As the highly anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla temple approaches on January 22, the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, shared a glimpse into the sanctum-sanctorum’s final stages.

On Saturday, Rai unveiled images of the nearly completed sanctum-sanctorum on X platform, announcing, “The sanctum-sanctorum of Lord Shri Ram Lalla is almost ready. Recently, the lighting-fitting work has also been completed. Sharing some photographs with you.”

The construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, diligently overseen by the trust, has been progressing smoothly. Rai disclosed earlier that a 4’3’’ idol depicting the 5-year-old child form of Lord Ram is nearing completion at three locations in Ayodhya.

“At Ram Janambhoomi temple, a 90 per cent ready idol is being constructed on three different pieces of stone by three artisans. The finishing touches will take about a week,” said Rai. “The idol will be installed in the ‘Grabhgriha’ on the ground floor, which is nearly completed, ensuring a seamless ‘Praan-Pratishtha’ ceremony.”

Rai, said 21 Vedic Acharyas from Kashi will conduct the consecration of the Ram temple. The throne for Lord Ram Lalla, eight feet long and four feet wide, is ready, with the final touch of a gold layer pending.

“The Trust is making meticulous preparations to enshrine Ram Lalla on this golden throne during the Pran Pratistha ceremony,” he said.

Invitations have been extended to over 7,000 guests, including 3,000 VVIPs, comprising priests, donors, and various political figures. The guest list includes representatives from Kedarnath, Badrinath, Baba Vishwanath Dham, and Vaishno Devi Temple, who have been invited to witness the historic event. While the participation of priests from major temples remains uncertain, representatives from these temples are expected to attend.

“To accommodate the influx of devotees expected for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, several tent cities are being established in the temple town,” Rai said.

As the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust is making preparation for the upcoming grand consecration programme of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, the entire city of Ayodhya is undergoing a rejuvenation process as the key routes leading to the temple will adorned with captivating depictions of significant episodes from the Ramayana period.

The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has initiated the adornment of walls along the major roads leading to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple with terracotta fine clay mural artifacts. As part of this endeavor, the authority is inviting applications to engage potential agencies through a Request for Proposal.

In another development, 600 kilograms of desi ghee has arrived in Kar Sevak Puram, Ayodhya, from Jodhpur’s Goshala. This ghee is set to be used in the auspicious Aarti ceremony during the consecration of Ram Lala’s idol.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to grace the inauguration, performing rituals in the sanctum sanctorum around 12:15 pm during the pran-pratishtha. The foundation stone for the Ram temple was laid by Modi on August 5, 2020, marking a historic milestone in Ayodhya’s spiritual landscape.