India (Commonwealth Union)_ Its a big day for India! In a historic and deeply significant moment, the country has inaugurated the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, marking the culmination of a centuries-long aspiration for millions of devotees. The consecration ceremony, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by dignitaries, religious leaders, and citizens alike, signifies the formal establishment of the grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram. This event holds immense cultural, religious, and national importance, reflecting a moment of unity and fulfillment of a longstanding dream embedded in India’s rich heritage.
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To mark the historical occasion, the streets of Ayodhya were adorned in saffron and witnessed the jubilant celebration of thousands of Hindu devotees, dancing and rejoicing in the festive spirit. The full schedule for January 22 included Prime Minister Modi’s arrival, a tour of the Ram Mandir premises, and the Pran Pratishtha ceremony during the auspicious ‘Abhijit muhurta.’ The choice of January 22 for the consecration ceremony aligns with Hindu mythology’s Shubh Muhurat, combining Abhijit Muhurat, Mrigashirsha Nakshatra, Amrit Siddhi Yoga, and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga. These auspicious elements converge on this date, making it ideal for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
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The auspicious day was marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the rituals at the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The newly consecrated Ram Lalla idol now resides in the 161-feet tall pink sandstone shrine following the hour-long ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony. Arriving at the Ram Mandir adorned in a golden kurta and cream dhoti, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight in participating in this “divine program.” Addressing a huge gathering after the consecration, he declared that Lord Ram would now inhabit a magnificent temple rather than a tent, symbolizing a significant transition. He said, “Ram Lalla won’t have to live in a tent anymore; he will live in a grand temple”.
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony, signifying the giving of life to the idol and opening the eyes of Ram Lalla, commenced between 12:29:03 pm and 12:30:35 pm. During this ritual, Prime Minister Modi officiated the proceedings, and the eyes of the Ram Lalla idol were opened. The 51-inch idol, crafted by the renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka, was positioned in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum during pre-consecration rituals on January 18. During the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, from 12:05 pm to 1:00 pm, Modi led the consecration ceremony. Subsequently, at around 1:00 pm, he departed from the temple premises to address a public meeting of approximately 7,000 individuals. By 2:10 pm, Prime Minister Modi visited Kuber ka Tila, where the ancient temple of Bhagwan Shiv had been restored.
In front of about 7,000 attendees, including saints, political leaders, industrialists, film stars, and sportspersons, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Today, our Ram has arrived. After a long wait for ages, our Ram has arrived.” Hailing the importance of this historic moment, he highlighted the patience and sacrifices of centuries that led to this day. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the supreme blessings of Lord Ram, uniting the collective efforts of the nation. He said, “Our Ram has arrived today after a wait, patience, and sacrifices of centuries. It is Ram’s supreme blessing that we are witnessing it”. As the Pran Pratishtha ceremony unfolded at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, an audience comprising hundreds of dignitaries and countless devotees glued to their screens took part in the mega ceremony starting around 12:20 pm IST.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi referred to the event as the “beginning of a new time cycle,” expressing gratitude for the justice delivered by the Supreme Court of India and apologizing to Lord Shri Ram for the centuries-long delay. The construction of the Ram temple, he emphasized, reflects the maturity of Indian society and signifies a moment of triumph and humility. He added, “The sunrise of January 22 has brought a wonderful glow. January 22, 2024, is not just a date written on the calendar. It is the beginning of a new time cycle. Even after thousands of years, people will remember this date and moment”. He continued, “Today, I also apologise to Lord Shri Ram. There must be something lacking in our effort, sacrifice, and penance that we could not do this work for so many centuries. Today, the work has been completed. I believe that Lord Ram will forgive us today”.
The prime minister stated that during the eleven-day special ritual he undertook prior to the “Pran Pratishtha” rituals, he attempted to visit the locations where Lord Ram had set foot. He stated, “Over the last 11 days, I have had the opportunity to listen to the Ramayana in different languages and in different states. Defining Lord Ram, saints have stated that Lord Ram resides in everyone. People of every era have lived Lord Ram. People of every era have expressed Lord Ram in their languages. Ram temple’s construction is a reflection of Indian society’s maturity and it is an occasion of not merely triumph but humility too”.
Monday’s consecration ceremony was lauded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the beginning of a new time cycle during a speech to thousands of guests outside the temple complex.” PM Modi broke an eleven-day religious fast minutes prior to delivering his address. During the historical event, a statue of Lord Ram, one of the holiest deities in Hinduism, was unveiled by him during a consecration ceremony that was witnessed by millions. The PM concluded his speech by saying, “Ram is not a dispute. Ram is the solution. By moving ahead of building the temple, now we all take the oath of building an India that is capable, successful, beautiful, and divine.”
The idol of Ram Lalla, adorning the sanctum sanctorum, is carved from a 3-billion-year-old rock, a detail revealed by the retired professor and geologist C Srikantappa from the University of Mysore. According to him, the rock utilized for the idol was extracted from an active quarry in Guggegowdanapura, Mysuru district, after the University of Mysore conducted extensive geological research for over three decades. This investigation concluded that the rock is the earliest in South India. This rock, part of the ancient Archaean Dharwar craton, adds a historical dimension to the revered idol.
The grand ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including film celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Ram Charan, Dhanush, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif, Ayushmann Khurrana, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Rohit Shetty, Rajkumar Hirani, Mahaveer Jain, and all members of the Ambani family. The significance of January 22, 2024 as a momentous date for a new era was underscored by Prime Minister Modi in his address, marking the advent of an enduring legacy.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya stands as a testament to India’s cultural and spiritual resilience, marking the realization of a cherished dream for countless devotees. This historic event not only signifies the construction of a magnificent temple but also embodies a collective celebration of identity, faith, and unity. As the temple doors open, it heralds a new chapter in India’s cultural landscape, fostering a sense of pride, harmony, and continuity with its profound heritage. The Ram Mandir’s inauguration is more than a structural achievement; it is a symbol of enduring cultural values and the shared spirit that binds the diverse tapestry of the nation together.
