rule of law irrespective of differences over the verdict. We hope that the democratic process and institutions which we faithfully cherish are respected and the limits of decency are not transgressed. Bhagwan Sri Ram’s virtues of Truth, Duty, Strength and Humility shall forever remain the hallmark of Hindu history.

Background Material:

About Bhagwan Sri Ram: Bhagwan Sri Ram is the foremost deity of Hindus. He is referred to as the ‘Lord of Virtue’. Bhagwan Sri Ram personifies the characteristics of an ideal person who is to be emulated. Bhagwan Sri Ram’s purity and piety in his intentions and actions inspire affection and devotion for him. Bhagwan Sri Ram is revered for his unending compassion, courage and devotion to dharmic values and duty.

About Sri Ram Janma Bhoomi Temple: Hindus. firm belief that a magnificent temple marked the hallowed birthplace of Bhagwan Sri Ram at Ayodhya, in northern India, is supported by scriptural and archaeological evidences. This magnificent temple, like thousands of other Hindu temples, was demolished in 1528 CE by Mir Baqi the commander of Muslim invader Babur. A three domed structure was built on the temple site using the remains and debris of the demolished temple. Ceaseless battles have been fought by the Hindus over more than four centuries to re-claim this temple site.

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