Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhumi Pujan LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ayodhya around 11:30am, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who had reached earlier, was seen making last-minute inspection at the venue. The prime minister first stopped at Hanumangarhi Temple for 'darshan', following which he arrived at 'Shree Ram Janmabhoomi' and was seen taking part in pooja and darshan of 'Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman'. He will shortly lay the first brick of the proposed three-storey grand temple at the spot where devotees believe that Lord Ram was born.

Ahead of the 'bhoomi pujan', West Bengal Chief Minister posted a message on 'brotherhood'. "Hindu Muslim Sikh Isaai, Aapas mein hain Bhai Bhai! Mera Bharat Mahaan, Mahaan Hamara Hindustan. Our country has always upheld the age-old legacy of unity in diversity, and we must preserve this to our last breath! (sic)," she wrote. Her tweet comes amid flurry of 'Jai Shree Ram' chants on the micro-blogging site.

12:22 pm : BJP members and workers perform special prayers at the party office in Kamalalayam, Tamil Nadu, as the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ram Temple is underway in Ayodhya.

12:18 pm : Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs 'Bhoomi Pujan' at Ram Janambhoomi site in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs 'Bhoomi Pujan' at Ram Janambhoomi site in #Ayodhya. This will be followed by a stage event. pic.twitter.com/5o46wvUSrk

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020

12:16 pm : Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu along with his spouse read out Ramayana with the personal staff at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas on the auspicious occasion of the Ram Temple Bhoomi Pujan.

On the auspicious occasion of the Bhoomi Pujan for construction of a grandiose temple for Lord Rama at his birthplace, Ayodhya, the Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu along with his spouse, Smt. Usha Naidu, read out Ramayana with the personal staff at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas. pic.twitter.com/Bso0lYMZHd

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 5, 2020