# Devotees who are eagerly waiting to see Ram Lalla can start visiting the temple from January 23, 2024.
ANS: In a spiritually significant event, the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shri Ramlalla took place today in Ayodhya, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm, presiding over the rituals at the newly constructed grand temple.
The grand ceremony, witnessed by thousands of devotees, marked the consecration of the Ram temple and the unveiling of the idol of Ram Lalla in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
Among the 14 main Yajmans chosen for the Ram temple consecration ceremony rituals, the Domraja of Kashi held a prominent position, adding to the sacredness of the occasion.
Prior to the Pran Pratishtha rituals, the devotees were treated to soul-stirring renditions of Ram Bhajans by renowned singers Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Paudwal, and Shankar Mahadevan.
The atmosphere was filled with devotion as the melodious strains of the iconic devotional hymn “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” filled the air, and choppers showered fragrant flower petals over the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises, enhancing the grandeur of the event.
Devotees eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see Ram Lalla in person can start visiting the temple from tomorrow. Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, announced that the darshans will commence on 23 January 2024.
The auspicious occasion witnessed the participation of prominent figures, including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Governor Anandiben Patel, all of whom offered their heartfelt prayers to Ram Lalla.
Distinguished individuals from various walks of life graced the ceremony, including industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Mittal, and Anil Ambani, as well as renowned actors Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, and Kangana Ranaut. The event was also graced by sports icons Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, and Saina Nehwal. Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, and several other eminent personalities were also in attendance.
The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony was a reflection of the unity of all major spiritual and religious sects in the country, underlining the national significance of this event.
After the conclusion of the consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion by breaking his 11-day fast at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
He expressed his gratitude by showering flower petals on the dedicated workers who played a pivotal role in the construction of the Ram Temple. Modi also paid his respects to the idol of Jatayu at the Ram Temple premises.
Continuing his spiritual journey, Modi visited the Kuber Tila on the Ram Temple premises in Ayodhya, where he offered worship to Lord Shiva by performing ‘jalabhishek’ (offering water on the ‘Shiva linga’) and also did a ‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) of the temple, marking a deeply spiritual conclusion to the historic ceremony.
Global celebrations mark the inauguration of Ram Temple
Notably, the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has sparked jubilant celebrations among the global Hindu community, with fervent expressions of enthusiasm and reverence for this historic event.
In India, Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon extended his warm wishes to the people of India ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, expressing his eagerness to visit the temple at the earliest opportunity.
Across the border in Nepal, the Janaki Temple in Janakpur, believed to be the home of Goddess Sita, was illuminated with radiant lights as people prepared to celebrate the Pran Pratishtha by observing Deepawali.
In New York, the Indian diaspora illuminated Times Square with a captivating image of Lord Ram and filled the air with the melodious tunes of Ram Bhajans, all in celebration of their cultural heritage and vibrancy.
Members of the ‘Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir’ in the United States distributed laddoos at Times Square. Additionally, a towering 25-foot statue of Lord Hanuman made its way to the Om Sri Sai Balaji temple and culture center in Monroe, New Jersey, in anticipation of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
In London, United Kingdom, prayers and festivities took center stage at the Brahmrishi Mission Ashram. The ‘Mangal Kalash,’ hailing from Ayodhya and currently on a tour of the UK, reached the Slough Hindu Temple. The Indian diaspora in the UK organized a car rally in London, with over 325 cars participating in the joyous procession.
Even in far-off Queretaro, Mexico, the city celebrated the inauguration of its very first Lord Ram temple. The temple was formally opened following the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, which was conducted by an American priest in collaboration with Mexican hosts, with the idols having been brought from India.
The event showcased the universal appeal of this monumental occasion, transcending borders and cultures to unite the global Hindu community in celebration.