Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust general secretary Champat Rai announced on Monday that the rituals for consecration of the idol of Lord Ram, known as Ram Lalla, in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram temple would commence on January 16 and continue until January 22.
Talking to media persons in Ayodhya, Champat Rai elaborated on the consecration programme and the nitty-gritty of the function.
“During the consecration ceremony, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be present in the sanctum sanctorum,” Rai said.
Representatives from various traditions and backgrounds, including engineers from L&T and Tata, are expected to participate in this historic event.
Rai also announced that the idol sculptured by Karnataka’s Arun Yogiraj would be placed at the pedestal of the sanctum sanctorum.
“The idol weighs between 150 kg and 200 kg, Arun Yogiraj’s blue-coloured idol of Ram Lalla depicts the divine figure standing with a bow and arrow, exuding a regal and Vishnu-incarnation aura. Ram Lalla would be seated on a lotus flower in the sanctum sanctorum, with an estimated height of about eight feet, including the lotus,” he said.
Rai clarified that owing to the preparations, the darshan of Ram Lalla would not be allowed from January 20 to 21.
The ceremonies are to feature the anointing of Ram Lalla with water from all the rivers of India, along with gifts from the house of Ramji’s in-laws in Nepal and maternal grandfather’s house in Chhattisgarh. Musical instruments from across the country will be played during the puja, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of India.
Divisional Commissioner of Ayodhya, Gaurav Dayal, revealed that seating arrangements for 7,500 people had been meticulously planned on the temple premises. Special codes would be assigned to distinguish seating for the distinguished guests.
Rai emphasised the inclusivity of the event, extending an invitation to dignitaries from various fields, highlighting the culmination of a historic journey in the construction of the Ram temple.
As the nation eagerly awaits the consecration ceremonies, the cultural and religious landscape of Ayodhya brims with anticipation, with devotees and enthusiasts from different corners of the country poised to participate in this momentous occasion.
The seven-day schedule of the consecration function:
January 16: Atonement by the host appointed by the temple trust, Dashavid bath on the banks of river Sarayu, Vishnu worship and godaan.
January 17: Procession will visit Ayodhya with the idol of Ram Lalla, devotees will reach the temple carrying Sarayu water in mangal kalash.
January 18: Formal rituals will start with Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, Vastu puja etc.
January 19: Agni sthapana, Navagraha sthapana and havan.
January 20: After washing the sanctum sanctorum of the temple with the holy water of Sarayu, there will be Vastu Shanti and Annadhivas.
January 21: After a divine bath with 125 urns, Shayadhivas will be done.
January 22: After morning worship, the deity of Ram Lalla will be consecrated in Mrigashira Nakshatra in the afternoon