Hindu worshippers from across India gather each morning to pray in Ayodhya, near where a historic mosque was torn down three decades ago by religious zealots -- triggering inter-faith riots that killed thousands of people. The demolition of the centuries-old Babri Masjid shook the country's secular foundations and paved the way for the rise of Hindu nationalism as its dominant political force. Workers are now erecting a Hindu shrine where the mosque once stood, and Muslims fear a coming election in India's most populous state could see such endeavours repeated elsewhere. "It is a sign of nationalism and the people of the entire country are linked to it. This is the birthplace of Hindu god Ram," says Anil Mishra, a member of the trust overseeing the construction project. "This is no ordinary temple. This is a national temple that carries the emotions and feelings of the masses." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES ARRANGED IN SEQUENCES