Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration on Monday of a grand temple in the city of Ayodhya on a site believed to be the birthplace of Hindu god Ram.
"The supernatural moment of the consecration ... is going to leave everyone emotional," Modi posted on social network X minutes before the ceremony began. "It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme."
Nearly 8,000 people were invited to Monday's ceremony, while more than 10,000 police personnel guarded the city of 3 million.
The temple opens to the public on Tuesday and its management expects 100,000 visitors each day for the next few months.
The temple is built on the site of a 16th-century mosque that was demolished in 1992.
At least 73 injured after Houthi rebels attack Saudi civilian and energy facilities
Nepal rescue focused on workers trapped in three tunnels
Indonesia reopens Jakarta airport, four others after Anak Krakatau ash clears
Russia hits Kyiv after brief pause for US envoys' visit, killing two
Kenya offers temporary amnesty to undocumented East Africans amid crackdown fears
