Prime Minister’s Aerial View of Ram Setu Sparks Spiritual Reverence and Renewed Debate Over Heritage Status

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described a spiritually charged moment on Sunday, sharing that he witnessed the ancient Ram Setu—a chain of limestone shoals linking India and Sri Lanka—from his aircraft while returning from a three-day diplomatic visit to Sri Lanka. The sighting coincided with the Surya Tilak ceremony in Ayodhya, where sunlight illuminated the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol at the newly constructed Ram Temple, an event Modi called a “divine coincidence”.

A Mid-Air Spiritual Moment Modi posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing the aerial view of the Ram Setu, revered in Hindu tradition as the bridge built by Lord Ram’s army in the epic Ramayana. “Prabhu Shri Ram is a uniting force for all of us. May His blessings always remain upon us,” he wrote, linking the timing of his mid-air darshan (sacred viewing) to the Surya Tilak ritual in Ayodhya during Ram Navami celebrations. The prime minister’s visit to Sri Lanka included prayers at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple and the launch of infrastructure projects, reinforcing bilateral ties.

Heritage Status Debate Intensifies The event has reignited discussions about granting Ram Setu national monument status, a demand pending since 2007 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy petitioned the Supreme Court to protect the site from the Sethusamudram shipping canal project. In 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed a separate plea to expedite the declaration, stating it was an “administrative matter” for the government.

As recently as January 2023, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Ministry of Culture was still evaluating Swamy’s request. Critics argue the delay reflects bureaucratic indecision, while supporters emphasize the site’s spiritual and archaeological significance. The limestone shoals, stretching from Tamil Nadu’s Pamban Island to Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island, remain a flashpoint between developmental projects and cultural preservation.

Social Media Polarization Modi’s post drew swift reactions online. Supporters hailed the moment as symbolic of India’s cultural revival, while opponents questioned the government’s prioritization of symbolic gestures over tangible policy action, such as conferring heritage status. The Ram Setu’s mythological resonance—as a bridge connecting devotees to Lord Ram’s legacy—continues to fuel both reverence and political contention.

What’s Next? The Supreme Court has directed the government to clarify its stance on the heritage designation, but no timeline has been set. With Modi’s latest remarks amplifying attention on the site, pressure mounts for a resolution that balances faith, history, and governance. For now, the Ram Setu remains a celestial spectacle from the skies and a terrestrial quandary on the ground.

Note: The Surya Tilak ceremony, involving precise astronomical alignment to illuminate the Ram Lalla idol, marked its second occurrence since the temple’s January 2024 consecration, drawing millions of devotees.