Ram Mandir Inauguration: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has captured satellite images of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. In these images, captured by the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, one can see the Dashrath Mahal, the Sarayu River, and the recently renovated Ayodhya railway station.
The images were captured on December 16, 2023, news agency PTI reported.
The temple will be consecrated on January 22. Ayodhya has been decorated, and murals and paintings made. Sun pillars, on which 'Jai Shree Ram' has been inscribed, have been established.
Walls have been built along the Dharma Path to depict events from Ramayan stories, and they have been adorned with intricately crafted terracotta murals. Other features, such as CCTV surveillance and smart traffic systems, have been installed.
The temple has been built in the traditional Nagara style and has a length (east-west) of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and a height of 161 feet. Nagara architecture is a style of temple architecture that originated in North India.
The temple has tall pyramidal towers called Shikharas. Each has a Kalash at the top. The pillars of the temples are carved with intricate designs, and the walls are decorated with sculptures and reliefs.
The temple complex is divided into six parts, including the sanctum sanctorum and five pavilions—Gun Mandap, Rang Mandap, Nritya Mandap, Kirtan Mandap, Prarthana Mandap.
A designated parikrama path encircles the temple. This is a walkway traditionally used by devotees to perform circumambulation, a ritual practice signifying reverence and respect.
Ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, rituals are being held. Over 8,000 guests have been invited to the event. As many as 121 acharyas will perform the rituals. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid will oversee, coordinate, anchor, and direct all the proceedings of the Anushthan. Luckshmikant Dixit of Kashi will serve as the principal acharya.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and UP Governor Anandiben Patel are among the dignitaries who will be present during the consecration ceremony.