The chief priest of the Ram Lalla temple, Satyendra Das, has raised concerns about the appearance of pictures depicting the idol of Ram Lalla with uncovered eyes. Das said this is a violation of Hindu rituals, emphasising the need for an enquiry to identify and penalise the individual responsible for unveiling the eyes.

In explaining his stance, the chief priest outlined the customary procedure of installing the idol, which includes covering its eyes to maintain a veil until the consecration ceremony, known as Praan Pratisthaa. “The sanctum sanctorum is the designated space for this sacred installation. This is the only place where the eyes should be uncovered by removing the cloth,” Das said.

While admitting uncertainty about the authenticity of the images circulating in newspapers and on TV channels, Das asserted that any depiction of the idol with open eyes before the Praan Pratisthaa ceremony is inaccurate, as the idol assumes that form only during the consecration ritual. Expressing concern over the situation, the chief priest remarked, “If someone has removed the cloth from the eyes, then it should be investigated.” 

He referenced Hindu scriptures, which strictly prohibit the removal of the cloth covering the eyes before the consecration ceremony. The eyes must remain covered throughout other preparatory rituals, including bathing, adornment, and offerings.

A member of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust had earlier informed that the eyes would be uncovered on January 22 during the “Netronmelan” ritual, involving the application of honey to a gold bar.

“The eyes of the idol will remain covered in whatever rituals are going on even now (before the consecration of life),” clarified Das. The chief priest mentioned exceptions made for rituals like Jaladhivas and Kesaradhivas, where the cloth may be removed from the body but not from the eyes.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had released a picture of Ram Lalla adorned with a garland of roses and veiled with a yellow cloth covering its eyes. This newly sculpted idol of Lord Ram has been placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

Contrastingly, another image of Ram Lalla emerged on social media, stirring the debate as the statue’s eyes are not covered with any cloth. The source of this image remains uncertain, with no claimant stepping forward. Speculation suggests it could be from the statue’s construction, possibly crafted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj.

Amid the ongoing controversy, the darshan of Ram Lalla in the temporary temple has been halted since Friday 7 pm. Devotees eagerly await the consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, after which darshan will resume, accessible in the new temple from January 23. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious traditions and modern documentation, underscoring the significance of adhering to established rituals in the lead-up to the Praan Pratisthaa ceremony.