In a momentous occasion steeped in religious fervour, the new idol of Ram Lalla was installed in the sanctum sanctorum amidst chanting of religious verses. The sacred proceedings commenced with the Ganesh puja on Thursday afternoon, and unfolded with meticulous rituals, including the ceremonial bathing of the idol using water from holy rivers.
Arun Dixit, one of the priests overseeing the ceremony, emphasized the significance of the 'Jaladhivas' ritual, cleansing and purifying the idol with water before the 'Ganesh Pujan.' With 121 priests assigned to various puja tasks, a 'Vastu Puja' outside the sanctum sanctorum on the temple premises further contributed to the sanctity of the event.
The much-anticipated 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram temple is scheduled to commence at 12:20 pm on January 22 and is expected to conclude by 1 pm.
The Grandeur of Lord Rama's Presence
The imposing 51-inch idol of Lord Rama now sits majestically on a lotus throne, adorned with a bow and arrow in the deity's hands. Standing at an impressive 4 feet in height, the marble throne radiates grandeur with its gilded exterior, while the temple spire's golden embellishment is earmarked for a subsequent phase in the ongoing project.
The collective height of the idol, throne, and elevated platform nears 11 feet, promising an awe-inspiring spectacle for devotees visiting the sanctum sanctorum. While the combined height of the throne and idol stands at 8.25 feet, details regarding the height of the elevated platform remain undisclosed by the overseeing trust.
The opulent golden adornments within the temple are poised to complement the grandeur of the gold-plated doors. Additionally, plans are in place for the temple spire to undergo a transformative gilded enhancement in the next stage of the ambitious project.
Symbolic Gestures and Architectural Marvels
Following the installation of Lord Rama's idol, a symbolic gesture will unfold with the placement of golden padukas (footwear) crafted by Shri Challa Srinivas Shastri from Hyderabad. These divine padukas, each weighing 1 kilogram, are a blend of gold and silver (7 kilograms of silver).
To facilitate devotees' entry for darshan, a 'parikrama' or protective enclosure has been erected in front of the Ram Temple. Recent videos showcase a stunning two-tiered structure with a saffron flag flying high, creating a captivating visual display. Inside, vibrant yellow lights illuminate the temple, creating an ethereal ambiance reminiscent of a golden aura enveloping the sanctum.
The architectural marvels extend to the temple doors, with all 14 doors on the ground floor now adorned with gold plates. Out of a total of 46 doors, 42 will collectively receive 100 kilograms of gold. Additionally, four doors near the stairs showcase the intricate craftsmanship of artisans from Hyderabad, working with saagwan (teakwood) sourced from Maharashtra.
These teakwood doors, standing at 12 feet in height and 8 feet in width, undergo intricate detailing and a layer of brass enhancement before the final gold covering. Adorned with depictions of Lord Rama, these doors vividly bring scenes from the epic Ramayana to life, showcasing the unwavering dedication and precision of the artisans involved in this monumental project.
The journey of Ram Lalla statue to sanctum sanctorum
The journey of the Ram Lalla statue to the sanctum sanctorum began late on Wednesday night. The silver statue of Ram Lalla embarked on a symbolic tour of the Ram temple complex, led by Chief host Dr Anil Mishra.
The 10 kg silver statue, carried on a palanquin through the city, resonated with Vedic chanting, showers of flowers, and worship rituals performed by prominent figures associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The return to the temple complex saw Mahant Dinendra Das of Nirmohi Akhara and priest Sunil Das conducting further ceremonies, including the worship of the throne in the sanctum sanctorum, marking a poignant culmination to this historic event.
