Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has demanded for an investigation into how Ram Lalla's idol photographs were leaked, news agency ANI reported. Speaking with media, Das stated: "The eyes of Lord Ram's idol cannot be revealed before Pran Pratishtha is completed. The idol where the eyes of Lord Ram can be seen is not the real idol. If the eyes can be seen, an investigation should be done on who revealed the eyes and how the pictures of the idol are going viral."
On Friday evening, the photos became popular on social media, and several VIPs shared them. Officers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the temple trust rejected releasing any photographs.
One of the images depicts an idol made in black stone from Karnataka with its eyes veiled. In another, the face is exposed.
VHP authorities alleged that the photos were shot secretly a few days before the statue was installed inside the temple and are now being distributed. "The first pictures of the complete idol are expected to be available only on January 22," a VHP spokesperson stated.
The temple of Ram Lalla has been shuttered till the installation ceremony to prepare for rites. Darshan will stay stopped beginning Saturday morning.
On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake the "Pran Pratistha" puja. The primary Pran Prathistha rites will be performed by a priestly team lead by Lakshmikant Dixit. The Prime Minister is scrupulously adhering to a series of regulations and traditions before taking part in the Ayodhya Ram Temple's consecration event. He sleeps on the floor with only a blanket and drinks only coconut water.