Jai Shri Ram to Jai Siya Ram: A subtle departure from aggressive bhakti?

In a highly-anticipated event watched by millions on television, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday laid the foundation in Ayodhya of the Ram temple, the culmination of a campaign that fuelled the rise of the BJP and marked the fulfilment of one of its core poll promises. Amid the chanting of shlokas, Modi consecrated the very first bricks for the temple at the spot where many devout Hindus believe Lord Ram was born.

Prime Minister Modi, clad every inch a Ram Bhakt, did a 'Shashtaang Dandavat Pranam' when he went for the darshan of Ramlalla Virajman.

PM Modi, after the bhoomi pujan ceremony, started and ended his speech with chants of “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai” and “Jai Siya Ram”. Lord Ram’s goddess wife Sita is also known as Siya.

"We have to bring development to everyone with everyone's trust and help. It should be kept in mind that progress has taken place when humanity believed in Ram but destruction has happened when we strayed from his path," he added.

He told the gathering that a grand temple will now be built for “Ram Lalla”, the infant Ram, who had been living in a temporary tent for years.