Sand sculptor creates replica of Ram Mandir on Durban beachfront

Hindus in South Africa responded to a call from the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and its affiliates to celebrate the re-opening of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya last week by lighting a lamp at their home or local temple.

Several local Hindu organisations joined in the worldwide celebrations with commemorative events and prayers.

Local radio presenter Shobha Mohangi commissioned Durban sand sculptor Thulani Zama to construct a replica of the Ram Mandir on the Durban beachfront where they lights lamps in commemoration of the event.

The idol of Lord Ram was unveiled at the temple on Monday on the site of a 16th-century mosque that was demolished by Hindu hardliners in 1992. The Indian High Court had ruled in 2008 that the demolition was justified as the mosque had been built on the same site where a Hindu temple was and revered as the birth place of Lord Ram.

Depicted as a young boy, the new statue that was unveiled, is made from black stone and is adorned with gold jewellery, gemstones, diamonds and flowers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the opening ceremony conducting rituals.

Ranjiv Nirghin, president of the Midland’s Hindu Society said the temple restoration was a “symbol of the restoration of righteousness” and was celebrated throughout the world as a second Diwali.

“This Ram Mandir restores the dignity of Hindus who worship the virtues espoused by Lord Rama, the epitome of righteousness and Dharma,” he said.

Raj Dhanlall, the president of the Hindi Shiksha Sangh said the inauguration of the Ram Mandir was extremely important for the global Hindu community.

“The matter was finally settled by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India on Novembe 9, 2019. While the matter evoked immense religious and political debate, the apex court looked at the matter clinically as a dispute over land.

“This judgment paved the way for the building of the Ram Mandir at the site where it is believed that Lord Rama was born. Hence the first ‘murthi’ to be consecrated would be that of Ram Lalla, meaning Baby Lord Rama,” said Mr Dhanlall.

Mr Modi said the opening of the temple heralded a “new era” for India, at a ceremony that embodied the triumph of his muscular Hindu nationalist politics, galvanising loyalists ahead of elections this year.

Hindus believe Ram, one of the most revered Hindu gods, was born in the town more than 7 000 years ago, but that the Babri mosque was built over his birthplace by a 16th-century Muslim emperor.