Ayodhya in grip of religious fervour, ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony to start at 12.20 p.m.

The consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be held today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the rituals, following which the shrine will be opened for the public a day later.

The “ Pran Pratishtha” ceremony will begin at 12.20 p.m. and is expected to end by 1 p.m. Mr. Modi will then address a gathering of more than 7,000 people, including seers and prominent personalities, at the venue.

While about 8,000 people are in the long list of invitees, the select list features 506 A-listers, including prominent politicians, leading industrialists, top film stars, sportspersons, diplomats, judges and high priests. To commemorate the occasion, the Centre has given half-a-day off to all the Government employees which includes Public Sector Banks. Several States have also followed suit and declared a public holiday. 

The consecration ceremony is being held after the first phase of the temple’s construction, made possible by a Supreme Court judgment in 2019 on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit. The Hindu litigants argued that the Babri Mosque was constructed at the site of a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Ram. In 1992, the 16th century mosque was demolished by “kar sevaks”.

Ram temple constructed in traditional Nagara style

The magnificent Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir or Ram temple has been constructed in the traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet; width 250 feet and height 161 feet. It is supported by a total of 392 pillars and has 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 the temple’s ground floor, the idol of Ram Lalla has been placed. 

Bachchan, Ambani, Adani and Tendulkar… who’s who from all fields to attend Ram temple inauguration

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, business tycoons Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, and sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar are among India’s crème de la crème who have been invited as state guests for the consecration of the Ram temple.

While about 8,000 people are in the long list of invitees, the select list features 506 A-listers, including prominent politicians, leading industrialists, top film stars, sportspersons, diplomats, judges and high priests.

Ram idol statue carved out of a 3-billion-year-old rock, says geologist

The idol of infant Ram by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj that will adorn the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at Ayodhya has been chiseled out of a three billion year old rock. 

The rock was taken from an active quarry in Guggegowdanapura in Mysuru district and similar rocks are found in other parts of India as well, said Dr. Srikantappa of Department of Earth Sciences, University of Mysore.

Musical event titled ‘Mangal Dhwani’ to be staged at 10 a.m.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced on Sunday that the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony will be marked by a dazzling musical event titled ‘Mangal Dhwani’. 

The soiree, featuring some of the biggest names in the world of music, will be staged at 10 a.m.

Schedule of the Ram temple consecration

Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya Dham is being held on January 22, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ as per prescribed rituals. 

The “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony will begin at 12:20 p.m. and is expected to end by 1 p.m. The Prime Minister will then address a gathering of more than 7,000 people, including seers and prominent personalities, at the venue. 

Find below the details of the ceremony. 

10:45 a.m.: Arrival at Ayodhya helipad

10:55 a.m.: Arrival at Ram Janmabhoomi site

11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Reserved

12:05-12:55 p.m.: ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals begin

12:55 p.m.: PM Modi to leave the consecration ceremony venue

1 p.m.: Arrival at a public ceremony

1 p.m.- 2 p.m.: PM Modi to attend a public event in Ayodhya

2:10 p.m.: Visit to Kuber Teela