Diwali is being joyously celebrated throughout India, with millions of devotees lighting earthen lamps (diyas) to mark the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya. In a radiant spectacle, Ayodhya’s Saryu Ghat dazzled with thousands of diyas following the conclusion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Similar celebrations unfolded in Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri, adorned with earthen lamps, echoing the jubilation in Ayodhya.
In Nepal’s Janakpur, devotees joyously celebrated ‘Deepotsav’ in honor of the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’.
Public darshan of Shri Ram Lalla will commence from Tuesday after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. Revised temple timings allow devotees to seek blessings from Ram Lalla from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with a break from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The temple will remain closed during this interval, and every hour, Ram Lalla will be offered fruit and milk.
Ram Lalla will now adorn different colored attire on specific days, symbolizing various emotions. The unique attire, crafted by skilled artisans, adds a vibrant touch to the festivities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya, unveiling the idol of Ram Lalla. The grand temple, constructed in traditional Nagara style, stands magnificently with intricate details and architectural marvels.
The foundation of the temple, crafted with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), showcases a blend of modern amenities with traditional architecture. The temple’s schedule includes morning and evening darshan, rituals, and special ceremonies, ensuring a divine atmosphere for devotees.
The holy city of Ayodhya witnessed a divine moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, unveiling the idol of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The atmosphere was infused with deep devotion as PM Modi conducted the rituals, performing the ‘aarti’ of the Ram Lalla idol and undertaking ‘parikrama’ of the deity, followed by ‘dandvat pranam’. Flower petals showered over the temple premises from Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
In his address, PM Modi congratulated the nation on this auspicious occasion, emphasizing that Ram Lalla will no longer reside in a tent but in the grand temple. He acknowledged centuries of sacrifices, renunciations, and penances that led to the construction of the grand temple.
Distinguished dignitaries such as RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath graced the ceremony, chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ along with thousands of devotees. Over 8,000 guests from various spiritual and religious sects, including tribal communities, attended the ceremony.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in traditional Nagara style, stands magnificently with dimensions of 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. It features 392 pillars, 44 doors, and intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities. The main entrance, accessed from the eastern side through Singh Dwar, leads to five Mandaps (Halls) – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap.
Notable features include the historic Well (Sita koop) and the restored ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv at Kuber Tila, contributing to the cultural richness of the site. The Mandir’s foundation, crafted with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), gives it the appearance of an artificial rock. The absence of iron and the use of traditional indigenous technology highlight the uniqueness of the construction.
The Mandir complex is equipped with modern amenities, including a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety, and an independent power station. These elements seamlessly blend with the traditional architecture, creating a harmonious space for devotees.
The temple’s schedule post the Pran Pratishtha ceremony includes cleaning, worship, and adornment of the sanctum sanctorum during the day. Around 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, the idols and ‘Shri Yantra’ will be awakened with mantras, followed by the ‘Mangala Aarti,’ consecration ceremony, ‘Shringar Aarti,’ and evening darshan from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, interrupted only by the evening ‘Sandhya Aarti’ at 7:00 PM.
The celebration of Diwali across India is further enhanced by the lighting of earthen lamps (diyas) by devotees, marking the significant milestone of the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya. The festival holds immense cultural and religious significance, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
