The Ram Lalla idol, crafted by the skilled hands of Arun Yogiraj, is poised to find its sacred abode within the Ayodhya Temple.
The portrayal of ‘Ram Lalla’ earned its place in the Ayodhya Temple following a meticulous selection process where a panel considered three distinct choices.
In New Delhi, the embodiment of ‘Ram Lalla’ or the infant Ram, crafted by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, has been chosen for the revered Ram temple in Ayodhya. The selection process involved a panel deliberating on three options, ultimately favoring the unanimously acclaimed black stone creation by Mr. Yogiraj. The Ram Temple trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, revealed on Monday that this stone idol, weighing “somewhere between 150-200 kgs,” will be consecrated in a ceremony in Ayodhya.
The idol portrays the deity as a standing five-year-old boy.
The existing Ram Lalla idol, revered for more than seven decades, will find its place in the sanctum sanctorum of the new temple.
Extensive preparations are underway for the “pran pratishtha” (consecration ceremony) scheduled for January 22 at the Ram temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent leaders are expected to grace the occasion.
A grand ceremony is set to unfold, with over 7,000 individuals invited to partake in the festivities.Commencement of Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony Today
The consecration rituals kick off at the temple today, marking the beginning of a week-long event from January 16 to 22. The designated host, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, will officiate the atonement ceremony.
Initiating the proceedings, the ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship, and the offering of cow will take place on the banks of the Saryu river.
January 17
Ayodhya will witness a solemn procession escorting the idol of Ram Lalla, while devotees carrying Saryu water in Mangal Kalash will make their way to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
January 18
Formal rituals will commence, featuring Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja.
January 19
The sacred fire will be kindled, followed by the installation of ‘Navagraha’ and the performance of a ‘havan’ (a sacred ritual centered around fire).
January 20
The sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple will be purified with Saryu water on January 20, followed by the Vaastu Shanti and ‘Annadhivas’ rituals.
January 21
The Ram Lalla idol will undergo a ceremonial bathing in 125 urns and will then be consecrated, finding its final resting place.January 22
The pivotal “pran pratishtha” ceremony is set to commence at 12:30 pm on January 22, marking the consecration of the deity Ram Lalla. Devotees hailing from 150 countries are anticipated to participate in the concluding day’s consecration ceremony.
In observance of the significant event, the temple will be closed to devotees on January 21 and 22, reopening its doors to the public on January 23.
