On January 14, 1992, members of the Janki Mahal Trust recall a memorable day—when Narendra Modi, then a humble BJP karyakarta (functionary), stayed overnight in room number 108 during his visit to Ayodhya with senior leaders, including Murli Manohar Joshi.
After that stay, Modi made a vow: he would not spend another night in Ayodhya until a grand temple for Lord Ram was constructed. True to his word, he only returned nearly three decades later—in 2020, this time as the Prime Minister of India, to perform the bhoomi pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) for the Ram Mandir. Now, on January 22, he is set to come again for the Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of the Ram Lalla idol.
Located close to the Ram Janmabhoomi site, the Janki Mahal Trust has its own historical significance. Ashok Kumar Verma, a long-time member of the trust, points to the very room where Modi once stayed. A narrow staircase leads to the modest chamber on the first floor. “At that time, he was just a regular party worker. Today, he is the Prime Minister,” Verma reflects.
Back then, Modi was traveling as part of the Ekta Yatra (1991–92), a nationwide march from Kanyakumari to Kashmir led by Murli Manohar Joshi. The Janki Mahal Trust has preserved the memory of that visit, connecting the ordinary karyakarta of 1992 with the Prime Minister who is about to consecrate the Ram Mandir in 2024.