In Ayodhya, amidst a whirlwind of controversy surrounding the completion of the iconic Ram Temple, the chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Mishra, has come forward with clarifications. The center of this debate is the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, a sacred rite marking the consecration of a deity, scheduled amidst allegations that the temple construction remains unfinished. Mishra addressed these concerns directly, affirming the temple's readiness for this significant event.

He stated unequivocally that the Ram Lalla temple, including its innermost sanctum, known as the Garbhagriha, is fully complete. This clarification is crucial, considering the Garbhagriha's significance in a Hindu temple, representing the heart of the worship site where the primary deity resides.

Mishra further elaborated, "Mandir Toh Ban Gaya Hai. The temple of Ram Lalla will have ‘Garbhagriha’, five mandaps and that temple will be on the ground floor. That temple is complete. The first floor, which is under construction, will have Ram Darbar...The second floor is just for ‘Anushthan’, the different types of ‘Yagyas’ and ‘Anushthan’ will take place there.” This detailed description emphasizes that the core structure, inclusive of the Garbhagriha and five mandapas – the pillared halls used for various religious and ceremonial purposes – is fully realized on the ground level.

Mishra’s clarification aims to dispel any doubts regarding the temple's readiness for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, highlighting that only additional elements like the first and second floors are still under construction. These upper levels, envisioned for hosting the Ram Darbar and for performing various religious rituals and Yagyas, do not impede the essential function and sanctity of the temple as it stands.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Mishra underscored the sanctity and timing of the upcoming event. He pinpointed the 'Shubh Muhurt' or the auspicious time for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at the temple in Ayodhya, marking it at 12.30 pm on January 22. This announcement not only reinforces the temple's preparedness but also sets a definitive date for this pivotal moment in the temple’s history, a time when the deity will be symbolically infused with life and the spiritual essence of the site will be fully actualized.

"The ‘Muhurt’ on January 22 is around 12.30 pm. The prayers and rituals have already begun. The Ram Lalla will probably be brought inside the sanctum sanctorum tomorrow morning. Different types of rituals, like the Abhishek (bath) of the idol, among others, will be performed. Finally, when the auspicious time comes at 12.30 pm on the 22nd of this month, the Pran Pratishtha will be done,” he explained.

This significant statement outlines the series of rituals leading up to the ceremony. The Pran Pratishtha, a ritual of infusing life into a deity's idol, is a deeply revered practice in Hinduism. The Ram Lalla idol, representing Lord Ram as an infant, will be ceremoniously bathed and adorned in preparation for this sacred event. The culmination of these rituals will occur at precisely 12.30 pm on January 22, marking a pivotal moment in the temple's history.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony, set to take place in the temple town of Ayodhya, will witness the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His attendance symbolizes the national significance of this event, underscoring the temple's cultural and religious importance in India.

Adding to the grandeur, the idol of Ram Lalla, crafted by Arun Yogiraj, a renowned sculptor from Mysuru, will be the centerpiece of this occasion. The selection of this black-stone idol, noted for its exquisite craftsmanship, highlights the attention to detail and reverence in every aspect of the temple's construction and consecration.

Commencing on Tuesday, the rituals will span over a week, involving a series of traditional practices. The event has garnered immense interest, with thousands of VIP guests, including dignitaries and devotees, invited by the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This Trust, responsible for overseeing the temple's construction and the ceremony, has meticulously arranged for the grand welcome and hospitality of the attendees.

In a gesture of deep respect and celebration, the Trust plans to present special gifts to the guests, including 'Ram Raj', a symbolic and revered item. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Teerth Kshetra Trust will distribute 'Motichoor laddus', a traditional Indian sweet made from desi ghee, as 'Prasad'. These laddus, imbued with cultural and religious significance, are not just a treat for the taste buds but also hold a sacred place in the hearts of devotees.

A member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust shared a particularly notable aspect of the ceremony involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He revealed, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, set to attend the event, will be presented with a 15-metre picture of the Ram temple enclosed in a jute bag featuring an image of the sacred structure." This gesture is not just a token of respect but also a symbol of the temple's grandeur and the importance of this event in the cultural and religious fabric of India. The use of a jute bag, a traditional and eco-friendly material, for presenting this picture, further reflects a consciousness towards sustainable practices and cultural heritage.

The ceremony has garnered immense attention, with over 11,000 guests from across the nation receiving invitations from the Trust. The Trust is not only preparing to host this large number of attendees but also ensuring that each guest leaves with a memorable token from this historic occasion. One of the Trust members highlighted the unique gifts planned for the attendees: "the revered Ram Raj soil excavated from the temple will be bestowed upon the guests, serving as a cherished memento." This soil, coming directly from the site of the temple, holds immense sentimental value for the devotees. It symbolizes a connection to the sacred land where Lord Ram is believed to have been born, turning it into a tangible piece of the temple's legacy.

Guests can use this sacred soil in their home gardens or pots, thereby bringing a piece of this holy site into their daily lives. This gesture of sharing the Ram Raj soil is not just about giving a gift; it's about spreading the essence and sanctity of the Ram Temple to homes across the country. Interestingly, the Trust also plans to extend this gift to those unable to attend the ceremony, ensuring that the blessings of Ram Lalla reach as many devotees as possible.

The ceremonial proceedings will be led by a team of priests, with Lakshmikant Dixit at the helm. The involvement of these priests, especially under the guidance of Dixit, adds a layer of authenticity and adherence to traditional rituals in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. The careful selection of priests and their roles in the ceremony underscores the commitment to upholding the religious sanctity and traditional practices associated with the consecration of the temple.

Shri Ram Lalla’s Idol Arrives in Ram Mandir, To Be Installed in the Garbha Griha Today

The ancient city of Ayodhya witnessed a momentous event in its long, storied history as Shri Ram Lalla's idol arrived late on Wednesday evening, the 17th of January. This event marked a significant milestone in the journey of the Ram Mandir, a symbol of faith and tradition for millions. The idol was carefully placed inside the sanctum sanctorum, the garbha griha, in the early hours of Thursday. A special puja, a ritualistic worship, was conducted within the sanctum sanctorum, signifying reverence and sanctification before the idol was brought inside. The use of a crane to assist in the placement of the idol highlights the careful and respectful handling of this sacred symbol.

The idol of Shri Ram Lalla, enshrouded in cloth, embodies both artistic mastery and religious significance. Carved by the skilled hands of Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, the idol, weighing between 150-200 kg, is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and dedication involved in its creation. The choice of black stone for the idol is not just an aesthetic one; it holds deeper cultural and religious meanings.

Yogiraj utilized Krishna Shila, a specific type of black stone found in Karnataka, for carving this revered idol. This stone is sourced from the vicinity of Karkala, a quaint town near Mangalore, about 60 kilometers away. The depiction of Lord Ram in the Bal Swaroop, representing him as a five-year-old child, adds a unique dimension to the idol, reflecting innocence and divinity.

Krishna Shila is renowned for its durability and beauty, making it an ideal material for crafting sculptures that are not only visually stunning but also long-lasting. The officials note that the most attractive and enduring sculptures are often made from Krishna Shila, highlighting its significance in the art of sculpting. This choice of material for the idol of Ram Lalla, therefore, is not only a matter of tradition but also of ensuring that the representation of such a pivotal religious figure endures through time.

The idol's journey to the temple was marked by a ceremonial procession, which included a brief stop at the revered Hanumangarhi temple, a site deeply ingrained in the spiritual landscape of Ayodhya. This stop symbolizes the interconnectedness of Hindu deities and the reverence paid to Lord Hanuman, a central figure in the Ramayana. The idol’s procession to the Ram Mandir, set to be placed inside the sanctum sanctorum on the 18th of January, signifies the bringing of the divine presence into the temple's holiest chamber. This placement is a crucial part of the second day of the week-long rituals culminating in the Pran Pratishtha on January 22nd.

In a display of devotion and celebration, reports indicate that a silver idol of Shri Ram Lalla was taken around the Ram Mandir premises on Wednesday evening. This idol, adorned with garlands of roses and marigolds, embodies the reverence and affection that devotees hold for Lord Ram. The use of roses and marigolds, flowers with deep religious connotations in Hindu rituals, adds to the sanctity of the occasion. Additionally, a kalash puja was performed, a ritual involving the worship of a holy water vessel, further enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the event.

Adding to the grandeur of the consecration ceremony, two other idols were also sculpted and are now set to be placed in separate locations within the temple. The crafting of multiple idols for this grand event illustrates the depth of devotion and the attention to detail in honoring the deity. Each idol, with its distinct location within the temple, will serve as a focal point for worship and devotion, offering multiple spaces within the temple complex for contemplation and prayer.