Book on temple struggle in Ayodhya released

Sri Rama Janmabhoomi, a book written by retired professor P Ananthakrishna Bhat, was released at the office of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Kadri, on Friday.

The book chronicles the ongoing struggle in Ayodhya and the sacrifices of Hindus for the construction of Ram Mandir.

VHP Prantha Adhyaksha Prof M B Puranik, who released the book, said the book also documents Prof Bhat’s participation in the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992.

“When the mosque was demolished, I was present and witnessed how thousands of devotees broke through the tight security cordons in order to perform Kar Seva. Like Ayodhya, even Kashi and Mathura are holy sites to Hindus,” he stressed.

Bhat said 77 attempts had been made to destroy Ram Mandir. Babri Masjid is believed to have been constructed during 1528-29 by Mir Baqi, who was a commander of the Mughal Emperor Babur.

The mosque at the disputed site was known as Janmasthana Masjid and not as Babri Masjid, he added.

Local Muslims have no objection against the construction of Ram Mandir, Bhat said.

The Centre must either promulgate an ordinance or Supreme Court should order the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, he stressed.

VHP District President Jagadish Shenava was also present.