Gauranga Das: Role of the Ram Mandir In Fostering National Unity And Bridging Caste Divide

Ram Mandir is not just a representative of faith but it also allows for facilitating National Integration and bridging caste and community divide. It is very important to recognize the significance of Ram Mandir as a catalyst for social harmony, beyond its bricks-and-mortar form.

Socialist thinker Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia argued that Ram’s exile was an attempt to bring India under one rule as it spread from Ayodhya to Sri Lanka passing through areas, which are now known as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The Ram Temple integrates nation by seamlessly blending North and South Indian architectural styles while using materials like pink sandstone from Rajasthan, teakwood from Maharashtra, Granite and flooring from Telangana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, skilled construction workers from various states, artistic elements like sandstone carving from Odisha, Brassware from Uttar Pradesh, gold detailing from Maharashtra, and ritual bells from Tamil Nadu, etc.

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During his exile, Ram epitomized social inclusivity through his examples like the bear king Jambavan sharing crucial knowledge with Hanuman despite their different backgrounds, Ram accepting Shabari’s humble offerings while transcending the existing social norms, Ram embracing Ravan’s brother Vibhishana because of his righteousness, Jatayu’s selfless act showing that compassion crosses sect-based boundaries, Ram staying long in the Dandak forest, with the cooperation of the local tribal communities, etc.

Although Ram Temple is the epicenter of the Temple complex, it is surrounded by temples for other gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Annapurna and Bhagwati, Ganesha, Hanuman, Surya, as well as those for saints like Valmiki, Vashishta, Vishwamitra, Jatayu, and Sabari, signifying the social integration and the relatability with diverse beings.

While the road to national and social integration is long and requires sustained efforts, it is the responsibility of individuals, religious leaders, and temple authorities to ensure that this temple becomes a beacon of harmony for all.