Edited by Deepali Verma
The idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ by Mysuru based sculptor Arun Yogiraj has made the cut for the Ram temple at Ayodhya after a panel voted on three choices. The sculptor has crafted the Ram Lalla in black stone, which was unanimously picked by a panel from idols carved by three sculptors, the Ram Temple trust’s general secretary Champat Rai remarked on January 15.
The new idol for which the consecration ceremony is held is made of stone and weighs “somewhere between 150-200 kgs”, Mr Rai informed the reporters in Ayodhya.
The idol portrays the deity as a five-year-old boy in a standing posture.
The current idol of Ram Lalla has been a source of worship for over 70 years, and will also be present in the sanctum-sanctorum of the new temple.
The preparations are massively underway for the “pran pratishtha” (consecration ceremony) of the Ram temple on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top leaders are expected to be in attendance for the event. The invitations have been extended to over 7,000 people who have been invited to the grand ceremony.
The consecration rituals begin from January 16 (today) at the temple and the event schedule stretches over seven days:
January 16 to 22
The rituals for the consecration ceremony commences. The host as appointed by the temple trust — Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra — is set to conduct the atonement ceremony.
The ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship and the offering of cows is expected to be held on the banks of Saryu river.
January 17
The idol of Ram Lalla will reach Ayodhya via a procession that will be carrying it. On the other hand, the devotees carrying Saryu water in Mangal Kalash will be reaching the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
January 18
The commencement of the formal rituals will be marked with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan and Vastu Puja.
January 19
There will be a holy fire lit, followed by the establishment of ‘Navagraha’ and a ‘havan’ (holy ritual surrounding the fire).
January 20
The sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple will be washed with Saryu water on this day, post which the Vaastu Shanti and ‘Annadhivas’ rituals will take place.
January 21
The bathing of the Ram Lalla idol will take place in 125 urns and will finally be laid to rest.
January 22
The main “pran pratishtha” ceremony will start at 12:30 pm on January 22 and the deity of Ram Lalla will be consecrated. It is estimated that the devotees from 150 countries are likely to attend the consecration ceremony on the final day.
The temple will remain closed for devotees on January 21 and 22 and will be open for the public only on January 23.
