Updated, Jan. 22, 2024. 9.25 PM.
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ramlalla was held today in Ayodhya with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the rituals in the newly constructed magnificent temple. The Prime Minister also unveiled the Ramlalla idol in the sanctum sanctorum at the temple. UP Governor Ananadiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat also offered prayers to Ramlalla during the ceremony. People from all walks of life including industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Mittal and Anil Ambani, movie actors Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut as well as sports personalities Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and Saina Nehwal were present at the Ram Janmabhoomi. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and several other famous personalities attended this grand event. The Pran Pratishtha ceremony was also attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country. Ahead of Pran Pratishta, singers Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Paudwal and Shankar Mahadevan mesmerised the devotees with their rendering of Ram Bhajans. Amid the singing of Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, choppers showered flower petals over the Temple premises.
Prime Minister Modi described the Pran Pratishtha as a historic moment, saying it is the Pran Pratishtha of human values and ideals, and will be remembered in the coming years. He said, today is the beginning of a new era, adding that the construction of Ram Mandir has filled people with new energy. The Prime Minister highlighted that the temple of Lord Ram, epitome of justice, is built in a just manner. He observed that this is a temple of national consciousness in the form of Ram, as Lord Ram is India’s faith, consciousness, and glory.
Highlighting that the country has to lay the foundation of India for the next one thousand years, Prime Minister Modi asked the countrymen to expand their consciousness from Dev to Desh, Ram to Rashtra – from deity to nation. He asked them to learn from Hanuman’s service, devotion and dedication. The Prime Minister underlined that the grand Ram Temple will be a witness to the progress and rise of India. Mr. Modi elaborated that the entire nation including small villages is witnessing processions and cleanliness campaigns are being carried out in temples. The Prime Minister said today’s occasion is not only a moment of celebration, but at the same time it is also a moment of realization of the maturity of Indian society. He added that this is not only an occasion of victory but also of humility.
Speaking on the occasion, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that sorrows and pains of all those who listen to the stories of Lord Ram are erased. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said now in Ayodhya there will be Deepotsav and Ramotsav, and Sankirtan will echo in the streets.
Later, Mr. Modi unveiled a statue of Jatayu on the temple premises and also offered prayers at the restored Kuber Teela Shiv temple. Mr. Modi interacted with Shramjeevis associated with the construction of Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir.
For the past many days the whole of Ayodhya is resonating with an unparalleled wave of devotional fervour with the presence of thousands of Sadhus, Saints and devotees in different parts of Lord Rama’s city. Since morning a large number of devotees had gathered at Ram Path, Dharm Path and other roads and chowks of Ayodhya and were seen dancing on Ram Bhajans and chanting Jai Shri Ram. Dipped in devotion, the jubilant Ayodhya has turned saffron. The city is under the grip of festive atmosphere and Deepotsav is being observed on this historic day. At 12.20 PM when much awaited Pran Prathishta and other rituals were performed , Choppers showered flower petals over Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple. Ahead of Pran Pratishta, singers Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Puddwal and Shankar Mahadevan mesmerised the devotees with their performance of Ram Bhajans. Ram Bhakts from across the world are excited to have darshan of Ram Lala. Today only invited Sadhu Saints and famous personalities are allowed for darshan and from tomorrow, it will be open for all. Several arrangements have been made for devotees to have hassle free darshan. Diwaker, Akashvani News Ayodhya.