1. Ram Mandir in Ayodhya to be inaugurated on January 22 after the Supreme Court judgment four years ago.
2. Over 7,000 attendees, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, and saints, will be present.
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Pran Pratishtha ceremony scheduled between 12:20 pm and 1 pm.
Ayodhya, Jan 22: After four years since the landmark Supreme Court judgment, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to be inaugurated on January 22.
The grand event, witnessing over 7,000 attendees, will include politicians, celebrities, industrialists, saints, and representatives from various countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to lead the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony, scheduled between 12:20 pm and 1 pm.
Global Celebrations
The significance of the event extends globally, with towns like Oakville and Brampton in Ontario, Canada, declaring January 22 as “Ayodhya Ram Mandir Day.” The Indian-American community in North America is gearing up for celebrations, organizing events like car rallies, cultural programs, and religious ceremonies across approximately 1,000 temples in the United States.
The Historical Context: Ram Mandir Dispute
The Ayodhya land dispute, rooted in the belief that it is Lord Ram’s birthplace, has been a centuries-old contention. The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in the 16th century, stood on this disputed land. Various legal battles ensued, leading to the 2019 Supreme Court judgment, allocating the land for the construction of the Ram Mandir.
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Dignitaries and Attendees
The inauguration ceremony will witness the presence of PM Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and others.
Notable figures from the cricketing world, including Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli, are invited. Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and others are also expected to attend.
Ram Mandir Architecture and Idol
Designed in the traditional Nagara style, the temple is an architectural marvel, spanning 70 acres.
The main temple area covers 2.7 acres, with a built-up area of about 57,000 square feet. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, with over Rs 3,500 crore in donations, financed the entire structure.
The consecration will feature the 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, carved by sculptor Arun Yogiraj, alongside the current idol worshipped for the past 70 years.
Consecration Rituals
Preceding the inauguration, a series of religious events unfolded, including the Parisar Pravesh of the Ram Lalla idol and various Vedic rituals. PM Modi, set to be the main ‘yajman,’ will perform the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals, symbolizing the sacred union of the divine with the material world. The rituals include practices prescribed by sacred texts, contributing to the solemnity of the occasion.
Public Holiday and Security Measures
Several states and Union Territories have declared public holidays or half-days to facilitate citizen participation in the celebrations.
Ayodhya is under high security, with 13,000 forces deployed, AI-powered CCTV, anti-drone technology, and strict protocols for VIPs.
Hotels are fully booked, and measures like boat patrols on the River Sarayu and anti-bomb squads ensure a secure environment.
In anticipation of this historic event, the Ram Mandir inauguration stands as a momentous occasion uniting devotees and marking the culmination of a prolonged historical dispute.
