Today marked a significant event as the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir unfolded, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The solemn ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony saw the installation of the new Ram Lalla idol at the impressive 161-feet tall pink sandstone shrine.
Among the dignitaries present were Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, all participating in the rituals within the sanctum sanctorum.
Prime Minister Modi, clad in a golden kurta and cream dhoti, expressed his joy at being part of this “divine program” upon arriving at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. He shared his sentiments, stating that the consecration of Shri Ram Lala’s life in Ayodhya Dham is a moment that will touch everyone emotionally, as he conveyed in a message written in Hindi on X.
The newly carved 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, crafted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, made its way into the temple on January 17 and found its place in the sanctum sanctorum on January 18 at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Done
Ayodhya experienced a surge in religious fervor as the long-awaited Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla unfolded on Monday, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and distinguished guests. During the consecration, Army helicopters adorned the temple premises with flower petals.
The 51-inch-tall idol, a masterpiece by sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, depicts a graceful five-year-old Lord Ram standing on a lotus, meticulously carved from a single stone block.
Approximately 7,000 VVIPs, including actors, sportspersons, industrialists, and politicians from across the nation, graced the grand event.
Designed in the traditional Nagara architectural style, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir compound spans 380 feet east-west, boasts a width of 250 feet, and stands impressively at 161 feet tall. The temple’s vertical structure comprises 20-foot-high floors supported by a remarkable ensemble of 392 pillars and adorned with 44 gates.
View this post on Instagram Prior to the ceremony, PM Modi observed a strict 11-day ‘anushthan,’ sleeping on the floor and consuming coconut water. He also embarked on visits to various temples across India and took a holy dip at the Rameswaram ‘Angi theerth’ beach in preparation for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s ‘pran-pratishtha’ ceremony.
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Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Major Updates
Here are the major updates on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration:
- Real-time visuals of the consecration captured RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seated alongside the Prime Minister. The RSS, short for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, serves as the ideological mentor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The images of their joint presence signify the collaborative effort of the BJP and RSS in the Ram Temple project.
- Earlier today, the PM shared an aerial video of Ayodhya, covering the 18 km distance from the town to the adorned temple. The temple, adorned with flowers and decorations, was showcased in the video, providing a unique perspective from the helicopter that transported him.
- Just before the ceremony, Mr. Modi expressed his joy to participate in a “divine program” at the Ram Temple. In Hindi, he conveyed that the consecration of Shri Ram Lala’s life in Ayodhya Dham is a supernatural moment that will evoke emotions in everyone.
- The consecration festivities will be celebrated nationwide, with Indians abroad marking the occasion with prayers at their local temples. The event is being compared to Diwali, signifying the joyous celebration of Ram’s homecoming after the battle with Ravan.
- The guest list for the ceremony includes high-profile figures such as Bollywood megastars Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, along with actors like Katrina Kaif and business tycoons Sunil Bharti Mittal and Anil Ambani. Cricket stars Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are also among the invitees.
- PM Modi, reportedly following a series of rituals including sleeping on the floor and consuming only coconut water, will address the gathering after the ceremony. The historic event will be attended by representatives from major spiritual and religious sects, as well as individuals from various walks of life.
- During the ceremony, PM Modi will interact with the laborers involved in building the temple, designed in the Nagara architectural style. The temple boasts 392 pillars, 44 doors, and walls adorned with intricate carvings, housing the idol of the five-year-old Ram in the sanctum sanctorum.
- Despite being the focal point of a prolonged political debate, the temple’s opening has received minimal support from most opposition parties, including Congress, Left, Trinamool, and Samajwadi Party. The BJP has responded by criticizing those who declined the invitation, labeling them as anti-Hindu.
- The event has not been without controversies, including dissent from the shankaracharyas of four prominent monasteries. Puri and Joshimath shankaracharyas have criticized the consecration of an incomplete temple and questioned the seating arrangements, alleging a political angle to the event.
- The construction of the temple commenced following a landmark 2019 Supreme Court judgment that awarded the disputed land for the temple and allocated an alternate plot for a mosque for Muslims. The issue, dating back to shortly after Independence, gained momentum when karsevaks demolished a 16th-century mosque on the site, believing it was built over the birthplace of Lord Ram.
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Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Done FAQs
Q.1. Who crafted the 51-inch idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
Ans. Sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru created the exquisite idol.
Q.2. How was PM Modi involved in the ceremony preparations?
Ans. PM Modi observed an 11-day ‘anushthan,’ visited temples, and practiced austerity before the ‘pran-pratishtha’ ceremony.
Q.3. What is the architectural style of the Ram Mandir?
Ans. The temple is designed in the traditional Nagara style, featuring 392 pillars, 44 gates, and standing at 161 feet tall.
Q.4. Who attended the inauguration ceremony as VIPs?
Ans. Over 7,000 VVIPs, including actors, sportspersons, industrialists, and politicians, graced the event.
Q.5. What controversies surrounded the event?
Ans. Some Shankaracharya criticized the temple’s consecration, citing political motives. Opposition parties, except the BJP, offered minimal support.
