The eagerly anticipated ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir reached a crescendo as the first full photo of Lord Ram Lalla’s murti was unveiled ahead of the grand event scheduled for 22 January. This monumental occasion marks the culmination of a week-long series of religious rituals, commencing on 16 January, leading up to the consecration of the divine idol. The murti, crafted by the skilled hands of Karnataka sculptor Arun Yogiraj, portrays Lord Ram as a five-year-old child in a standing posture, adorned with a golden bow and arrow. The unveiling of the murti unfolded over two days, creating waves of excitement and devotion among the devotees.
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The Unveiling Process:
- Initial Glimpses:
The initial glimpses of the murti were shared on Thursday, with photos capturing the moment when the idol was being carefully placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. At that time, the idol remained covered with a cloth, adding an air of mystery to the event. - Eyes Covered in Anticipation:
A subsequent picture emerged on 19 January, where only the idol’s eyes were visible, heightening the anticipation among the devotees. The selective revelation of the murti’s features added a layer of spiritual suspense to the unfolding ceremony. - The Grand Unveiling:
The climax of the unveiling occurred in the afternoon, as the temple authorities finally revealed the complete look of Lord Ram Lalla’s murti. The deity’s face, along with the meticulously crafted golden bow and arrow, was exposed to the awe-struck onlookers, marking a historic moment in the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Rituals Leading to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ Ceremony:
- Week-long Religious Rituals:
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony is the culmination of a series of week-long religious rituals that commenced on 16 January. Devotees from far and wide have been participating in various ceremonies, creating a spiritual atmosphere that resonates throughout Ayodhya. - Special Puja and Installation:
Before the idol of Lord Ram Lalla was brought inside the sanctum sanctorum, a special puja was conducted to sanctify the sacred space. The sanctum sanctorum witnessed a divine ambiance as the idol was carefully placed inside with the assistance of a crane on a night filled with religious fervor. - Symbolic Halts:
The procession carrying the murti made symbolic halts at significant temples along the way, including the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya. These halts symbolized the unity and reverence embedded in the rich cultural tapestry of Ayodhya.
Details About the Murti:
- Carved in Black Stone:
Crafted from black stone by the skilled hands of Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, the murti stands as a testament to exquisite craftsmanship. Weighing approximately 150-200 kg, the idol captures the divine essence of Lord Ram in every detail. - Selection Process:
The announcement by the Temple Trust regarding the selection of Arun Yogiraj’s sculpted murti for installation at the Ram Temple attests to the meticulous process undertaken to ensure that the idol embodies the true spirit of Bhagwan Shri Ramlalla Sarkar. - Krishna Shila Murti:
The murti, sculpted on Krishna Shila, holds a special significance, adding an extra layer of divine energy to the consecration ceremony. This choice reflects the dedication to honoring Lord Ram in a manner befitting the historical and cultural importance of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Anticipation and Devotion:
- 500 Years of Anticipation:
The atmosphere in Ayodhya is saturated with devotion and anticipation, as the wait of 500 years is finally coming to an end. The grand Ram temple, echoing with the chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ is witnessing an outpouring of emotions from devotees who have longed for this moment throughout the centuries. - Supernatural Ambiance:
The entire Ayodhya is immersed in a divine aura as mantras are chanted, and conch shells are blown, creating a supernatural ambiance. Every corner of the city seems to resonate with the joyous celebration of the consecration of Lord Ram Lalla’s murti. - Eminent Guests:
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, scheduled for 22 January, is expected to be a grand affair, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and over 7,000 other eminent guests. The convergence of political and religious leaders adds a significant dimension to the event, symbolizing the unity of the nation in this historic moment.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the unveiling of Lord Ram Lalla’s murti at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir stands as a monumental event in the cultural and religious history of India. The meticulous craftsmanship, the spiritual fervor, and the centuries-long anticipation have converged to create an atmosphere of unparalleled significance. As the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony approaches, Ayodhya prepares to witness a historic moment that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of the devotees who have longed for the manifestation of Lord Ram in the form of this divine murti.