Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha: The highly anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir took place on Monday in a grand ceremony, marking a historic moment for the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed 'aarti' after witnessing the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. The Prime Minister will also address a gathering of over 7,000 people, including seers and prominent personalities, at the venue. Inside the sanctum, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined Prime Minister Modi during the sacred proceedings.
The ceremony, preceded by rituals that commenced on January 16, concluded on January 21. The 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru, was unveiled in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
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The grand Ram temple, built in the traditional Nagara style, stands 380 feet long, 250 feet wide, and 161 feet high. The three-storeyed structure, with 392 pillars and 44 gates, will eventually be open to the public.
As the event unfolds, lakhs of viewers have tuned in through television and online platforms to witness the historic occasion. The BJP-ruled states and Odisha declared a holiday, while the Union government announced a half-day off to commemorate the inauguration.
The ceremony, held in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, saw final preparations on Sunday, turning the city into a decked-up spectacle. Temples across the country and abroad joined in the celebrations, with special festivities planned from Washington DC to Paris to Sydney, organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Hindu diaspora groups in 60 countries, news agency PTI reported.
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Ayodhya Ram Temple Inauguration: Yajmaans, Special Guests, And Rituals
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony had a unique dimension with 14 couples from various parts of India acting as the yajmaans (hosts). The rituals involved Seven Adhivasas, with 121 Acharyas overseeing the proceedings. Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid coordinated the ceremony, and the principal Acharya is Luckshmikant Dixit of Kashi, according to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Distinguished guests present at the ceremony include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries.
A significant aspect of the ceremony is the diverse representation, with Acharyas from various schools of spiritualism, religion, sects, and traditions present. The inclusive traditions spanned across Shaiva, Vaishnav, Shaakta, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and other sects, showcasing unity in diversity, as per the Trust.
For the first time in recent history, the Prana Pratistha ceremony witnessed historic tribal representation, with people from hills, forests, coastal belts, and islands participating.
Security measures were comprehensive, with AI-powered drones and police personnel deployed across the city. Movable barriers with barbed wires regulated traffic, and multiple NDRF teams were prepared for various emergencies. Health arrangements were also in place to handle potential health crises, PTI reported.
Ayodhya was adorned with flowers and special lights, creating an atmosphere of religious fervour. The city resonated with slogans like "Ayodhya Rammay ho raha hai" and various verses from the Ramayana, enhancing the festive spirit, according to PTI.
Prominent figures, including Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, business magnates Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, and sports icon Sachin Tendulkar, are among the invitees. While opposition leaders declined to attend the event, people from across the country, cutting across religious lines, made their way to Ayodhya to witness the historic event.
Post the Prana Pratishtha program, all witnesses will be permitted to have darshan in the Garbha-Griha. Celebrations have extended beyond Ayodhya, with people from different states contributing gifts and offerings, including water, soil, gold, silver, gems, clothes, jewelry, bells, drums, and fragrance items.
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