Ram Lalla Idol Installation On Jan 18, Mysuru Artisan's Sculpture Chosen: Champat Rai

Champat Rai confirmed the placement of the Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya's Grand Temple on January 18, with rituals starting tomorrow.

General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Champat Rai addresses a press conference, ahead of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple consecration ceremony, in Ayodhya.

Source : PTI Images

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra General Secretary Champat Rai said on Monday that the installation of the lord Ram idol in the 'Garbh Griha' of the temple is scheduled for January 18. The Pran Pratishtha ceremony will follow at 12:20 pm on January 22.

#WATCH | One week to go for Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha', Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust says, "The religious rituals will begin from Jan 16, to go on till Jan 21. On Jan 22, 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony will take place. The idol for… pic.twitter.com/XxBAcdwZT8

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2024

The upcoming temple will also feature a new statue of Ram Lalla crafted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj, as announced by Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, who also confirmed the retention of the current Ram Lalla statue in the sanctum sanctorum.

New statue of Ram Lalla sculpted by Mysuru-based Arun Yogiraj selected for installation at Ram temple: Temple trust gen secy Champat Rai

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2024

Current statue of Ram Lalla will also be kept in sanctum sanctorum of new Ram temple: Temple trust general secretary Champat Rai

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2024

 

During a press conference, Rai stated that Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid of Varanasi determined the auspicious timing for the ceremony. Religious rituals will initiate on January 16 and continue until January 21. The formal procedures for pre-Pran Pratishtha sacraments will commence on January 16 and extend through January 21.

#WATCH | Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust says, "The 'Pran Prathishtha' is expected to conclude by 1pm. PM and others present on the occasion will express their thoughts after the ceremony. As per tradition, gifts in 1000 baskets have… pic.twitter.com/zBOaNNtJwK

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2024

"The religious rituals will begin from Jan 16 and will continue till Jan 21. On Jan 22, the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony will take place. The idol for which 'Pran Pratishtha' will be done is expected to be around 150-200 kgs. On 18th January, the idol will be placed at its position in the 'Garbh Griha' of the temple," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 

Rai informed that the Pran Pratishtha, expected to conclude by 1 pm on January 22, will witness the presence of notable dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

#WATCH |" Inside Ram temple's 'Garbh Griha', PM Modi, RSS chief, UP CM, Nritya Gopal ji Maharaj, UP Governor and all temple trustees will remian present. Over 150 saints, experts from different fields and Padma awardees have also been invited to the program," says Champat Rai,… pic.twitter.com/ELv6h6zH4d

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2024

The ceremony will be conducted in the presence of 121 Acharyas, representing diverse traditions, with Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid overseeing the proceedings. The Pran-Pratishtha ceremony will draw witnesses from various spiritual and tribal traditions, encompassing Shaiva, Vaishnav, Shaakta, Sikh, Bauddha, Jain, and many more.

"There are Seven Adhivaasas in Pran Pratishtha ceremony and a minimum of three Adhivasas are in practice. There will be 121 Acharyas conducting the rituals. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid will be overseeing, coordinating, anchoring, and directing all the proceedings of the ritual and the principal Acharya will be Luckshmikant Dixit of Kashi," he added. 

Rai expressed widespread enthusiasm for the consecration of Ram Lalla, with offerings pouring in from different states, including water, soil, gold, silver, gems, clothing, jewelry, bells, drums, and aromatic items. Notably, gifts were received from Janakpur and Sitamarhi for lord Ram, adding to the festive preparations.

The inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22 is anticipated to be a grand event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India.