Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated a monumental temple in Ayodhya, marking a pivotal moment for India's Hindu nationalists. The temple stands on a site steeped in controversy, where a centuries-old mosque was destroyed in a Hindu mob attack, setting a precedent for impunity in violence against Muslims.

Decades ago, foot soldiers and organizers, including a young Narendra Modi, embarked on an extensive campaign across 200,000 villages to collect millions of dollars for the construction of a grand Hindu temple in Ayodhya. Modi's inauguration of the temple is seen as the realization of a long-standing vision to establish Hindu supremacy in India, rallying the Hindu majority across castes and tribes.

In a ceremony filled with symbolism, Modi declared, "Today, our Ram has come. After centuries of patience and sacrifice, our Lord Ram has come. It is the beginning of a new era." The temple's construction on the disputed land, believed by Hindus to be the birthplace of the deity Ram, is not merely a religious monument but also represents the foundation for a Hindu nation, aiming to rectify perceived injustices from India's birth as a secular republic.

This moment signifies a triumph for Hindu nationalists and elicits jubilation from many, transcending political affiliations. The consecration of the Ram temple has sparked widespread excitement, with saffron-colored pennants adorning streets and markets, and posters of Ram promoting the event across the country. Despite being 70 percent incomplete, Modi's decision to inaugurate the temple ahead of an upcoming election underscores its profound significance in India's political and cultural landscape.