We stand on the eve of the grand inauguration of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, a momentous occasion for both India and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled a crucial promise to voters in a pivotal year for Indian politics, as the nation prepares to choose its next leader in the coming months.
As the spotlight turns to Lord Ram, the temple, and Ayodhya, India is gearing up for festive celebrations reminiscent of Diwali, with people illuminating their homes with Ram Jyoti. With less than 24 hours remaining before the “pran pratishtha,” here's a comprehensive overview of the temple, its construction, and more.
January 22nd is destined to be etched in history, a day to be remembered for years to come. But why was this specific date chosen for the consecration of the Ram Mandir? The answer lies in its auspicious significance.
The pivotal moment during the opening of the Ram temple is the “pran prathistha” ceremony, scheduled to commence at 12:20 pm on Monday and conclude by 1 pm. This Hindu ritual involves bringing the deity to life, enabling it to receive prayers and bestow blessings upon worshippers.
The Ram temple stands as a unique architectural marvel. The three-story shrine, crafted in the Nagara style with its origins in North India, features high pyramid-shaped Shikhara towers crowned with kalashes. Notably, no iron has been utilized in its construction. Get an exclusive glimpse into the distinctive appearance of the temple
Majestic and splendid, designed to withstand floods and earthquakes with a projected maintenance-free lifespan of at least 1,000 years. The chief architect behind this remarkable temple is Chandrakant Sompura, based in Ahmedabad. He embarked on this challenging project approximately 32 years ago, and this is the narrative of his journey.
Transitioning from the temple to the idol, Ram Lalla found its place inside the sanctum sanctorum on Thursday amidst the reverberation of hymns. Sculpted from black stone, the idol portrays the deity as a five-year-old child. This artistic creation is attributed to Arun Yogiraj, a renowned sculptor from Karnataka, known for his work on the Netaji statue at India Gate and the Adi Shankaracharya statue in Uttarakhand.
The temple's inauguration will be steeped in rituals, with PM Modi actively participating in an 11-day anushthan that commenced on January 12. This regimen involves stringent penance, mental and physical purification through meditation, and adherence to a "Satvik" diet.
The invitation to one of the year's most significant events is highly coveted, with the prime minister and numerous notable figures expected to grace Ayodhya on Monday. The guest list includes spiritual leaders, business magnates, movie stars, sports personalities, and more.
For Ayodhya, the Ram temple signifies a blessing, bringing about a transformative impact on the spiritual city. With the recent establishment of an international airport and upcoming luxury hotels, builders are setting their sights on the city's development. The temple, open to devotees, is poised to catalyze tourism, promising a significant economic boost.
Curious about the presence of a langar in Ayodhya on the day of consecration? What ties does the Sikh community have to the Ram Janmabhoomi?
Historical records indicate that Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, visited the Ayodhya site in 1510-11 AD, a period predating the construction of the Babri Masjid. The Supreme Court even acknowledged this visit in its verdict on the site.
Jumping ahead to November 1858, Nihang Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa entered the Babri Masjid and placed a symbol of 'Sri Bhagwan' (Lord Ram) inside the mosque, inscribing 'Ram Ram' on its walls. Could it be that the Nihang Sikhs played a pivotal role in initiating the temple movement?