ANS: The sacred ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals for the Ram Lala idol were initiated today, January 16, within the precincts of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex. These ceremonies are set to extend until January 21, culminating in the consecration ceremony on January 22, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, disclosed that the Pran Pratishtha programme is scheduled to commence at 12:20 p.m. on January 22, with its conclusion at 1:00 p.m.
The distinguished gathering is expected to include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, all trustees, saints, and revered individuals.
Notably, the engineers and labourers who contributed to the construction of the Ram temple will also be in attendance during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
Champat Rai detailed that Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid has ordained the Pratistha to coincide with the Abhijeet Nakshatra, with the entire consecration rite under the supervision of Varanasi’s Laxmikant Dixit ji.
The Ram Lala idol, a youthful representation weighing 150 to 200 kg, will be ritually immersed in water, accompanied by offerings of fruits and other sacred items as part of the Prana Pratistha rite.
To facilitate the finalisation of the Prana Pratistha programme, it was further elucidated that the darshan of Ram Lala will be temporarily closed on January 20th and 21st.