Today, January 16, marks the start of the religious rites for the ‘Pran Pratistha’ event at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The custom will last for seven days, ending on January 21. On January 18, the idol will be placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. On January 22, Ram Lalla will have his “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony. For the people of India, Ayodhya—the birthplace of Lord Ram—has enormous spiritual, historical, and cultural significance.
Here are ten things you should be aware of:
1. The seven-day ceremony will adhere to Dwadash Adhivas tradition, with different rites held daily in accordance with the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra.
2. In accordance with the Trust, on January 16th, Prayaschita and Karmakuti Poojan will take place; on January 17th, Parisar Pravesh of the Murti will take place; on January 18th (Evening) Teerth Poojan, Jal Yatra, and Gandhadhivas will occur; on January 19th (Morning): Aushadhadhivas, Kesaradhivas, Ghritadhivas, 19th January (Evening): Dhanyadhivas; on January 20th, Morning, 20th, Phaladhivas, 20th, Evening): Pushpadhivas; on January 21st, Morning: Madhyadhivas; on January 21st, Evening: Shaiyadhivas
3. The ‘Garbh Griha’ of the temple will hold the placement of Lord Ram’s idol on January 18.
4. On January 22, at 12:20 p.m., during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurta of Paush Shukla Dwadashi, there will be a Pran Pratishtha program commemorating the pran prathistha of Shri Ram Lalla. The Pran Prathishtha is anticipated to end by 1 p.m. on January 22 according to the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
5. Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, stated during a press conference that Varanasi’s Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid chose the muhurat, or auspicious hour.
6. The Temple Trust stated that inclusiveness of traditions, historic tribal representation, and varied representation will be the main themes of the activities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandi Ben Patel, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and all the trustees will be present in the sanctum sanctorum on this auspicious occasion.
7. Rai also discussed Arun Yogiraj’s artistic process and gave credit to the sculptor for his extraordinary focus and selflessness in creating the monument.
8. He declared that stone will be used to create the statue. It will weigh between 150 and 200 kilograms, according to estimates. This 5-year-old boy’s figure is intended to be erected as a standing statue.
9. Additionally, he disclosed that the public will be able to enter the recently dedicated temple starting on January 23.
10. Thousands of dignitaries and individuals from all walks of life are anticipated to attend the event, which is already in full swing of preparations.
