The countdown to the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has begun, with the Ram Mandir pran pratishtha rituals commencing 16 January 2024 and leading up to the grand opening of Shri Ram Mandir on 22 January 2024.
This blog post provides a detailed glimpse into the sacred ceremonies of Ram Lalla pran pratishtha(consecration) ceremony and rituals that will unfold over the next seven days, adding to the anticipation of this momentous and event Ram Mandir inauguration.
Day 1: Atonement Ceremony and Lord Vishnu Worship (January 16, 2024)
The journey begins with the host appointed by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra conducting the atonement ceremony, featuring the ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship and offerings to cows along the Saryu River.
This day sets the spiritual tone for the upcoming events of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha.
Day 2: Arrival of the Selected Ram Lalla Idol (January 17, 2024)
A procession carrying the Ram Lalla idol, confirmed to be sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, traverses Ayodhya.
Devotees carrying Saryu water in the Mangal Kalash also reach the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
The arrival marks a significant step as formal rituals commence with the placement of the Ram Lalla idol at its sacred ‘aasan’ in the ‘garbh griha’ of Ram Mandir Ayodhya.
Day 3: Sacred Ceremonies of Ram Mandir (January 18, 2024)
Thursday January 18, 2024 brings a series of sacred ceremonies, including Ganesh Ambika Puja, Varun Puja, Matrika Puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Pujan.
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Each ritual holds cultural and religious significance, contributing to the sanctity of the overall consecration ceremony of Lord Ram. The Ram Lalla idol finds its place in the ‘garbh griha’.
Day 4: Lighting the Holy Fire in Ram Mandir (January 19, 2024)
A holy fire is lit inside the Ram Mandir on the fourth day, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment.
This ritual adds a spiritual dimension to the consecration process of Ram Lalla Idol, preparing the Ram Mandir for the upcoming significant events.
Day 5: Washing the Sanctum Sanctorum of Ram Mandir(January 20, 2024)
The sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir is washed with the holy water of Saryu on the fifth day.
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Rituals such as Vaastu Shanti and Annadhivas are performed, contributing to the overall spiritual sanctification of the Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya.
Day 6: Divine Bath and Rituals of Ram Lalla (January 21, 2024)
A day before the grand event of Ram Lalla consecration ceremony, the deity of Ram Lalla is given a divine bath with 125 urns(kalash), and the ritual of Shayadhivas is observed.
These preparations set the stage for the pinnacle consecration ceremony, the pran pratishtha of Ram Lalla Idol, which is set to take place on 22 January 2024.
The Pran Pratishtha Ceremony of Ram Lalla (January 22, 2024)
The much awaited day arrives with the historic and religiously significant pran pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla Idol scheduled at the Ram Mandir Ayodhya.
From 12:20 pm to 1 pm, in the presence of VVIPs and devotees, the deity of Ram Lalla will be consecrated at Ayodhya Ram Mandir. This consecration ceremony transforms the Ram Lalla idol into a deity capable of accepting prayers and granting boons to worshippers.
The consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla Idol involves placing the ram lalla idol in the sanctum sanctorum in the eastward direction, followed by the final stage of opening the eyes of the statue.
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The application of anjan around the deity’s eyes, using a gold needle, is a crucial step in bringing the idol to life, signifying its readiness to receive prayers.
Post Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla
Following the pran pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla Idol, witnesses will have the opportunity for Shri Ram darshan at Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
It’s noteworthy that the Ram Mandir will be closed for devotees on 21 January and 22 January 2024, reopening of Ram mandir to the public is on 23 January 2024.
Global Celebrations for Ram Mandir Inauguration
The historic Ram Mandir inauguration isn’t limited to India, celebrations will echo globally.
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Car rallies in the United States, livestreams in India embassies overseas, and a Ram Rath Yatra in Paris are among the international events commemorating this significant occasion of Ram Mandir Inauguration.
Conclusion
As we stand on the threshold of witnessing history unfold in Ayodhya, these rituals leading up to the pran pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla Idol symbolize a spiritual journey, intertwining tradition, and devotion.
The consecration of Shri Ram Mandir is not just a national event but a celebration that resonates across borders, uniting people in the shared reverence for this iconic moment in time.
