Ayodhya is nothing without Lord Ram, says President

President Ram Nath Kovind said on Sunday said that Ayodhya is nothing without Lord Ram. Kovind had visited the city to inaugurate a Ramayan conclave. A postal cover of the Ramayan conclave was also unveiled by the President on the occasion.

"Without Ram, Ayodhya is not Ayodhya. Ayodhya exists where there is Ram. Lord Ram resides permanently in this city, and hence in the true sense, this place is Ayodhya," the President said. He was also scheduled to visit the Ram janmabhoomi construction site in the city where a Ram temple is under construction following the Supreme Court verdict in 2019.

"I feel that when my family members named me, they were possibly having the feeling of respect and affection towards Ram Katha and Lord Ram, which is seen in the common public," the President said, referring to his own name.

Explaining his definition of Ayodhya, he said, "The literal meaning of Ayodhya is the one with whom it is impossible to wage a war. Owing to the courage and power of Raghuvanshi kings Raghu, Dileep, Aj, Dashrath and Ram, their capital was considered unconquerable. Therefore, the name of this city as 'Ayodhya' will always remain relevant."

Referring to mythology, the President highlighted the love of Lord Ram towards tribals and said, "During his days of exile, Lord Ram did not call armies of Ayodhya and Mithila to fight the war. He gathered the Kols, Bheels, Vaanars and formed his army. In his campaign, he included 'Jatayu (vulture)'. He strengthened love and friendship with the tribals."