LIVE | Ram Lalla consecrated; advent of new era, says PM Modi
The PM performed a series of rituals in the ‘grabhagriha’ – the sanctum sanctorum – with the ‘pran pratishtha’ taking place during the 84-second 'Abhijeet muhurta'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers before the idol of Ram Lalla during the 'Pran Pratishtha' rituals at the Ram temple, in Ayodhya, Monday, January 22. PTI
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Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar with actor Rajinikanth during the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' Mahotsav, in Ayodhya, on Monday, January 22. PTI
The ornaments for the Ram Lalla idol consecrated at the grand Ayodhya temple have been prepared after an extensive research and study of texts such as the Adhyatma Ramayana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ramcharitmanas and the Alavandar Stotram, according to the temple trust.
The ornaments have been crafted by Ankur Anand's Lucknow-based Harsahaimal Shiamlal Jewellers.
"Ram Lalla is adorned in Banarasi fabric, featuring a yellow dhoti and a red pataka/angavastram. These angavastrams are embellished in pure gold 'zari' and threads, featuring auspicious Vaishnav symbols - Shankh, Padma, Chakra, and Mayur," a member of the temple trust said.
These garments were created by Delhi-based textile designer Manish Tripathi, who worked from Ayodhya Dham for the project, he said.
"The creation of these divine ornaments is based on an extensive research and study following the descriptions of Shri Ram's scripturally-appropriate splendour in texts such as the Adhyatma Ramayana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ramcharitmanas, and Alavandar Stotram," he added.
Based on this research and as per concept and direction of Yatindra Mishra, the ornaments have been crafted by Ankur Anand's Harsahaimal Shiamlal Jewellers, Lucknow.
"Gracing his grand abode, Prabhu Shri Ram Lalla radiates in divine ornaments and attire, a sight of spirituality and tradition," he added.
The magnificent Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is constructed in the traditional Nagara style.
Its length (east-west) is 380 feet, width 250 feet and height 161 feet. It is supported by a total of 392 pillars and has 44 doors. The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses.
In the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ram Lalla) has been placed.
The main entrance to the temple is situated on the eastern side, which can be approached by ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar.
There are a total of five 'mandaps' (halls) in the Mandir - Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap and Kirtan Mandap. Near the temple is a historic well (Sita koop), dating back to the ancient era.
At Kuber Tila in the southwestern part of the mandir complex, the ancient temple of Bhagwan Shiva has been restored. A statue of Jatayu has also been built.
The foundation of the temple has been constructed with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), giving it the appearance of artificial rock. No iron is used anywhere in the Mandir.
For protection against ground moisture, a 21-foot-high plinth has been constructed using granite. The temple complex has a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety and an independent power station.
The temple has been constructed employing the country's traditional and indigenous technology.
The Ram Lalla idol has been chiselled by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj.
The new Ram Lalla idol was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple on Monday, an event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said it marked the advent of a new era.
Lakhs of people watched the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony on television at their homes and in neighbourhood temples, becoming part of the historic event held just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Gujarat on Monday immersed in religious fervour on the occasion of the idol consecration ceremony at the new Ram temple in Ayodhya as a large number of people thronged temples to offer prayers, organised events at their premises and took part in religious processions across the state to mark the seminal event.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel watched the mega consecration ceremony in the Uttar Pradesh town live on TV with BJP workers and local residents at Shilaj village on the outskirts of Ahmedabad city.
The new Ram Lalla idol was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple on Monday, an event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM took part in the 'pran pratishtha' rituals in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
In Gujarat, while many residential societies, trusts and temples organised bhajans (devotional songs), 'bhandara' (free meals), Ram Katha recitation and other religious events in their premises, processions were also taken out in different towns and cities to celebrate the ceremony in Ayodhya.
Processions or 'Shoba Yatras' were taken out in different towns and cities in the districts of Ahmedabad, Patan, Navsari, Mehsana, Dahod, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar, Bharuch Gir Somnath, Vadodara and Kutch.
Many devotees decorated their house and office entrances with beautiful 'rangolis' (murals made out of coloured powders), garlands and also illuminated 'diyas' (oil lamps) to welcome Lord Ram.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Patel, on behalf of all Gujarat residents, thanked PM Modi for gifting the grand Ram Mandir to the country.
"This is a historic occasion as the wait of all Indians (for a Ram temple in Ayodhya) has come to an end. We pray to Lord Ram that development works continue uninterruptedly under the leadership of the Prime Minister," said the CM ahead of watching the live telecast of the consecration ceremony.
Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil said Modi has fulfilled an age-old demand of the people of the country.
"Today, after 500 years, Lord Ram is seated again in his birth place Ayodhya. I congratulate the PM for doing pran pratishtha rituals by taking everyone together and ensuring that no one vitiates the peaceful atmosphere," said Paatil.
As announced by the state government earlier, all government offices and institutes in Gujarat were closed for half a day on Monday in view of the consecration ceremony.
As a festive spirit prevailed in Ayodhya, there was an emotional outpouring among residents of the holy city as the consecration of the new idol of Ram Lalla was held on Monday and said they indeed feel they are living in a 'divya' (divine) Ayodhya, 'navya' (new) Ayodhya and 'bhavya' (grand) Ayodhya".
Arunachal Pradesh on Monday soaked in religious fervour on the occasion of the consecration ceremony at the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya, with special prayers and rallies organised in various parts of the northeastern state, an official said.
In the state capital Itanagar, markets were closed voluntarily to witness the historic occasion. Many private schools in the state also declared a holiday on the occasion, the official added.
Capital Superintendent of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh told PTI that adequate security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.
"Security has been tightened at temples where devotees of Lord Ram thronged in large numbers to offer prayers," he said.
LED screens were put up at various places across the state to live stream the ceremony from Ayodhya, and attended by senior BJP leaders, ministers and MLAs.
Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju witnessed the historic event at the Northeast Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) campus at Nirjuli, Chief Minister Pema Khandu at Lower Dibang Valley, Deputy Chief Minsiter Chowna Mein at Namsai and BJP state president Biyuram Wahge at the party office here.
Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu hailed the historic event and greeted people.