Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan Highlights: With temple construction, history is not only being made but repeated, says PM Modi

2.10 PM: We have to ensure everyone's progress by taking all everyone along, says PM Modi

2.05 PM: Ram Temple to reflect rich Indian heritage

I believe this grand Ram Temple built in Ayodhya, like the name of Shri Ram, will reflect the rich heritage of Indian culture, says PM.

1.59 PM: PM Modi: There is no aspect of life where our Ram does not inspire. There is no such feeling in which Ram is not experienced. Ram is in the faith of India, he is in the ideals of India! Ram is in the divinity of India, Ram is in the philosophy of India.

1.58 PM: Due to the conditions created by the coronavirus, this programme of Bhoomi Pujan is taking place amidst many limitations, says the PM.

1.57 PM: Today is the proof of the truth and resolve of crores of devotees, says the PM

1.56 PM: This process of construction of Ram temple is an attempt to connect the nation, says PM Modi

1.55 PM: Ayodhya will be modern symbol of India's rich traditions: PM

The PM has said the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will become the modern symbol of India's rich traditions. "It'll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of collective resolution of crores of people," he said.

1.54 PM: Today entire country is immersed in Lord Ram: PM

It's my fortune that I have been invited to take part in this historic event. I thank the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust for this. Today, the entire country is immersed in Lord Ram, says PM Modi

1.51 PM: India is creating a golden chapter in Ayodhya, wait of centuries ends today: PM Modi after Ram temple groundbreaking ceremony.

1.45 PM: PM congratulates nation

"A grand temple will now be built for our Ram Lalla who had been staying in a tent. Today Ram janmbhoomi breaks free of the cycle of breaking and getting built again - that had been going on for centuries," says PM Narendra Modi. - ANI

1.35 PM: 'Jai Siyaram', says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the 'Jai Siyaram' call is resonating not only in the city of Lord Ram but throughout the world today. "I express gratitude to all citizens of this nation, Indian diaspora across the world and all the devotees of Lord Ram on today's pious occasion."

1.28 PM: Advani ji must be at his home watching this: Bhagwat

So many people had sacrificed, they couldn't be here physically. There are some who couldn't come here, Advani ji must be at his home watching this. There are some who should've come but couldn't be invited because of the situation (COVID-19), says Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Chief.

1.26 PM: India has shown how matters be resolved peacefully: Yogi

Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the power of India's democratic values and its judiciary has shown the world that how can matters be resolved peacefully, democratically and constitutionally, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

1.21 PM: Hindu Muslim Sikh Isaai, Aapas mein hain Bhai Bhai: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said, "Hindu Muslim Sikh Isaai, Aapas mein hain Bhai Bhai! Mera Bharat Mahaan, Mahaan Hamara Hindustan. Our country has always upheld the age-old legacy of unity in diversity, and we must preserve this to our last breath," she tweeted.

1.18 PM: Ram manifestation of best human qualities: Rahul

Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram is the manifestation of the best human qualities. They are the core of humanity in the depths of our mind, says Rahul Gandhi.

1.14 PM: It defines our spirit of social harmony: President

Felicitations to all for the foundation laying of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Being built in tune with law, it defines India's spirit of social harmony and people's zeal, says President Ram Nath Kovind.

1.10 PM: Soil from 2,000 pilgrim sites brought to Ayodhya

Soil from more than 2000 pilgrimage sites and water from more than 100 rivers was brought for the ground-breaking rituals. - ANI

12.59 PM: Ram Temple 'Bhoomi Pujan' ends

PM Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel & President of Ram Mandir Trust Nitya Gopal Das will be on stage for the event.

12.50 PM: Those forgetting sacrifices of 'kar sevaks' Ram drohi: Sena

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said those who forget the sacrifices of 'kar sevaks' at the time of 'bhoomi pujan' of the Ram temple construction in Ayodhyawill be "Ram drohi". The 'bhoomi pujan' event is of the entire country and Hindus. But what is this adamant stand that nobody should get credit, the Sena wondered in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. - PTI

12.49 PM: Prayers in different parts of India

From Sri Rama Temple Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, to prayers in BJP office at Kamalalayam, Tamil Nadu, prayers are being offered in different parts of the country to mark the ground-breaking ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayohya.

12.30 PM: 9 bricks used during Bhoomi Pujan

"Nine bricks are kept here. These were sent by devotees of Lord Ram from around the world in 1989. There are 2 lakh 75 thousand such bricks out, of which 100 bricks with 'Jai Shri Ram' engraving have been taken," says Priest at Ram Temple 'Bhoomi Pujan'. (ANI)

12.21 PM: PM takes part in 'Bhoomi Poojan'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes part in Ram Temple 'Bhoomi Pujan' at Ayodhya.

12.20 PM: Modi plants a Parijat sapling

Prime Minister Narendra Modi plants a Parijat sapling before foundation stone-laying ceremony.

12.15 PM: PM performs 'sashtang pranam'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs 'sashtang pranam' (prostration) at Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya.

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12.08 PM: Modi offers prayers to Ram Lalla

PM Narendra Modi offers prayers to Ram Lalla deity, groundbreaking ceremony for temple to begin shortly

12.04 PM: PM proceeds to Ram Janmabhoomi site

As per the tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi Temple before proceeding to Ram Janmabhoomi site. UP CM Yogi Adityanath will also accompanying him. Before 'Bhoomi Pujan', the PM will plant a Parijat (night-flowering jasmine) sapling.

11.50 am: PM Modi offers prayers at Hanuman Garhi

11.45 am: PM presented with headgear

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented with a headgear, silver 'mukut' and stole by Sri Gaddinsheen Premdas Maharaj, head priest of 10th-century Hanuman Garhi Temple.

11.25 am: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat reaches Ram Janmabhoomi pujan site

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has reached the Ram Janmabhoomi pujan site in Ayodhya. He will also take part in the ceremony along with PM Modi and others.

11.17 am: PM Modi to reach Hanumangarhi temple soon

PM Modi after reaching Ayodhya will first visit the 10th century Hanumangarhi Temple, to offer prayers to Hanuman as per tradition. The premises of the temple were sanitised earlier today. After praying at the temple, PM Modi will proceed to Ram Janmabhoomi site to offer prayers to Ram Lalla and lay the foundation stone for Ram Mandir.

11.09 am: Patanjali to make gurukul at Ayodhya, says Baba Ramdev

Baba Ramdev says that it is "India's biggest fortune that we are witnessing the Ram Mandir event" adding that to establish Ram Rajya in India, "Patanjali Yogpeeth will construct a grand gurukul in Ayodhya" and people from all over the world "will be able to study Ved, Ayurved here."

11.02 am: PM Modi tallest leader of India in last 500 years, says Shivraj Chouhan

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Wednesday that "PM will lay the foundation stone of Ram Mandir today in Ayodhya. The 'mahayagya' which started 500 years ago, is culminating today. The willpower and resolve shown by PM Narendra Modi has today made him the tallest leader of India in the last 500 years."

10.56 am: Uma Bharti tweets ahead of Ram Mandir Bhoomi pujan

BJP leader Uma Bharti has reached the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya for the foundation laying ceremony. She had earlier said she would skip the event and visit the site sometime later. In a tweet she said, "I am devoted to Lord Ram. I am here on the orders of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas."