Ram Temple consecration ceremony: A large number of invitation cards were distributed to dignitaries from different walks of life for the 'Pran Pratistha' (consecration) ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. General Secretary of Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust Champat Rai on Wednesday said at least 4,000 sages (sadhus) are being invited to the 'pranpratishtha' ceremony.
"At Ram Janambhoomi temple, a 4'3'' idol depicting the 5-year-old child form of Lord Ram (Ram Lalla idol) is being constructed at three locations in Ayodhya. Three artisans are building it on three different pieces of stone - one of the idols will be accepted by the Lord. These idols are 90% ready, finishing work - that will take about a week - remains to be done. The idol will be installed in the Grabhgriha on the ground floor. The ground floor of the temple is almost ready. So, there will be no problem in 'pranpratishtha'...At least 4000 sadhus are being invited to the 'pranpratishtha' ceremony. The list is ready...Efforts are also being made to ensure that one representative each from 50 countries also comes," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. The Uttar Pradesh government’s Department of tourism and Culture is organising the event with the help of the tourism and cultural council in each district. Also, the temple management prepared a series of religious events to mark the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple. The first event will start from Makar Sankranti (January 14-15) and continue till the inauguration of the Ram temple on January 22.
Events to be held in govt schools
The UP government also planned a series of events in the government-run schools. These will include art, essay writing, fancy dress competitions and religious songs based on Ramayan. Workshops on how to carve out idols of Lord Ram will also be organised. The UP government has approved a proposal to upgrade Ayodhya Research Institute, established on August 18, 1986. Now, it will be the International Ramayan and Vedic Research Institute for which the state government has approved a budget of Rs 5.72 crore. The project will be executed by the Department of culture.
(With agencies inputs)
Also read: PM Modi fulfilled Bal Thackeray's dream by building Ram Temple: Eknath Shinde
