Prime Minister Narendra Modi who started his speech with Jai Siya Ram chant, said the entire country today is in the trance of Lord Ram. He said that a grand temple will now be built for Ram Lalla deity who had been living under a tent for many years.
"Every heart is illuminated; it is an emotional moment for the entire country... A long wait ends today," said the Prime Minister.
He added that given the raging pandemic, a "maryada" has been kept in mind during the "Bhumi Pujan". Earlier, Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat also said that the invitation could not be extended to many considering the CIOVID-19 pandemic.
"The 'Jai Siyaram' call is resonating not only in the city of Lord Ram today, but throughout the world. I express my gratitude to all citizens of this nation, Indian diaspora across the world and all the devotees of Lord Ram on today's pious occasion," he said.
He said that from Kanyakumari to Kshirbhavani, Koteshwar to Kamakhya, Jagannath to Kedarnath, Somnath to Kashi Vishwanath, all is immersed in Lord Ram.
He also referred to the fact how holy soil and water from across india reached Ram Janmabhoomi for 'Bhumi Pujan' ceremony.
The Prime Minister said Ram is in India's history and philosophy. In a significant statement, he used Ram to portray a "unity in diversity" of India, which he says is present in different forms in different areas of India.
The Prime Minister dressed in traditional attire (dhoti and kurta), earlier bowed in front of the deity -- Ram Lalla Virajman himself. Amid Shankhnaad, the PM offered his prayers to the deity after which he took part in an elaborate 'Bhoomi Pujan'.
During his address, PM Modi also said that the Ram Temple will become a modern symbol of India's traditions.
"Ram Mandir will become the modern symbol of our traditions. It'll become a symbol of our devotion, our national sentiment. This temple will also symbolise the power of collective resolution of crores of people. It will keep inspiring the future generations," PM Modi said.
He went on to say that the construction of the Ram temple marks a new chapter in India's history but added that Lord Ram is a symbol of strength and unity for all religions, irrespective of religion.
Narendra Modi also spoke how the construction of the modern temple will help the economy of the region and will be a strong symbol of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.