Ayodhya: The Conversion of a Controversial Spiritual City into the 'Hindu Vatican'

In the northern Indian city of Ayodhya, a new $217 million temple for the Hindu deity Lord Ram is set to open. This temple is part of a multi-billion dollar makeover that aims to transform Ayodhya into a "Hindu Vatican". The construction work is already underway, with the temple expected to greet 150,000 visitors per day when fully complete. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is eyeing a third consecutive term, will open the temple just months before the general elections, leading critics to question the timing and suggest that it is more politically strategic than religiously significant. The temple replaces a 16th-century mosque that was torn down by Hindu mobs in 1992, sparking nationwide riots. Despite the Supreme Court granting the site to Hindus, some locals are unhappy with the demolition and the disruption caused by the road-widening initiative. However, officials maintain that compensation has been provided to affected residents and the transformation of Ayodhya is progressing.