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What is the historical significance of Ayodhya?

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Ayodhya is a town in northern India recognized as a sacred city in Hinduism as the birthplace of Ram and a historical hub for Buddhism. The site has been a point of contention between Hindus and Muslims, particularly due to the presence of the Babri Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque, which was destroyed in 1992 amidst interreligious tensions. In 2019 the Supreme Court granted the site to Hindus, leading to the construction of the Ram Mandir, which opened on January 22, 2024. The location is believed by Hindus to be Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Ram. The destruction of the Babri Masjid led to widespread rioting and legal battles, which culminated in the Supreme Court’s decision to award the site to Hindus.