In a momentous revelation, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) shared the first image of the Ram Lalla idol on Friday, three days before the eagerly anticipated “pran pratishtha” ceremony scheduled for January 22. The striking black stone statue, adorned with a garland of roses and a yellow cloth covering its eyes, stood in a dignified posture, as revealed by Sharad Sharma, an office-bearer of the VHP.
On Thursday afternoon, the newly sculpted idol of Lord Ram, crafted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj, found its place in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The 51-inch idol, representing Lord Ram as a child, was ushered in with prayers and devotion, guided by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust.
Anil Mishra, a member of the Ram Mandir Trust, conducted the crucial “prime resolution”, emphasising that the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol is a symbolic act for the well-being of the nation, humanity, and all those involved in the temple’s construction. As the countdown to the consecration ceremony progresses, various rituals have already commenced at the temple, ushering in an atmosphere of spiritual significance and anticipation. The consecration is set to witness an unprecedented convergence of global dignitaries and renowned personalities during the historic consecration ceremony of the new idol of Ram Lalla on January 22.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has extended special invitations to 100 representatives from 54 countries, transcending geographical boundaries. This distinguished gathering not only includes eminent figures from India but also welcomes esteemed guests from the United States, Britain, Australia, Mauritius, and various European, African, and Buddhist nations.
The State Government has accorded State guest status to 506 of these global dignitaries, ensuring meticulous arrangements for their accommodations and other necessities. Among the anticipated attendees are globally acclaimed industrialists Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, actress Madhuri Dixit, weightlifter Karanam Malleswari, actor Prabhas, and cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, among others. The majority of these eminent personalities have already confirmed their participation in this momentous consecration ceremony.
Highlighting the global significance of the event, top officials from the international branches of Sangh Parivar and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) will be in attendance. The collaborative efforts of the Ramjanmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have ensured meticulous preparation for this historic occasion, aiming to etch it into the annals of global history.
Designed for a lasting global impact, the grand ceremony draws inspiration from the successful approach taken during Deepotsav celebrations. Diplomats from select countries have also received invitations, underscoring the international outreach of this momentous event.
A government spokesman revealed, “While invitations are dispatched to numerous industrialists, film stars, cricketers, and politicians, many have already confirmed their attendance. The administration is diligently coordinating travel and accommodation arrangements for these dignitaries, who have been accorded the status of state guests.”
The spokesman, however, did not provide details on the specific dignitaries receiving this prestigious state guest status. Notable names among the VVIP attendees include industrialists Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Usha Mangeshkar, Olympian PT Usha, politician Subramanian Swamy, retired Supreme Court judge Abdul Nazeer, mountaineer Bachendri Pal, weightlifter Karanam Malleshwari, actor Anupam Kher, and South film actors Prabhas, Allu Arjun, Chiranjeevi, among others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to grace the consecration ceremony and will personally perform the consecration of Ram Lalla.
Approximately 7,500 people, including a significant number of VVIPs, sadhus, saints, and mahants from across the country, have received invitations to witness this historic event, marking a momentous chapter in India’s cultural and religious tapestry.