Ayodhya's Ram Lalla Idol Gets Warmth Of Quilt As Temperature Goes Below 12°C
In Hindu tradition, idols like Ram Lalla, once consecrated, are believed to house a divine presence, necessitating utmost care, ritualistic offerings, and periodic changes of coverings.
The harsh winter has spared no one — not even Lord Ram. Owing to the falling temperatures, the revered Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi site has been provided with blankets to combat the cold. The Ram Temple Trust has also made infrastructure adjustments, such as the installation of a blower, to maintain a 'warm' environment for Ram Lalla.
The arrangements come as the region experiences a consistent drop in temperatures. The minimum temperature in Ayodhya on Wednesday was recorded at 12°C and is expected to remain below 15°C till the end of the week. In Hindu tradition, idols like Ram Lalla, once consecrated, are believed to house a divine presence, necessitating attentive care and ritualistic offerings. This practice involves not only the provision of warm coverings but also periodic changes in attire, 'prasad' offerings, and maintaining a warm environment.
Santosh Pujari, responsible for overseeing these arrangements, told ABP News that while lighter blankets sufficed earlier, the current conditions demand warmer quilts. "Plans are also underway to install heaters should temperatures drop further."
"The Lord is in the form of a child. Till now a light sheet was being used to protect him from the cold and after that, a blanket was arranged. But now a quilt is being used to cover the Lord... If the cold increases in the coming days, heaters will be installed and in the summer there is a provision for AC. Keeping in view the child's form, all the arrangements are good. Arrangements have been made by the Trust," Santosh Pujari said.
Pujari further noted that offerings of sweets like 'peda' were previously 3 kilograms, but considering the increasing number of devotees, the quantity has now been raised to 5 kilograms. Another significant change is the distribution of 'rabri', which is now offered to a larger congregation during morning and afternoon prayers.
Earlier on Tuesday, Vishva Hindu Parishad working president Alok Kumar announced that he has invited BJP veterans L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya next month. Both Advani and Joshi have stated that they will make "every effort" to attend the ceremony on January 22, according to Kumar in a statement.
The news came a day after the Ram Temple Trust said Advani and Joshi, who were at the forefront of the Ram Temple agitation in Ayodhya, would be unable to attend next month's consecration ceremony due to their health and age.