Rituals Unveiled for Historic Ram Temple Consecration

With the much-anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya scheduled for January 22, the temple trust has unveiled a comprehensive 7-day schedule of rituals from January 16 to January 22. The event is expected to draw the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricketers, celebrities, and industrialists.

Schedule of Events:

January 16:

• ‘Dashvidh’ bath ritual on the banks of the Saryu River.
• Worship of Lord Vishnu and Godan.

January 17:

• Procession with the idol of Ram Lala visiting Ayodhya.
• Devotees carrying Saryu water in Mangal Kalash or pot to reach the temple.

January 18:

• Formal rituals commence with Ganesh Ambika Puja, Varun Puja, Matrika Puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja.

January 19:

• Agni Sthapana, Navagraha Sthapana, and a havan.

January 20:

• Cleaning of the sanctum sanctorum with holy water of Saryu.
• Rituals concerning Vaastu Shanti and Annadhivas.

January 21:

• Washing of the deity with 125 urns.
• Shayadhivas ritual.

January 22:

• Consecration of the Rama Lalla deity in Mrigashira Nakshatra in the afternoon.

Temple trust secretary Champat Rai assured that all preparations for the ‘pran pratishtha’ (consecration) were completed. The ceremony is expected to conclude by 1 pm on January 22, followed by expressions of thoughts from PM Modi and other dignitaries present. Darshan will remain closed to the public on January 20 and 21.

Rai announced that the Ram Lalla idol, crafted by Mysore-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, would be placed at the sanctum sanctorum, weighing between 150 kg to 200 kg. The idol, depicting a five-year-old Ram Lalla, would be moved into the new temple campus on January 18 in a standing posture.

The consecration ceremony arrangements are in full swing, with preparations made for nearly 8000 VIPs attending the inauguration ceremony on January 22, as stated by Champat Rai.