Prime Minister Modi Seals Decades-Long Journey with Ayodhya Pran Pratishtha on 22nd Jan

The main event happening in Ayodhya tomorrow, Monday, January 22nd, 2024, is the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, also known as the consecration ceremony, of the Ram Mandir. This is a very significant event for Hindus around the world, as it marks the official opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. 

Here are some details about the ceremony:

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest and performed some of the rituals.

The ceremony will be officiated by a select group of seers (religious leaders).

The temple will be open for darshan (viewing) to the general public from January 23rd.

Ayodhya is currently under a heavy security blanket due to the large number of people expected to attend the ceremony.

Many other cultural and religious events are also planned around the city in the lead-up to and during the ceremony. 

Fourteen couples will indeed be serving as the "mukhya yajmans" for the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodha tomorrow. These couples represent a diverse cross-section of India, hailing from all four cardinal directions and the Northeast. It signifies a spirit of inclusivity and symbolizes the temple's importance to Hindus across the nation. 

Here are some interesting details about the "mukhya yajmans": 

Selection: They were chosen based on their devotion to Lord Rama, social standing, and commitment to Hindu values.

Representation: Each couple represents a specific region and community, ensuring a sense of regional and cultural participation.

Significance: Their role involves actively participating in the consecration rituals, lending their spiritual weight to the ceremony.

List of Couples:

• Ramchandra Kharadi and wife (Udaipur, Rajasthan)
• Ram Kui Jemi and wife (Assam)
• Gurucharan Singh Gill and wife (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
• Krishna Mohan and wife (Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh)
• Ramesh Jain and wife (Multani, Maharashtra)
• Adalarasan and wife (Tamil Nadu)
• Vitthal Rao Kamnle and wife (Maharashtra)
• Mahadev Rao Gaikwad and wife (Latur, Maharashtra)
• Lingaraj Basavraj and wife (Karnataka)
• Dilip Valmiki and wife (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
• Anil Chaudhary and wife (Dom Raja family)
• Kailash Yadav and wife (Kashi, Uttar Pradesh)
• Arun Chowdhury and wife (Palwal, Haryana)
• Kavindra Pratap Singh and wife (Kashi, Uttar Pradesh)

Their participation underlines the broad significance of the Ram Mandir consecration, making it a celebration for all Indian Hindus, regardless of their background or region.

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir holds great Importance for Hindus and India as a whole

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir holds great significance for Hindus and India as a whole. It is important to understand the historical and cultural importance of this temple, which has been a topic of debate and controversy for decades. The construction of the temple is a significant event for Hindus, who believe in Lord Ram's divinity and consider Ayodhya as his birthplace. The construction of the temple will not only fulfill the aspirations of millions of Hindus but will also be a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and unity. 

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, rising majestically in the holy city of Ayodhya, is more than just a religious edifice. It's a potent symbol of faith for millions of Hindus, a cornerstone of their cultural identity, and a deeply intricate knot in the tapestry of India's history. To understand the Mandir is to delve into the country's soul, its intricate blend of religion, politics, and societal realities. 

A Shrine Steeped in Devotion:

For Hindus, Ayodhya is sacrosanct. Legend holds it as the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered deity and an epic hero in the Ramayana, a foundational Hindu text. The Ram Mandir, therefore, represents the physical manifestation of their faith, a tangible connection to their divine history. The ongoing construction of the Mandir, marked by intricate carvings and traditional architectural elements, evokes a sense of awe and spiritual rejuvenation for Hindu devotees. 

A Legacy Etched in Conflict:

However, the Mandir's journey hasn't been without its share of turmoil. The site where it stands was once occupied by a mosque, the Babri Masjid, demolished in 1992 by a Hindu mob, triggering widespread riots and igniting a decades-long legal battle. This event laid bare the deep religious and historical fissures within Indian society, highlighting the need for understanding and reconciliation. 

Navigating a Delicate Landscape:

The Supreme Court's 2019 verdict awarding the disputed land to Hindus for the construction of the Mandir was a landmark decision, aimed at bringing closure to a contentious chapter. However, the issue remains sensitive, with concerns about potential social discord and the need for inclusivity in a diverse nation. Finding a harmonious balance between respecting religious sentiments and upholding principles of secularism is a delicate dance that India continues to navigate.

More Than Bricks and Mortar:

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir transcends its physical form. It serves as a potent reminder of India's rich cultural heritage, the enduring power of faith, and the complexities of its societal fabric. It's a story of devotion, conflict, and the ongoing quest for unity in a vibrant democracy. As the Mandir rises towards completion, it's not just bricks and mortar being laid, but a bridge of understanding being built, brick by nuanced brick, across the divides of history and belief. 

Understanding the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is not just about comprehending a religious structure; it's about understanding the soul of India itself. It's a story that continues to unfold, with each chapter holding the potential to shape the nation's future. 

Recently Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra shared the features of Ram Mandir. So all the features of Ram Mandir are given below.

• The Mandir is in the traditional Nagar style.
• The Mandir has a length (east-west) of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and a height of 161 feet.
• The Mandir is three-storied, with each floor being 20 feet tall. It has a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors.
• In the main sanctum sanctorum, there is the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ram Lalla) and on the first floor, there will be a Shri Ram Darbar.
• Five Mandaps (Hall) – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthna and Kirtan Mandaps.
• Statues of deities, gods, and goddesses adorn the pillars and walls.
• Entry is from the east, ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar.
• Provision of ramps and lifts for the convenience of the differently-abled and elderly.
• The Parkota( Rectangular compound wall) with a length of 732 meters and a width of 14 feet, surrounds the Mandir.
• At the four corners of the compound, there are four Mandirs – dedicated to Surya Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Ganesh Bhagwan and Bhagwan Shiv. In the northern arm is a Mandir of Maa Annapurna and in the southern arm is a Mandir of Hanuman ji.
• Near the Mandir is a historic Well (Sita koop), dating back to the ancient era.
• In the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir complex, there are proposed Mandirs dedicated to Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri, and the revered consort of the Devi Ahilya.
• In the southwestern part of the complex, at Kuber Tila, the ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored, along with the installation of Jatayu.
• No iron is used anywhere in the Mandir.
• The foundation of the Mandir has been constructed with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), giving it the appearance of artificial rock.
• For protection against ground moisture, a 21-foot-high plinth has been constructed using granite.
• The Mandir complex has a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety, and an independent power station.
• A Pilgrims Facility Centre (PFC) with a capacity of 25,000 people is being constructed, it will provide medical facilities and locker facilities to the pilgrims.
• The complex will also have a separate block with a bathing area, washrooms, washbasin, open taps, etc.
• The Mandir is being constructed entirely using Bharat’s traditional and indigenous technology. It is being constructed with particular emphasis on environmental-water conservation with 70% of the 70-acre area being left green.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir 2024 Overview 

The Ram Mandir, also known as the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, is a grand Hindu temple under construction in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is being built on the site believed to be the birthplace of Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism. Here are some details about the temple: 

• Temple          Ayodhya Ram Mandir
• Built by         Shri Ram Janam Bhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
• Construction Begin  2019
• Architect       Chandrakant Sompura and Family
• Total Allocated Area 70 Acres
• Total Mandir Area    2.7 Acres
• Ram Mandir Cost    Rs 18,000 Crore
• Deity   Lord Rama
• Location of Ram Mandir     Ayodhya
• State  Uttar Pradesh
• Construction Company       Larsen & Toubro
• Ayodhya Ram Mandir Current Status 2024        Phase 1 is Complete and
•  Phase 2 ongoing
• Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Date 2024   22nd January 2024
• Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust Official Site  srjbtkshetra.org

Significance:

Holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus worldwide. Stands at the site of the historical Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, triggered a long-standing legal dispute. The Supreme Court of India in 2019 ruled in favor of Hindu parties, paving the way for the temple's construction.

Architecture:

• Designed in the Nagara style, characterized by its towering shikharas (spires).
• Built using pink sandstone, sourced from Rajasthan.
• Spread across 2.7 acres (1.1 ha) with a total built-up area of 57,400 sq ft.
• The main temple will have three floors, each dedicated to a different deity:
• Ground floor: Lord Rama
• First floor: Lord Hanuman
• Second floor: Museum showcasing the history and culture of Ayodhya
• The complex will also include several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities, a yajnashala (hall for fire rituals), a community kitchen, and a medical facility.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya is receiving some truly unique and special gifts ahead of its consecration ceremony. Each item you mentioned carries a sense of grandeur and symbolism: The 108-foot-long incense stick is an impressive offering, with the number 108 holding significance in Hinduism.

• The 2,100-kg bell will surely resonate with its deep, sonorous tolls, marking important occasions within the temple.
• The giant lamp weighing 1,100 kg evokes a sense of illumination and spiritual guidance.
• The gold footwear, while seemingly extravagant, could symbolize the divine footsteps of Lord Ram gracing the temple grounds.
• The 10-foot-high lock and key might represent the secure and sacred nature of the temple space.
• And the clock that simultaneously denotes time in eight countries signifies the temple's potential to unite people from across the globe.

These gifts not only demonstrate the devotion and craftsmanship of the devotees but also add to the grandeur and cultural significance of the Ram temple.

Current Status:

• Construction began in August 2020 and is progressing rapidly.
• The plinth and basement levels are complete.
• Work on the ground floor pillars is ongoing.
• The temple is expected to be completed by 2025.

 Visiting the Temple: While the main temple is still under construction, devotees can visit the Ram Janmabhoomi site and offer prayers. The site is open all day from sunrise to sunset.

Darshan (glimpse) of the idols is available through a designated viewing gallery.

Additional Information: The Ram Mandir is expected to become a major pilgrimage center, attracting millions of devotees from around the world.The construction of the temple is a significant event for Hindus and is seen as a symbol of their cultural and religious heritage.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.