UP: Earthmovers pave way for Ram temple in Ayodhya

AYODHYA: Heavy earthmoving machines rolled into the 67.7acre Ramjanmabhoomi premises in Ayodhya on Saturday afternoon, marking the beginning of construction of the Ram Mandir.
Chief priest of the makeshift temple, Acharya Satyendra Das, witness to JCB machines hurtling into the once disputed area, said, “It’s a joyous moment for Hindus as we are now free from 500 years of slavery.” Talking to TOI, Acharya Das said, “Machines have begun levelling land and clearing bushes and heavy thickets.”
The premises also houses more than 12 ancient temples, including Ram Janamsthan and Sita Rasoi, which are in ruins. No rituals are performed here since 1993, when land was acquired by the Centre. There’s still now word from the Trust whether these temples would be renovated or annexed into the greater temple design. Dr Anil Mishra, a trustee, said, “The Trust will decide the fate of these structures and on restarting worship.”
Ram Lalla idols will be shifted 150m from Garbh Griha towards the north-east during Ram Navami to pave way for temple. This was confirmed by sources in office of Ayodhya royal Bimlendra Pratap Mishra.