In preparation for the 'Pran Pratishtha' at the Ram temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embraced a spartan routine, foregoing luxuries and adhering to religious practices for 11 consecutive days, according to sources reported by news agency PTI on Friday.
The report said that as part of this special religious regimen, Modi has chosen to sleep on a blanket on the floor and sustain himself solely on coconut water. The Prime Minister has also actively participated in "gau-pooja," feeding cows, and has undertaken various charitable activities, including 'annadaan' and distribution of clothes, in accordance with religious scriptures, according to the PTI report.
Being a devoted "Ram Bhakt," Modi has visited several temples across the country in recent days. His pilgrimage included stops at Ramkund and Shree Kalaram Temple in Nasik, Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, and Guruvayur Temple and Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple in Kerala. His forthcoming schedule involves visits to temples in Tamil Nadu over the next two days.
These temple visits not only serve as a unifying force for different regions but also hold a significant connection with Lord Ram, the report said. Modi's engagement in listening to Ramayana in multiple languages and participating in bhajans during his temple visits carries broader implications beyond the conventional religious spectrum, it added futher.
His actions are aimed at fortifying the socio-cultural fabric of the nation, aligning with his vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’
Furthermore, the Prime Minister initiated a temple cleanup campaign and personally participated in cleaning the premises of Shree Kalaram Temple in Nasik, setting an example for a mass movement. The campaign has garnered widespread support, with people from all walks of life, including celebrities, joining in response to Modi's call, making #SwachhTeerthCampaign among the top trends on social media.
"Lakhs of people voluntarily took on the task of cleaning the temples. The movement has witnessed enthusiastic participation from people from all walks of life in the country. From celebrities to the common man, everyone has responded to Modi's clarion call, which is also seen in #SwachhTeerthCampaign being amongst the top trends on X," an official told PTI.