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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.