The rituals for the grand bhoomi pujan of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have already begun as the city is all ready in a never seen before avatar to welcome PM Modi who will lay the foundation stone of the Ram Temple on Wednesday, August 5. The town which will have the historic Ram Temple is decked up to its best view to host the grand big event that will marked with no less than Diwali like celebrations. As city, roads, buildings, historical sites all being illuminised, take a look at how Ayodhya is looking to welcome the prime minister and witness the groundbreaking of Ram Mandir.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: The Sarayu river winds its way from the Nepalese border across the plains of north India. Not long before its churning gray waters meet the mighty Ganga, it flows past the town of Ayodhya.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: In 1949, as it is today, Ayodhya was a quiet town of temples, narrow byways, wandering cows and the ancient, mossy walls of ashrams and shrines.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: Hindu scriptures say Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram, making it one of the religion’s holiest places.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: Ram is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, who is part of Hinduism's holy trinity: Vishnu is the protector; Brahma is the creator; Shiva is the destroyer.
Nearly 200 people have been invited for the ceremony, according to the Ram temple trust. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath urged the people to light earthen lamps, decorate temples and recite Ramayana in memory of those "who laid down their lives in the temple struggle".
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: According to Hindu scriptures, Ram was born in Ayodhya tens of thousands of years ago. He was the eldest son of the Hindu King Dasharath of the Solar Dynasty, so-called because the monarchs were believed to be descendants of the sun. Ram is revered as "maryada purushottam," an excellent man of honor.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: It was to Ayodhya that Ram returned from exile after rescuing his wife, Sita, from the demon god Ravan in Sri Lanka, according to an ancient Sanskrit version of the Ramayan, the Hindu text about Ram's life.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: Ram ruled over his kingdom from Ayodhya, becoming the epitome of good governance, the Ramayan says. And, in the twilight of his life, he was said to walk through a door in Ayodhya directly to heaven.
Ayodhya ahead of the Ram Mandir groundbreaking on August 5.
Twelve priests on Monday conducted prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesh. This was to be followed by prayers to the deities of the dynasties of Lord Ram and goddess Sita. Today, prayers will be offered at Ayodhya’s Hanumangarhi temple.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: Lord Ram's devotees though would not be reaching Ayodhya due to pandemic but they are sending soil, holy water from their respective places to be used during rituals during the Ram Temple groundbreaking on August 5.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: For the ceremony, soil from more than 1500 holy places in the country and water from more than 100 rivers has been brought by devotees for Bhoomi Pujan ceremony.
Among the 175 people invited for the main ceremony are 135 `sants’ belonging to that many spiritual traditions, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra said in a series of tweets and at a press conference.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: Ram Mandir Teertha Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai Champat Rai said that 133 holy men have been invited for Bhoomi Pujan ceremony.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: Champat Rai said that the Mahant of Janaki Mandir in Nepal has been invited as well.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: It will be mandatory for everyone to arrive at the venue 2 hours before PM Narendra Modi arrives.
Yogi Adityanath called the event “historic”. "It is not only a historic but also an emotional moment as after 500 years the Ram temple work will start. It will be the foundation of a new India,” he said.
Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir bhoomi pujan: The trust asked devotees to organise “bhajans” and “kirtans” in places outside Ayodhya as well, while keeping restrictions related to COVID-19 in mind.
Ram Ki Paidi illuminated ahead of the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Ram Temple, in Ayodhya.
The ceremony will go on till 2 pm. An inscription of the temple will also be inaugurated, he said. Many things have been taken care of while inviting guests for the groundbreaking ceremony in view of the coronavirus pandemic, he said.
Ferry lights brings glow to the temple town of Ayodhya ahead of the groundreaking of Ram Mandir.
Roads are being illuminated, walls are being designed with graffiti, images depicting scenes from the Ramayan. Buildings on all main roads are being painted yellow as it is considered auspicious.
Cleaned sites, sanitised areas in Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir groundbreaking.
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