Mysuru Sculptor’s Ram Lalla Idol Chosen for Ayodhya’s Grand Temple
New Delhi: In a significant development for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Temple Trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, announced the selection of a Ram Lalla idol sculpted by Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru.
Selection of this idol marks a crucial step in the preparations for the consecration ceremony scheduled to take place from January 16 to 22. The newly selected idol, crafted from stone and weighing between 150-200 kgs, depicts Ram Lalla as a five-year-old boy in a standing posture.
Champat Rai said that three separate idols were carved by different sculptors, and the one by Arun Yogiraj emerged as the chosen representation of Ram Lalla. Despite this new addition, the current idol, worshipped for the past 70 years, will also find its place in the sanctum sanctorum of the upcoming temple.
The consecration ceremony, known as “pran pratishtha,” is set to be a grand event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. Over 7,000 individuals have been invited by the temple trust to witness the momentous occasion.
The elaborate rituals for the consecration ceremony span seven days, starting on January 16 and concluding on January 22. The first day involves the atonement ceremony conducted by the host appointed by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, overseeing rituals like the ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship, and the offering of cow on the banks of the Saryu river.
Subsequent days involve a procession carrying the Ram Lalla idol to Ayodhya, formal rituals like Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja. The holy fire will be lit, the ‘Navagraha’ will be established, and a ‘havan’ will take place. The sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple will be washed with Saryu water, followed by Vaastu Shanti and ‘Annadhivas’ rituals.
On January 21, the Ram Lalla idol will undergo a ceremonial bath in 125 urns before being laid to rest. The main “pran pratishtha” ceremony, commencing on January 22 at 12:30 pm, will witness the consecration of the deity, with devotees from 150 countries expected to attend the event.
It is noteworthy that the temple will remain closed for devotees on January 21 and 22, reopening to the public on January 23. As Ayodhya prepares for this historic event, the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple stands as a symbol of cultural and religious significance for millions of devotees across the world.
