Ayodhya, January 22, 2024 – In a culmination of devotion and grandeur, the sacred city of Ayodhya witnessed the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir, known as Ram Mandir Prana Pratishtha, today. Organized by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the event unfolded as a momentous occasion, uniting thousands of devotees, dignitaries, and spiritual leaders in a celebration of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
A Prelude to Glory: The journey to this monumental day began on January 19, 2024, with the unveiling of the majestic statue of Lord Ram. This auspicious act set the stage for the eagerly anticipated consecration ceremony. The Government of Uttar Pradesh’s generous allocation of ₹100 crore for ‘Ramotsav’ paved the way for a series of religious events, including the Ram Paduka Yatra, retracing the footsteps of Lord Rama’s 14-year exile.
The Sacred Commencement: At 12:15 PM IST on January 22, 2024, the Prana Pratishtha ceremony commenced, guided by the meticulous rituals led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His commitment was exemplified by an 11-day austere diet of coconut water and nights spent on the floor. The ceremony, concluding at 12:45 PM, now stands etched in the annals of India’s cultural and spiritual history.
Distinguished Guests and Spiritual Icons: Over 7,000 esteemed guests, including actors, politicians, bureaucrats, business leaders, spiritual gurus, and athletes, graced the occasion. Special attention was given to actors from the legendary Ramayan TV series – Arun Govil, Dipika Chiklia, and Sunil Laheri, who were pre-invited for their significant contributions to the cultural narrative.
A Divine Encounter: Devotees had the privilege of seeking the divine presence during specified hours for temple darshan, creating a sacred connection between worshippers and the consecrated deity. The security measures implemented by the Government of Uttar Pradesh ensured a safe and serene environment around the temple and in Ayodhya.
Symbolic Gestures and Cultural Richness: Prime Minister Modi’s entry into the sanctum sanctorum, holding a silver umbrella delicately placed on a folded red dupatta, reflected profound respect and devotion. The leader engaged with the diligent workers whose efforts brought the temple to fruition, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind this monumental project. Modi’s visit to Kuber Tila and the performance of ‘pooja’ at the ancient Shiv temple underscored the spiritual journey intertwined with the ceremony.
Pran Pratishtha: A Timeless Connection: The Prana Pratishtha ceremony, described as a profound invocation, breathed life into the idol, creating a timeless connection between the worshippers and the consecrated deity. The enduring effects of Pran Pratishtha were emphasized, with the divine presence believed to persist for eternity.
Acknowledging the Efforts: In a heartfelt gesture, Prime Minister Modi showered rose petals on the dedicated Ram Mandir construction workers, acknowledging their tireless efforts. The workers, who played a pivotal role in bringing the temple to life, were honored for their invaluable contribution.
Celebrities Grace the Occasion: A-list celebrities such as Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Amitabh Bachchan, and Abhishek Bachchan were among the notable attendees. The actors and film personalities, seated outside the main temple, posed for pictures, sharing moments of joy and camaraderie during the auspicious event. Filmmakers Rohit Shetty and Rajkumar Hirani, along with actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Madhuri Dixit Nene with her husband Sriram Nene, added to the glamour of the ceremony.
Singers Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Paudwal, and Shankar Mahadevan enriched the atmosphere with devotional songs. The presence of Chiranjeevi, who arrived with his wife and son Ram Charan, added further grandeur to the festivities. The Bachchans, Amitabh and Abhishek, were seen engaging with iconic actor Arun Govil, known for portraying Lord Ram in the 1987 TV serial “Ramayan.” The event also saw interactions between the Bollywood legends and political figures, including BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and industrialist Anil Ambani, creating an intersection of culture, spirituality, and stardom at Ayodhya’s historic ceremony. The cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, with his family, were among the distinguished guests.
PM Modi’s Joyful Expression and Message: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his joy in a congratulatory message, remarked, ‘Our Lord Ram has arrived after centuries of waiting. My voice is choked… my mind is still absorbed at that moment. Our Ram Lalla will no longer stay in a tent but will reside in a divine, grand temple.’
As the news of the historic Ram Mandir Prana Pratishtha ceremony reverberates, it symbolizes not just the culmination of a grand construction but the revival of a cultural and spiritual legacy that will endure for generations to come.