The grand inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a monumental 50-year project by the BJP, is set to unfold today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PM Modi) presiding over the ‘grand pran pratishta’ ceremony. The sanctum sanctorum now houses the idol of the five-year-old Lord Ram. This event has garnered widespread anticipation and will be celebrated nationwide.
1. Nationwide Celebrations Mark the Consecration Ceremony
The consecration ceremony is not limited to Ayodhya alone. Across the country and among Indians abroad, special prayers and various programs at local temples will mark the occasion. The festivity resembles Diwali, symbolizing Lord Ram’s triumphant return after the battle with Ravan, with temples and homes adorned in festive lighting.
2. Distinguished Guests and Celebrities Attend the Event
Ayodhya witnesses the presence of eminent personalities for this historic event. Megastars like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, actor couples Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt, industrialists Sunil Bharti Mittal and Anil Ambani, as well as sports legends Sachin Tendulkar and Saina Nehwal, are among the notable celebrities attending the ceremony.
3. PM Modi’s Religious Preparations
Prime Minister Modi has dedicated 11 days to strict religious rituals leading up to the noon consecration ceremony. Apart from participating in the ceremony, he will address the gathering, sharing the significance of the occasion.
4. Inclusivity in the Pran Pratishtha Ceremony
The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony will witness the participation of representatives from various spiritual and religious sects across the country. People from diverse backgrounds, including representatives of tribal communities, will join the ceremony, emphasizing inclusivity.
5. PM Modi’s Engagement with Temple Laborers
During his visit, PM Modi plans to interact with the labourers who have contributed to the construction of the Ram Temple. Additionally, he will visit Kuber Tila, the site of the restored ancient temple of Lord Shiv, to offer prayers.
6. Architectural Marvel of the Ram Temple
The 380×250 feet temple, built in the traditional north-Indian Nagara style, boasts 392 pillars, 44 doors, and walls adorned with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. The idol of the five-year-old Lord Ram takes its place in the sanctum sanctorum. Nearby, the Kuber Tila and the ancient well (Sita koop) add to the historical significance of the complex.
7. Ayodhya’s Transformation and Preparation
Leaders of the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have been camping in Ayodhya, which has undergone significant development, including the establishment of an international airport and a renovated railway station. The influx of over 11,000 visitors has led to the emergence of hotels, guest houses, and homestays, signalling an economic boom for the region.
8. Political Controversies Surrounding the Event
The inauguration of the Ram temple, a focal point of a decades-long political dispute, has faced opposition from various political parties, including Congress, Left, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party. Accusations of the BJP exploiting religion for political gains have been met with strong rebuttals, as the BJP asserts that those declining the invitation will face repercussions at the polls.
9. Controversies Involving Shankaracharyas
The event has not been without its share of controversies, including the absence of the Shankaracharyas of four premier monasteries. Puri and Joshimath Shankaracharyas argue that the consecration of an incomplete temple is not valid and question PM Modi’s presence inside the sanctum sanctorum.
10. Temple Construction Post Supreme Court Verdict
The construction of the temple began following a landmark Supreme Court judgment in 2019, which awarded the disputed land for a temple and mandated an alternate plot for a mosque for the Muslim community. The origins of the dispute trace back to Independence when Karsevaks razed a 16th-century mosque, believing it was constructed over a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Ram.
The information in this article has been derived from ndtv.com. Any inaccuracies are not the responsibility of Empire Weekly. Please refer to the source for verification.
