As the opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya approaches, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to participate in the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22, DD National offered a sneak glimpse inside the Ram Mandir on Saturday. The video highlights the temple's architecture and the preparations for the event.
The sanctum sanctorum will have a 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla. Arun Yogiraj, a sculptor based in Mysuru, sculpted the idol, which depicts Lord Ram at the age of five, using black stone. On Friday, the entire image of the statue, which featured a god holding a gilded bow and arrow, went viral.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath will co-lead the event. Businessman Mukesh Ambani, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar are among the 8,000 guests invited to the occasion. PM Modi has been observing an 11-day code that involves meditation to purify the mind, body, and spirit, as well as a strict'sattvic' diet (consisting entirely of vegetarian fare and avoiding any onion and garlic-containing foods).
The city is also decorated for the Pran Pratishtha event, with flyovers featuring artworks of Lord Ram holding his bow and arrow, as well as ornate lampposts with designs inspired by the traditional 'Ramanandi tilak'. The government released a video showing floral sculptures of Lord Ram and Hanuman being raised around the Mandir, as well as murals of Hindu gods being painted on walls across the temple town.
Big LED displays have been installed in various locations, and the Ramayana is being projected every evening. Ramlilas, Bhagwat Kathas, Bhajan sandhyas, and cultural activities are taking place around the city.
According to PTI, several of the trees along Dharm Path near Lata Mangeshkar Chowk have been decorated with distinctive pieces made of inverted baskets and lights, adding to the artistic impression of the refurbished holy city.
Aside from Ramayana graffiti on both sides of the roadways, bus shelters along the Ram Path have been adorned with Ramayana-themed artworks, drawing the attention of pedestrians.