The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced significant progress in the installation of idols at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya saying statues in Ram Darbar will be installed after Pran Pratishtha in June
In a press conference, Trust General Secretary Champat Rai provided detailed insights into the upcoming consecration and placement of idols in various temples within the premises.
Rai revealed that on the first floor of the Ram Temple complex, six temples are being established within the Parikrama of the Ram Darbar. These temples will house the idols of Surya (Sun God), Bhagwati, Annapurna, Shivling, Ganesh and Hanuman. Additionally, an idol of Lakshman will be installed in the Sheshavatar temple.
The Sapta Mandap will feature idols of revered figures from the Ramayan era-Maharishi Valmiki, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Agastya Muni, Nishad Raj, Shabari, and Ahilya. Most of these idols, crafted from pristine white Makrana marble, are nearly complete, and their adornments, including garments and ornaments, are currently being prepared.
A statue of Goswami Tulsidas has already been installed. According to Rai, pilgrims visiting the temple-expected to be between two to four lakh daily-will be able to pay respects to the Tulsidas idol at the Yatri Suvidha Kendra Mandap.
The idols will begin arriving in Ayodhya from Jaipur after April 15. As each idol reaches the temple, it will be placed at its designated spot immediately. In total, about 18 idols will be installed under the supervision of construction giant Larsen & Toubro.
Rai further announced that the Ram Darbar will be positioned in its sanctum on the first floor on Akshaya Tritiya (April 30), an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.
The full ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration ceremony) will take place in June, once all trust members are present. The grand three-day ceremony will include traditional rituals like Jalavas, Annavas, Aushadhivas, and Shayya.
The Sheshavatar temple’s installation will follow this, once the tower cranes inside the temple complex are removed-signifying the end of interior construction. Post this phase, construction of the northern and southern portions of the Parikrama, which are still incomplete, will commence.
Rai also highlighted the construction of four grand gates-one in the north direction, the ‘Crossing 11 Gate,’ the ‘Crossing 3 Gate,’ and the main entrance to the Ram Janmabhoomi. The gates will symbolize India’s spiritual unity, representing traditions from across the country, including those of Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankaracharya, Madhvacharya, and Ramanandacharya of Ayodhya.
The full Parikrama construction is expected to be completed by 2025, though Rai said a slight delay would be considered part of a “rolling period” due to the project’s vast scale.
The temple’s shikhars (spires) have already been worshipped and will be gradually installed as preparations progress. Following that, the ‘Bhuj Dand’ (arm pillars)-which have all arrived-will undergo collective worship and sequential installation based on readiness.
Furthermore, idols of saints like Purandara Dasa from Andhra Pradesh and a symbolic squirrel, a reference to the Ramayana’s legend of devotion, will also be installed in the complex.
