The Janki Mahal Trust in Ayodhya, the “Sasural” of Lord Ram, is the Ram Mandir where Narendra Modi stayed thirty-two years ago

Janki Mahal Trust veterans recall January 14, 1992, as if it were yesterday. Because it was on this day that Narendra Modi, along with prominent BJP officials like Murli Manohar Joshi, slept in room number 108 as a regular karyakarta (functionary) at Ayodhya.

Modi never spent another night in Ayodhya.

He made a commitment to stay away from Ayodhya till a magnificent Ram Temple was constructed. Just 28 years later, in 2020, Modi fulfilled his promise and visited the temple town as prime minister for the new temple’s bhoomipujan (ground-breaking ceremony). He will now be present on January 22 for the Ram Lalla idol’s “Pran Pratishtha” (consecration) ceremony in the new temple. The Ram Janmabhoomi is next to the Janki Mahal Trust.

Ashok Kumar Verma of the Janki Mahal Trust explains to News18, “Modi was here as part of the Ekta Yatra led by Murli Manohar Joshi in 1991-92 from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.” The little room on the first level is accessed via a short staircase. “He was a regular Karyakarta back then, and he’s the prime minister now.”

“The Janki Mahal Trust is home to all of the prominent BJP and VHP leaders. Ashok Singhal, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia, LK Advani, and Rajnath Singh are among the people who have resided here. While displaying photos of the leaders’ trips, Verma said, “Singhal was staying here the day he was assaulted by the police in 1990 and returned here wounded. He may not have a photo of Modi since he was just a party worker at the time.

A file picture from January 14, 1992, showing Narendra Modi visiting Ayodhya.
The Janki Mahal Trust has a fascinating past, a stunning structure, and a Ram Lalla shrine where bhajans are recited continuously.

The outside of Ayodhya’s Janki Mahal Trust. 

“Lord Ram resides in Janki ji’s mahal here as a jamai (son-in-law). Here, we offer Lord Ram bhog and aarti eight times a day. Thus, we look after our damaad,” Verma explains.

Was it fated that during his tenure as prime minister, Modi would oversee the construction of the magnificent Ram Temple at Ayodhya, marking the culmination of the Hindu community’s 500-year struggle? As they eagerly anticipate the PM’s visit on January 22, the response at the Janki Mahal Trust is an emphatic yes.