The temple town of Ayodhya is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to welcome Lord Ram, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to participate in the highly anticipated consecration ceremony at the newly constructed Ram Mandir on Monday. The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) of the idol of Ram Lalla, the childhood form of Lord Ram, marks a historic and deeply significant moment for millions of devotees across the world.
The consecration ceremony, which will take place between 12:20 PM and 1:00 PM, is expected to be attended by people from all walks of life, including representatives from major spiritual and religious sects, tribal communities, and prominent public figures. After the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi will address the gathering, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Ayodhya’s storied history.
A member of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for the construction and management of the temple, shared that the Prime Minister will also interact with ‘shramjeevis’ (laborers) involved in the construction of the temple. In addition, Modi will visit Kuber Tila, where an ancient Shiv temple has been restored, and perform a ‘pooja’ there.
A monumental construction
The newly constructed Ram Mandir, one of the most significant religious structures in India, has been built in the traditional Nagara architectural style. The temple is an awe-inspiring structure, with a length of 380 feet, width of 250 feet, and height of 161 feet. Supported by 392 intricately carved pillars and featuring 44 doors, the temple embodies the grandeur and spiritual significance of Lord Ram’s birthplace.
The temple’s pillars and walls are adorned with elaborate depictions of Hindu deities and gods, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of India. In the main sanctum sanctorum, located on the ground floor, the 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Mysuru-based artisan Arun Yogiraj, has been placed. The idol was positioned in the temple’s sanctum last Thursday, ahead of the grand consecration.
The rituals for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ began on January 16 at the banks of the Saryu river and will culminate on Monday afternoon during the ‘abhijeet muhurta,’ an auspicious time identified by religious scholars. Fourteen couples from different parts of India will serve as the ‘yajmaans’ (hosts) for the ceremony, representing diverse regions and communities.
Nationwide and global celebrations
The entire town of Ayodhya has been decorated with vibrant flowers and special lighting, turning the streets into a spectacle of religious fervor. Streetlights on flyovers feature artwork of Lord Ram and symbols such as bows and arrows, while ornamental lampposts display traditional “Ramanandi tilak” designs, further adding to the festive atmosphere.
In addition to local celebrations, events are being organized across the country and abroad to mark this momentous occasion. Temples throughout India have announced special festivities, and members of the Hindu diaspora have planned celebratory events in cities like Washington DC, Paris, and Sydney, led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other organizations.
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The central government has declared a half-day off on January 22 to allow people to witness the ceremony, and several states have followed suit. Millions are expected to watch the event live through television broadcasts and online platforms.
Security arrangements and attendees
Security in Ayodhya has been heightened for the event, with a multi-layered system in place to ensure the safety of attendees. Over 10,000 CCTV cameras and drones equipped with artificial intelligence are monitoring the area, while police personnel in plain clothes are deployed to ensure seamless security. Movable barriers with barbed wire have been set up at key crossroads to manage the flow of traffic, especially during the arrival of VVIPs.
Additionally, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) trained to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats are present to handle any emergency situations. More than 7,000 invitees are expected at the event, including Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, business tycoons Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Notably, many opposition leaders have declined to attend, with the Congress party referring to the event as a “BJP-RSS affair.”
A historic moment
The consecration ceremony comes after the completion of the first phase of the temple’s construction, following the landmark 2019 Supreme Court judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute. The court’s ruling paved the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir, marking the resolution of a decades-long conflict. The Babri Mosque, built in the 16th century, was demolished in 1992 by “kar sevaks” who believed it was built on the birthplace of Lord Ram.
As the temple’s doors open to devotees, the consecration of Ram Lalla is a defining moment not only for Ayodhya but for Hindus worldwide, symbolizing faith, resilience, and the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream.
