Shriram Temple was many times bigger than Babri – K.K. Muhammed, former Director, Archaeological Survey of India

K.K. Muhammed

New Delhi – Former Director of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), K.K. Muhammed made several shocking revelations while speaking to a news agency. He said, “Every piece of evidence found in the excavations conducted by the Archaeology Department testified that Shriram Temple was many times bigger than the Babri Masjid. I have also received an invitation to the Shriram Temple consecration ceremony and I am very happy about it. I have seen people visit Ayodhya irrespective of winter, summer or monsoon. There was no temple then, but people had faith. It was a struggle over 500 years, which is now over. It was a great blow to the hearts of Indians. Those wounds are now healed. I am grateful that Deity Shriram chose me for this historic and monumental task”. K.K. Muhammed gave pertinent answers on several points. Some of those important points are given below.

Several evidence proving the existence of Shriram Temple

In 1976, a team of 10 members of the ASI reached Ayodhya under the leadership of Prof B.B. Lal. When we approached the Babri Masjid structure there, the Police stopped us from entering. We told them that we were there for research, then we were allowed inside. Upon entering, the 12 pillars appeared to date back to the 12^th century and bore evidence related to the temples. There were also sculptures of Deities on them, but they were defaced. Kalashas (ritualistic pots) were also carved on them. This was the first evidence. Later in 2003, important evidence were found in the excavations under the guidance of Dr B R Mani. It contained important items related to the consecration in the temple. Inscriptions were found, 90 pillars were found inside, on which a grand temple must have once stood. More than 216 idols made of terracotta were found.

Prof Muhammed took a firm stand on Shriram Temple at the risk of his job

In 1990, communist historians like Irfan Habib, Romila Thapar etc. published statements in the newspapers that the excavations in the Babri structure in Ayodhya did not find anything and that the structure was standing on flat land. It was falsely stated that Archaeologist Prof B.B. Lal also found nothing in the excavation. Therefore, these communists claimed in their news articles that it is wrong to say there is proof of temple under the Babri structure. The next day, Prof Lal gave an interview to newspapers and said that the communists had published false facts. Evidence of the existence of a temple has been found there. After this, an attempt was made to isolate Prof Lal. Everyone stepped forward to disprove him. At that time, I thought ‘this is all going wrong’. After that I told the media that I was involved in the excavation in Ayodhya. I firmly told the media, ‘Evidence of a temple has been found there. Prof Lal has told the truth’. After my statement was published, many were shocked. My job was at risk. I was called to Delhi and reprimanded a lot, but I insisted that I could not lie. Even if I lose my job, I will stand by my words. At that time, I received help from senior IAS officer H Mahadevan and Prof K. B. Raman of Madras University. It saved my job, but I was transferred to Goa’.

Muslims should return the places of Hindus to them

As important as Mecca and Medina are to Muslims, Ayodhya, the birthplace of Deity Shriram, and Mathur, Kashi are important to Hindus. Therefore, the Muslims themselves should come forward to build a temple there. Hand over these places to the Hindus and end all the disputes. Let us all move on with fresh enthusiasm from the day of consecration of Shriram Temple. Muhammad appealed to all Indians to participate in this celebration.

How come a mosque exist where idols are installed ?

An inscription dating back to the 11th century was found during excavations in 2003. It was written that this temple is dedicated to the incarnation of Deity Vishnu who killed Bali and Ravan. From this it was clear that reference was made to the Shriram. Idols of Deity Ganesh were also found. Idols cannot be installed in mosques. So how come a mosque be standing there ?