In a significant development, the idol of Ram Lalla was reverently placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Thursday. This comes as a prelude to the ‘pran-pratishta’ ceremony scheduled for January 22. The 51-inch idol, skillfully sculpted by a resident of Mysuru with a family history of five generations of renowned sculptors, was brought to the temple on the preceding day.
During the placement ceremony, the first glimpses of the Ram Lalla idol, veiled in reverence, were revealed. The media in-charge of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Sharad Sharma, shared the photographs capturing this significant moment. ANI reported the presence of Vedic Brahmins and revered acharyas leading worship ceremonies within the sacred precincts of the temple. Members of the Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra were also actively involved in the prayers, according to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
A priest associated with the consecration ceremony, Arun Dixit, conveyed that the idol placement occurred on Thursday afternoon amidst the chanting of prayers. The ‘pradhan sankalp,’ a crucial ritual, was performed by Anil Mishra, a trust member. Arun Dixit explained that this ritual symbolizes the consecration of Lord Ram for the well-being of all, the nation, humanity, and those who contributed to the temple’s construction.
Moreover, various rituals were performed, including the offering of ‘vastras’ to Brahmins, and specific responsibilities were assigned to individuals involved in the ceremony.
Looking ahead, the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony on January 22 will witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya. Led by priest Lakshmikant Dixit, a team of priests will conduct the main rituals during the ceremony. The event has garnered attention from several celebrities and notable personalities, who have been invited to participate.
The temple is anticipated to open its doors to the public on January 23. The ongoing rituals leading up to the consecration ceremony mark a significant chapter in the construction of the temple, built on the site believed by many to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The temple’s construction was facilitated by a historic Supreme Court judgment in 2019, resolving the long-standing dispute over the site that began with the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 by ‘kar sevaks.’
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