Pran Pratishtha Ritual Commences in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, Extending Until January 22

Ayodhya: The sacred Pran Pratishtha ritual for Ramlala commenced on Tuesday at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Under the guidance of a member of the temple trust and his wife, numerous rituals have been initiated and are scheduled to continue until January 22. Ram temple chief priest Satyendra Das stated that the consecration of the Ramlala idol in the new temple will mark the conclusion of these ceremonies.

Eleven priests are actively involved in performing the rituals, invoking blessings from various gods and goddesses. Anil Mishra and his wife Usha Mishra, both members of the temple trust, are hosting the ongoing rituals until January 22. Anil Mishra confirmed his role as the host, emphasizing his participation in all the rituals, including the ceremony on January 22, where Ram Lalla will be consecrated in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Debates arose earlier regarding the appropriateness of Prime Minister Modi’s participation in a role typically reserved for a householder. Nevertheless, Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech at the conclusion of the Pran Pratistha ceremony, expected to be attended by 8,000 people. Only a select few will be allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple during the event.
The temple trust disclosed that seven residences are participating in the Pran Pratistha program, with 121 Acharyas overseeing the rituals. Ganeshwar Shastri is supervising, coordinating, and directing all the proceedings, with Laxmikant Dixit of Kashi serving as the head Acharya. Future rituals include pilgrimage worship, water journey, and Gandhadhivas. Atonement and Karmakuti puja already took place on Monday as part of the elaborate ceremonies. Temple Trust General Secretary Champat Rai revealed that Pran Pratishtha is set to begin at 12:20 pm on January 22, with completion expected by 1 pm.