The highly anticipated inauguration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya is on the horizon, marked by the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla scheduled between 12:15 pm and 12:45 pm on January 22. The auspicious event will witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, and Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the president of the temple trust.
Over 7,000 people, including cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan, Rajnikant, Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, and industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, have been invited by the temple trust.
Significance of Ayodhya Ram Mandir:
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The foundation stone was laid on August 5, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The construction is overseen by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, created by the Central Government, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,800 crore.
Historical Background:
The construction began in 2020 after the Supreme Court’s historic verdict in 2019, allocating the disputed 2.77-acre site to the Hindu side. The temple’s completion is expected by December, with public ‘darshan’ starting on January 23.
Inauguration Significance:
The inauguration on January 22 aligns with propitious periods in Hindu mythology, making it spiritually significant. The temple, designed by architect Chandrakant Sompura, stands at 2.7 acres with a built-up area of 57,400 sq. ft., featuring three floors, 12 gates, and intricate design details.
Events and Guidelines:
Leading up to the inauguration, various religious events are scheduled, and guidelines for visitors include traditional attire and security standards. Aarti timings, darshan slots, and the idol sculpted by Arun Yogiraj are noteworthy details.
Travel and Accessibility:
The temple can be reached by road, rail, or air. The newly inaugurated Maharishi Valmiki Airport connects Ayodhya to the rest of India. Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses provide 24-hour service, and the Ayodhya Junction railway station is the nearest.
Participation and Donations:
Visitors can participate in aarti with passes issued by the Trust. For donations, an online platform through UPI is provided on the official website. The live broadcast of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony can be watched on Doordarshan.
Distinguished Guests:
The guest list for the event includes political figures, sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Alia Bhatt, and industrialists like Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani.
As India gears up for this momentous occasion, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir stands as a testament to cultural and religious heritage, uniting people from various walks of life.