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Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra General Secretary Champat Rai announced on Monday that the installation of the lord Ram idol in the ‘Garbh Griha’ of the temple is scheduled for January 18, with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony to follow at 12:20 pm on January 22.
During a press conference, Rai revealed that Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj had crafted a new statue of Ram Lalla for the upcoming temple. Champat Rai confirmed the retention of the current Ram Lalla statue in the sanctum sanctorum.
Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid of Varanasi determined the auspicious timing for the ceremony, with religious rituals commencing on January 16 and continuing until January 21. The formal procedures for pre-Pran Pratishtha sacraments will initiate on January 16 and extend through January 21.
“The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony will take place on Jan 22. The idol for which ‘Pran Pratishtha’ will be done is expected to be around 150-200 kgs. On 18th January, the idol will be placed at its position in the ‘Garbh Griha’ of the temple,” said Rai.
The Pran Pratishtha, expected to conclude by 1 pm on January 22, will witness the presence of notable dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Conducted in the presence of 121 Acharyas representing diverse traditions, the ceremony will draw witnesses from various spiritual and tribal traditions, encompassing Shaiva, Vaishnav, Shaakta, Sikh, Bauddha, Jain, and more.
“There are Seven Adhivaasas in Pran Pratishtha ceremony, and a minimum of three Adhivasas are in practice. There will be 121 Acharyas conducting the rituals,” added Rai.
Rai expressed widespread enthusiasm for the consecration of Ram Lalla, with offerings pouring in from different states, including water, soil, gold, silver, gems, clothing, jewelry, bells, drums, and aromatic items. Notably, gifts were received from Janakpur and Sitamarhi for lord Ram, adding to the festive preparations.
The inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22 is anticipated to be a grand event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India.
In a separate development, senior members of the Congress party visited Ayodhya on Monday, paying obeisance to Lord Ram in the Hanuman Garhi temple. Senior leaders Deepender Hooda, Supriya Shrinate, Avinash Pande, and Ajay Rai took a dip in the Sarya river before visiting the temple, discussing the idea of bringing the proverbial ‘Ram Rajya’ in the country.
Their visit came a day before the scheduled commencement of rituals for the January 22 consecration ceremony. Last week, the Congress labeled the ceremony a “political event,” asserting that the BJP and RSS were attempting to derive political gains from religion. The party had initially turned down the invitation but later stated that its leaders didn’t need an invitation to visit the God’s abode.