Indian Prime Minister Modi on Monday led the highly anticipated ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at a grand inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya, India.
The murti (idol) of Lord Ram Lalla was unveiled during the ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya in the presence of dignitaries like the Prime Minister, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
"Lord Ram has finally arrived (in his abode) following the wait of centuries. After the patience that we showed for centuries and the sacrifices we made, our Lord Ram has finally arrived," said the Prime Minister as he addressed the gathering after the ceremony.
"January 22, 2024, is not just a date, but the beginning of a new era. The construction of Ram Mandir has filled people with a new energy," added the PM.
With over 8,000 guests invited, the historic ceremony was attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of India. People from over 150 traditions and more than 50 tribal communities converged at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, creating a unique and diverse assembly.
The ceremony has seen people contributing gifts from different states, including water, soil, gold, silver, gems, clothes, jewellery, huge bells, drums, and aroma/fragrance items.
The most notable among them were the Bhaars (gifts sent at the time of setting up a daughter's house) sent from Goddess Sita's maternal homes at Janakpur in Nepal and Sitamarhi in Bihar, symbolising a connection across borders and a resolution to celebrate this divine consecration with fervour across the country.
"Today in Ayodhya, not only has the Pran Pratishtha of the idol of Ram Lalla taken place, this is also the lifeblood of unwavering faith in Indian culture as manifested in the form of Shri Ram. It is also the embodiment of human values and highest ideals," said Modi.
The magnificent Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is constructed in traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet; width 250 feet and height is 161 feet; and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors. The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses. In the main sanctum sanctorum at ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed.
(ANI)