The forthcoming "Pran Pratishtha" ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is anticipated to be a pivotal and historic event. Commencing on January 16 and extending until January 21, the week-long celebration will culminate in the main event on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.
The main event will be held on January 22, it will begin at 12:20 pm on January 22 and is expected to end by 1 pm.
The schedule for the week is meticulously planned, encompassing a range of rituals:
January 16 : Prayaschita and Karmakuti Poojan
January 17: Parisar Pravesh of Ram Lalla's idol
January 18: Teerth Poojan, Jal Yatra, and Gandhadhivas
January 19: Aushadhadhivas, Kesaradhivas, Ghritadhivas, and Dhanyadhivas
January 20: Sharkaradhivas, Phaladhivas, and Pushpadhivas
January 21: Madhyadhivas and Shaiyadhivas
The "Pran Pratishtha" ceremony will be conducted by 121 "acharyas," with the principal "acharya" being Laxmikant Dixit of Kashi. The principal host of the rituals is trust member Anil Mishra and his wife Usha Mishra, overseeing all prayers offered on their behalf.
The organizers emphasize diverse representation and historic tribal inclusion. The guest list includes:
Political Figures: President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and others.
Spiritual Leaders: Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Industrialists: Gautam Adani, Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, and more.
Film Personalities: Amitabh Bachchan, Rajnikanth, Kangana Ranaut, and others.
Sports Icons: Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Deepika Kumari.
The main event on January 22, scheduled from 12:20 pm to 1 pm, will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering a speech. However, only a select few out of the 8,000 guests will be allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum.
A brief history of the issue, dating back over a century, culminated in the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict supporting the construction of the Ram Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the 'bhoomi pujan' in August 2020.
In the run-up to the ceremony, individuals from various states are bringing unique gifts. Notable among them are a 108-foot incense stick, a 400 kg lock and key, a clock denoting time in eight countries simultaneously, and a giant lamp weighing 1,100 kg.
The local police have installed 10,000 CCTV cameras throughout Ayodhya, incorporating AI-based technology in some. Major roads leading to Ayodhya have been converted into green corridors to manage traffic, with diversions starting from January 18. Enhanced security extends to the Sarayu River, with power boats, NDRF, and SDRF teams deployed.
This comprehensive overview encapsulates the significance, rituals, key figures, guest list, historical context, and security measures surrounding the historic "Pran Pratishtha" ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple.