Journey of Faith: Who is Shabnam, the Muslim woman travelling from Mumbai to Ayodhya on foot?

It is believed there are over a thousand temples of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

However, the consecration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple has drawn the world’s attention.

In a heartening tale, a young Muslim woman named Shabnam Shaikh has embarked on a padayatra from Mumbai to Ayodhya.

Her unwavering devotion to Lord Ram, while being a Muslim, is what sets her path apart.

Who is Shabnam?

Shabnam Shaikh, a young Muslim woman living in Mumbai, is an ardent devotee of Lord Ram.

On 21 December, she and her two companions, Vineet Pandey and Raman Raj Sharma, set out to cover 1,425 kilometres on foot.

Her faith in Lord Ram is strong since she believes that the world brims with people who worship him regardless of their religion or location.

According to NDTV, she said, “Lord Ram belongs to everyone, irrespective of their caste or religion.”

She also wants to debunk the common belief that only boys are capable of making such difficult trips, as per Mashable India.

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A spiritual quest

After travelling 25–30 kilometres per day, the three young people have now arrived in Sindhava in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani.

The three pilgrims, who have already gained popularity on social media, claim that their devotion to Lord Ram motivates them in spite of the exhaustion that comes with a long pilgrimage, reported NDTV.

Contrary to rumours, Shabnam also clarified that there is no fixed date for her arrival in Ayodhya.

She underlines that her path is an inner quest for spiritual fulfilment and an expression of the unity of devotion that cuts beyond religious lines.

Numerous challenges

Shabnam’s pilgrimage has not been an easy one.

The police have played a crucial role in organising her food and accommodation while also ensuring her safety.

The police made sure she was safe on her trip through sensitive areas in Maharashtra and assisted them in getting out of some difficult situations.

Moreover, despite some hateful comments on social media platforms, Shabnam is still unaffected and delighted since many responses online have been supportive and positive.

According to her, there have also been encouraging moments of solidarity as she marches forward while carrying the saffron flag, with many people, including Muslims, greeting her with a “Jai Shri Ram.”

About Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

The consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is scheduled for 22 January. Preparations are in full swing, and invitations have been sent to esteemed saints and prominent individuals.

The under-construction grand temple is said to be “atmanirbhar” in its own way. According to media reports, it has a pan-India appeal, with inspiration from north as well as south Indian temple architecture.

Materials used in the construction have been sourced from various parts, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and more.

The grand temple will have 392 pillars, a 14 feet-wide “percota” periphery which will span 732 metre, Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai said, sharing the landscape plan with a group of journalists.

The complex will also feature a fire brigade post, which will be able to source water from an underground reservoir.

The Ram temple complex will have a lift facility and two ramps at the entrance to facilitate elderly, specially-abled visitors.