Ayodhya Ram Mandir: What Is 'Mandal Puja'? Know About This 48-Day Ceremony

The consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will take place on the Dwadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Poush, i.e., January 22, 2024.

Know About This 48-Day Mandal Puja at Ram Mandir

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Ayodhya Ram Mandir: The grand temple of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya is now ready. Meanwhile, preparations for the temple's inauguration, the consecration of Ram Lalla, and the life installation are in full swing. The consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will take place on the Dwadashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Poush, i.e., January 22, 2024, in the presence of seven thousand special guests and four thousand saints. Approximately 20,000 people from 50 countries worldwide and all states will be present at this historic occasion. The distribution of consecrated rice for the life installation ceremony will commence from December 20.

Following the life installation, there will be a 48-day Mandala Puja. Starting from January 23, 2024, the general public will also be able to have darshan of the deity. While this puja may not be well known in North India, it is prevalent in South India. The Mandala Puja will be conducted for 48 days under the guidance of Swami Jagadguru Madhvacharya, the Peethadhipati of the Pejawar Math in Tirtha Kshetra, with daily abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Ram Lalla's idol with the dravya (consecrated liquid) from silver kalashas. Additionally, scholars and acharyas will recite the Chaturvedas and divine scriptures during the puja.

Mandala Kalam:

It is worth mentioning that the Mandala Puja is a significant ritual more prevalent in South India, lasting for 41 to 48 days. The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala observes a 41-day Mandala Kalam, which signifies the completion of a prolonged penance. The Mandala Puja involves adhering to various rules and regulations. The puja begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that regular and ritualistic worship during Mandala Puja pleases Lord Shrihari, and since Lord Ram is considered an avatar of Shrihari, it has been decided to conduct the Mandala Puja at the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Mandala Puja Rules:

The Mandala Puja also involves strict adherence to certain rules; let's understand what these rules are:

• A 48-day fast is observed during Mandala Puja at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.
• Strict observance of Brahmacharya (celibacy), purity, and renunciation for 48 days.
• Abstinence from the five vices while meditating on the Lord.