A spiritual aura enveloped the air as the resonant chants from the holy scriptures echoed through the sacred corridors of the Ram Mandir in Shimla. The divine incantations marked the commencement of a 24-hour ‘akhand path’ — a continuous reading of the Ramayana, at the revered temple. The spiritual event, graced by the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was a prelude to the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 (Monday).

Paying obeisance at the temple, Chief Minister Sukhu offered his prayers for the prosperity of the state and its residents. Illuminating the atmosphere, he lit diyas and expressed his deep reverence for Lord Rama.

“Lord Rama does not belong to one party; he is our ideal,” said Sukhu while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the event, while declaring a public holiday on January 22 in the state of Himachal Pradesh on the occasion of consecration ceremony, known as pran pratishtha, scheduled to take place at the newly-constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

He added, “His virtues, values, and the timeless lessons from the Ramayana transcend political affiliations. Lord Rama is a guiding light for the entire nation and its rich culture.”

“The consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple is being organized in Ayodhya on Monday, and on this occasion, I will light a lamp in my house and encourage others to do the same,” said Sukhu, urging the citizens to participate in the cultural celebration by illuminating their homes.

The ‘akhand path’, involving five pandits, is set to conclude on Monday at 10 am, signifying the auspicious beginning leading up to the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. The continuous recitation of the Ramayana holds profound significance, symbolizing devotion, unity, and the embodiment of righteous living.

In a display of cross-party unity, the Chief Minister reiterated that Lord Rama's teachings transcend political boundaries. His call for the public holiday on the day of the pran pratishtha echoes the collective sentiment of embracing the cultural and spiritual significance of the momentous occasion.

Responding to a media query, Sukhu said that he would definitely visit Ayodhya in near future. “Lord Rama is considered incomplete without Shri Hanuman Ji and therefore a statue of Lord Rama would be erected along with the statue of Shri Hanuman Ji in Jakhu as proposed by Sood Sabha,” he added.

Vikramaditya Singh Reaches Ayodhya

Meanwhile, amidst the spiritual fervour in Shimla, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, son of the late six-term Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, embarked on a journey to Ayodhya to attend the ceremony to which he has been invited.

“I am invited because of my father’s role. He wanted the Ram Temple to be built in Ayodhya and had also contributed some money during his last days,” expressed Singh, reflecting on his father's vision and commitment to the construction of the Ram temple.

While Singh had initially planned a vocal presence in Ayodhya, he maintained a dignified silence after prominent Congress leaders decided not to attend the event. Despite the shift in dynamics, Singh's acknowledgment of his father's contribution to the cause adds a familial touch to the historical event.