The Saryu ghat in Ayodhya glowed with the light of hundreds of diyas following the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the new Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya temple on Monday, news agency ANI posted a video of the same on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading the event, remarked that it signifies the commencement of a new era. The ceremony, witnessed by millions on television, marked a historic moment just months before the Lok Sabha elections.
During the ceremony, Army helicopters showered flower petals on the newly constructed Janmabhoomi temple. Celebrations erupted in parts of Uttar Pradesh's temple town, with people singing and dancing.
Prime Minister Modi conducted various rituals in the sanctum sanctorum, and the 'pran pratishtha' occurred during the 84-second 'Abhijeet muhurta.' Following the ceremony, the temple was opened to about 8,000 invitees, including sadhus, Ram Janmabhoomi movement affiliates, and notable figures from entertainment, sports, and industry.
After leaving the sanctum sanctorum, PM Modi addressed the gathering before visiting the Kuber Tila shrine, unveiling a statue of Ramayana figure Jatayu, and showering petals on the temple's construction workers.
The newly carved idol, depicting Ram at the age of five, was sculpted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj. It was adorned in a yellow dhoti, stone-studded jewellery, and flowers of red, yellow, and purple hues.
The consecration ceremony, attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, was a moment of pride for Ayodhya residents like Anil Singh, who called it a "priceless moment."
As the temple opens to the public, the first phase, built by a trust at a cost of Rs 1,100 crore, is expected to draw visitors. Various states declared the day a holiday to allow people to participate in local temple events and watch the ceremony on TV.
The Ayodhya temple, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, boasts dimensions of 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. Adorned with intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities on its 392 pillars and walls, the temple stands as a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage.
The consecration rituals, initiated on January 16 from the Saryu river banks, concluded on Monday afternoon. Temples worldwide, organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad, celebrated the occasion, emphasizing the global significance of the Ayodhya Ram temple's inauguration.