Ayodhya, 22 January 2024: In a historic moment anticipated to resonate in the upcoming general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Monday. The ceremony will include the consecration of the idol of the infant god Ram, commonly known as Ram Lalla, marking the culmination of a week-long series of rituals and prayers performed by 121 priests.
The temple town of Ayodhya has witnessed a surge in activity as thousands of people, including celebrities from the film, political, and sports spheres, arrived on Sunday in preparation for the momentous event. Ayodhya adorned itself with flowers, and its roads and pavements were spruced up to create a festive atmosphere.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, overseeing the temple’s construction, announced, “Immersed in devotion, the prana pratishtha ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya will be graced by the majestic mangal dhwani at 10 am. Witness over 50 exquisite instruments from different states come together for this auspicious occasion, resonating for nearly two hours.”
The final leg of the consecration ceremony, to be presided over by Prime Minister Modi, is scheduled to commence at 12:20 pm on January 22 and conclude around 1 pm. The stone idol, crafted by renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj of Karnataka, stands 51 inches tall and has been enthroned at the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple.
Ahead of the inauguration, the state government has undertaken extensive efforts to beautify Ayodhya, including widening roads, polishing newly built footpaths, and restoring the facade of buildings. The ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and representatives of various religious sects and tribal communities from across the country.
The Ram Temple, constructed in the Nagara style of architecture, features 392 columns and 44 doors, with 14 doors gilded in gold. In addition to the main shrine, temples at each corner of the circumambulation path will be adorned with 125 bronze figurines depicting the Ramayana. Seven additional temples dedicated to figures from the Ramayana will be built south of the main structure, surrounded by ample greenery.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated, “In the main sanctum sanctorum at ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed.” Prime Minister Modi is also expected to interact with workers involved in the temple’s construction and visit the restored ancient Shiva temple at Kuber Tila.
The foundation of the temple, constructed with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), gives it the appearance of artificial rock. The temple’s intricate floral decorations, totaling over 3,000 kg of flowers from more than 20 varieties, further enhance its grandeur.
As the nation eagerly awaits the inauguration, Ayodhya remains virtually cordoned off, with VIPs, media personnel with valid passes, and officials granted access to the celebratory event. The cultural department has arranged 100 stalls, where 2,500 folk artists performed on the eve of the grand event, adding to the festive atmosphere enveloping Ayodhya.
