The grand consecration ceremony of Ram Temple scheduled to be held on 22 January is witnessing a new controversy every day.
Opposition parties have questioned the timing of it.
Despite this, the enthusiasm in the devotees of Lord Ram is at its peak and several of them have even set out on foot to Ayodhya from their respective cities to be at the Ram Temple on the day of “pran pratishtha” (consecration).
One such devotee of Lord Ram is Shabnam Khan, a Muslim woman from Delhi and a human rights activist, who embarked on a journey to Ayodhya on 3 January.
In an interview with Sputnik India, Khan talked about the motivation behind starting the journey, her experiences during the journey and challenges she faced.
What Motivated Delhi-Based Muslim Woman to Travel to Ayodhya?
Explaining her motivation to travel 700 kilometers on foot to reach Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Khan told Sputnik India that Lord Ram appeared to her in her dreams and asked her to visit.
“Lord Ram said in my dreams that when there was not temple then you used to fight for it, that it should be constructed as early as possible. And now when it has been constructed and pran pratishtha is being done then you are not coming. So, now you have to come and that too on foot,” Khan claimed.
She added that after she felt that a divine light was illuminating her house. It was then she decided to visit Ayodhya on the “auspicious occasion”.
Khan also said that though her mother and father are no more, they have blessed her and must feel proud that their daughter is on her journey to offer prayers to Lord Ram.
She also said that after returning from Ayodhya it is her wish to build a Temple to Ram in Delhi.
Pleasant Experience During the Journey
Covering the 700-kilometer journey from Delhi to Ayodhya on foot is not easy as the entire country especially norther part of India is witnessing extreme cold weather conditions and fog.
Despite inclement weather conditions, Khan has covered almost 500-kilometer distance and reached Lucknow (capital city of Uttar Pradesh) on Thursday (18 January).
Sharing her experiences during the journey, Lord Ram devotee said that she has been getting warm welcome at all the places.
“The 700-kilometer long journey has been pleasant for me despite blisters on my feet and fatigue because people have been very welcoming. When I was leaving Sawaijpur village near Hardoi, people were crying,” she said.
Khan also recalled an instance when she was greeted warmly by a Muslim shopkeeper whom she met when she wanted to purchase track pants.
Khan has also faced several challenges due to her unwavering devotion to Lord Ram despite her Muslim identity.
“For this journey, I am travelling alone from Delhi and frankly speaking I never felt afraid. I have neither taken any security with me and all of this is because Lord Ram’s blessings. I never felt that I am alone. People whom I met during the journey have been very supportive and welcoming,” she said.
But she revealed that people used to threaten her, but nothing could deter her.
Politics on Religion Not Good
There has been a massive uproar ever since the dates of consecration were announced. However, Khan feels that politics on religion is not good and should not be done.
“Even Muslims of the country want to connect with Hindus, Lord Ram and Sanatan Dharma. But some people from the community have misled them. They have threatened them that if they would raise slogan in favour of Lord Ram they will be ousted from Islam but Islam never teaches to disrespect or disregard any religion,” Khan stated.
She further said that all the religions teach coexistence in peace and harmony and with unity. "I call the self-proclaimed Muslims leaders as mullahs and urge the Muslims of the country to follow the Islam written by Allah and not what is being told by these mullahs," Khan stated.