With Ram Mandir inauguration, a new India is shining on world demographics with successful development of most awaited Ram Mandir. The date of 22nd January 2024 has been marked on calendar as a golden day with Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lala in Garbh Griha of Temple.
History Behind Temple Development
After a long battle of court proceedings for Ram Janmbhoomi, finally, a date arrived when the court has given final verdict for Temple Bhoomi. After the stone foundation in 2020 by PM Narendra Modi, the temple structure had started. The Temple foundation is a pillar structure is unique to stay erect for thousands of years. No iron, no metal, the temple is built with marble and stones brought from best places. Bricks written with Shree Ram are incorporated in walls of temple. The quality of the stones and the workmanship of the carving is being supervised by experts from agencies including the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) from Bengaluru, architect CB Sompura, and agencies Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE).
Significance of Ram Mandir
Ram Temple’s inauguration is not just a date of the calendar, it is initiation of time cycle. Ram is worshipped as source of energy and solution to all problems. The Ayodhya Ram Temple is considered as one of the most important pilgrim sites for Hindus and now treated as Ayodhya Dham. It is a symbol of victory of sacrifice of many devotees fighting for existence of temple from years. You can book Ayodhya Tour Packages to have darshan of Ram Lala and make your life worth.
Developments in Ayodhya for Special ceremony of Pran Pratisthta
Ram Nagari Ayodhya is decorated, revamped, and redeveloped to welcome guests and pilgrims from corners of country months before the auspicious date. New Airport, Redeveloped Railway Station, Widened Road, Sewage system, new hotels are latest addition in Ayodhya to make it ready to handle throng of tourist. For Pran Pratishtha day, 8000 VIP and VVIP guests are invited to attend the grand occasion. For Garbh Griha puja ceremony, four people including PM Modi and 5-6 families from Ayodhya are scheduled. Many groups are contributing for Ram Mandir prasad and puja ceremony in different forms. A confectioners group from Varanasi and Gujarat had prepared sweet prasad for devotees while some group brought 108 feet long Agarbatti (incense stick). Approx 2000 Quintol flowers were brought for decoration, pushpa varsha during the ceremony.
Day of Pran Pratishta
The day decided for pran pratishta of Shree Ram child form is chosen as dwadashi (12th day pf Paush month as per Hindu Calendar) in Abhijeet Muhurt for 80 seconds. PM Modi was Yajman of the ceremony along with the CM of Uttar Pradesh, the Governer of UP and Mohan Bhagwat. Pran Pratishta ceremony is performed by Lakshmi Kant Dixit- a priest from Varanasi. Seven-day rituals for the consecration ceremony began on January 16. The grand ceremony had been telecasted on PVR cinema’s large screens to witness the remarkable occasion.
About Ram Lala Idol
The 51-inch tall Ram Lala idol consecrated has been crafted by Mysuru-based 41 years old sculptor Arun Yogiraj. He has also crafted Subash Chadra Bose idol for India Delhi Gate. The idol contains carvings of all ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, and other major Hindu religious symbols. Child idol of Shri Ram is carrying bow and arrow. Lord Rama is glimmering in yellow dress, gold mukut, jewellery and flower garlands. Important materials used in temple are white Rajasthan Makrana marble, pink sandstone from Rajasthan, brassware from Uttar Pradesh.
According to the latest updates on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra website, darshan of Lord Ram Lalla can be done as per the following time slots.
Darshan timings
Morning time- 7:00 am to 11:30 am
Afternoon time- 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Aarti timings
Jagran/ Shringar Aarti- 6:30 am
Sandhya Aarti- 7:30 pm
As per reports, shayan and bhog will be done in early evening by 6:30 pm as Shri Ram is present in child form.
Evening Ceremony on 22nd January
Ram Ki Paidi on banks of Saryu River has been decorated with flowers. It is ready for grand Deepotsav in the evening replicating day of Diwali, grand event than ever. The whole ambience was looking like Dev Deepawali where gods are blessing people with their joy.
Ram Mandir Ayodhya Interior Architecture
The Ram Mandir Temple is 380 feet long, 235 feet wide and 161 feet high. The Temple is ready with 1st phase in 2024. The temple design is impressed with South Temple style architecture. Entrance of the temple is built in Gopuram style while walls of the temple is displaying artworks of Ramayan and presenting Rama Life. The sanctorum of the mandir is created in octagonal-shape while the temple premises is shaped in circular form. There are 392 pillars and 44 doors in the temple. Doors and windows are made of not ordinary wood, it is made of Teak wood (Sagwan). The Temple premises has four temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Surya, Goddess Bhagwati. There is Lord hanuman temple in southern arm while there is a temple of Maa Annapurna in northern arm. There is a giant Jatayu bird statue in the centre of temple premises. Book Ayodhya Ram Janmbhoomi Tour Package to explore the brilliant architecture of initial phase of Ram Mandir.
The mandir will have five domes and one tower with a height of 161 feet. The three-floor temple will have a centre – Garbh Griha which is built in a style to allow sun rays to fall on the idol of Ram Lala. Like the sanctorum, the Griha Mandap would be fully covered, while the Keertan Mandap, the Nritya Mandap. The Rang Mandap and the two Prarthana Mandaps on each side would be open areas. Devotees can have darshan of two idols of Shri Ram- one will be actual idol found in 1949. Find detailed Architecture of Shree Ram Mandir.
Ram Mandir Ayodhya: When You Can Visit the Temple for Darshan
The Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya will be opened to the public from January 23. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims are expected to visit the grand temple daily for Lord Ram Lala darshan. The ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony of the temple took place on January 22 in a grand event attended by PM Modi, CM Yogi and many VVIP guests, car sevak, and saints.
Things to Do in Ayodhya
After exploring Ram Temple, at the iconic Ram Janmabhoomi, explore the enchanting Hanuman Garhi- temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, with its towering structure and panoramic views of the city. Take a serene boat ride along the sacred Saryu River, and immerse in the tranquil atmosphere enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Dive into the city’s rich past at the Ayodhya Research Institute, housing a vast collection of manuscripts and artifacts showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.
Discover the spiritual harmony at the Kanak Bhavan, known for its exquisite architecture and housing the idols of Lord Rama and Sita. Engage in a cultural experience by attending the vibrant Ram Leela performances that depict the epic Ramayana. Stroll at Ayodhya Street markets and savour local delicacies and shop for traditional handicrafts.
Read More: Places to Visit in Ayodhya for a Spiritual Experience
How to Reach Ayodhya?
By Air: You can book flights from major cities in India to the newly developed Maharishi Valmiki Ayodhya Airport. The airport is conveniently connected to the city centre through taxi, rickshaw, and private cabs. The airport is located approximately 8-10 km from the city centre.
By Road: Ayodhya is well-connected with well-developed roads to nearby cities. You can hire a taxi or use public transportation like buses to reach Ayodhya from Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. To reach Ayodhya from Delhi, you can Hire Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Ayodhya for a comfortable group tour.
By Train: The nearest major railway station in Ayodhya is the Ayodhya Dham Junction which is revamped with all modern amenities. After arriving Railway Station, you can take a taxi on rent or an auto-rickshaw to reach your hotel in Ayodhya. You can also Book a Tempo Traveller in Varanasi to go for the Varanasi Ayodhya Prayagraj Tour.
Thoughts on a New Beginning
After 500 years long time, Ram has arrived in his home from a tent to a magnificent temple. Ram is a new energy to feel and understand for the powerful development of the nation and everyone. Ayodhya Dham has been of Top Pilgrimage Destinations in India.