1. The newly consecrated Ayodhya Ram Mandir opened to the public on January 23.
2. The Grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, attended by PM Modi, preceded the opening.
3. Visiting hours: 7 AM to 11:30 AM and 2 PM to 7 PM.
Ayodhya, Jan 23: In a momentous occasion for devotees nationwide, the newly consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya opened its doors to the public on January 23, following the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony held the previous day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the prominent figures who attended the elaborate ceremony.
The Ram temple in Ayodhya will now welcome visitors during two daily time slots: from 7 AM to 11:30 AM and then from 2 PM to 7 PM.
The central focus of Monday’s festivities was the installation of the Ram Lalla idol, a 51-inch tall figure meticulously crafted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru.
Despite the cold weather, Ayodhya was engulfed in a spiritual ambience, with the high spirits of devotees undeterred. The air reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and Ram bhajans. Folk dancers and a religious troupe from Bhopal added to the vibrant atmosphere with a ‘palki yatra.’
Contributing to the joyous occasion, the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) band played patriotic tunes along the streets of Ayodhya.
As night fell, residents illuminated diyas outside their homes, reminiscent of the Diwali festival celebrating Lord Ram’s homecoming. The night sky was further lit up by the glow of fireworks.
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In the coming days, the temple is expected to attract lakhs of pilgrims and tourists eager to witness the divine structure and offer their prayers.
After participating in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, Prime Minister Modi declared that the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya marks the beginning of a new era.
He called on people to move beyond the construction of the Ram temple and strive to build the foundation of a strong, grand, and divine India for the next 1,000 years.
Addressing critics, PM Modi challenged the notion that the Ram Mandir’s construction would ignite tensions in the country.
He emphasized that Ram is not fire but energy, not dispute but solution, and belongs not only to a particular group but to everyone. The temple, he asserted, is a symbol of peace, patience, harmony, and amity in Indian society.
Expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court for justice and paving the way for the temple’s construction at the once-disputed site, the Prime Minister sought to strike an emotional chord with the masses, proclaiming that “our Ram” has arrived after centuries of waiting, patience, and sacrifices.
“Our Ram Lalla will no longer live in a tent. Our Ram Lalla will stay in a magnificent temple,” declared PM Modi in his address.
