The Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, Champat Rai, announced on Monday that the consecration rituals for the idol of Lord Ram, known as Ramalala, in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir will commence on January 16 and continue until January 22. He also announced that the statue crafted by Karnataka’s Arun Yogiraj would be placed on the pedestal of the sanctum sanctorum.
Speaking to the media in Ayodhya, Champat Rai said, “During the consecration ceremony, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi; Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Mohan Bhagwat; president of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust Mahant Nrityagopal Das; and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be present in the sanctum sanctorum,” Rai said. Additionally, representatives from various traditions and backgrounds, including engineers from L&T and Tata, are expected to participate in this historic event.
He said the statue crafted by Karnataka’s Arun Yogiraj would be placed on the pedestal of the sanctum sanctorum. “The statue, weighing between 150 and 200 kilogram, depicts the divine figure of Ramlala standing with a bow and arrow, exuding a regal and Vishnu-incarnation aura. Ramlala will be seated on a lotus flower in the sanctum sanctorum, with an estimated height of about 8 feet, including the lotus,” he said.
Rai clarified that owing to the preparations, the darshan of Ramlala would not be held from January 20 to 21.
The ceremonies were to feature the anointing of Ramlala with water from all the rivers of India, along with gifts from Ram’s in-laws’ house in Nepal and maternal grandfather’s house in Chhattisgarh. Musical instruments from across the country were to be played during the puja, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of India.
The 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 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 Mandir.
As the nation eagerly awaited the consecration ceremonies, the cultural and religious landscape of Ayodhya brimmed 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 Saryu, Vishnu worship and Godan.
January 17: Procession will visit Ayodhya with the idol of Ramlala, devotees will reach the temple carrying Saryu 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 Saryu, there will be Vaastu Shanti and Annadhivas.
January 21: After a divine bath with 125 urns, Shayadhivas will be done.
January 22: After morning worship, the deity of the Ramallah will be consecrated in Mrigashira Nakshatra in the afternoon