Ayodhya Gears Up for Grand “Pran Pratishtha” Ceremony at Ram Temple

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is abuzz with anticipation and excitement as the sacred city prepares for the monumental “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony at the Ram temple scheduled for January 22. The consecration ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion, and all eyes are on the grandeur surrounding the event.

The intricately designed invitation cards for the ceremony reflect the magnificence of the temple being erected in Ayodhya. Featuring an imposing image of the temple structure and a youthful depiction of Lord Ram, the cards set the tone for a truly divine celebration. Moreover, the invitation includes a booklet that provides brief profiles of key individuals who played pivotal roles in the historic Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

The guest list for the “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony

Over 7,000 individuals have received invitations from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the temple trust responsible for the event. Among the notable invitees are cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, and industrial magnates Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. The inclusivity of the guest list extends to include a significant number of sadhus, seers, and even foreign dignitaries.

The invitation cards, printed in both Hindi and English, are currently being delivered to the esteemed guests. Each set comprises the main invitation card, the “Pran Pratishtha” program card, and a booklet detailing the journey of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the individuals who contributed directly or indirectly to its realization.

The main invitation card features a striking silhouetted image of the upcoming Ram temple, adorned with the inscription ‘Shree Ram Dham’ and ‘Ayodhya’ beneath it. The cover also bears the phrase “Invitation Extraordinaire” or “Apoorva Anadik Nimantran” in Hindi, emphasizing the exceptional nature of the invitation.

The “Pran Pratishtha” program card follows suit, showcasing a silhouette of the temple and describing the event as “Ceremony Special” or “Karyakram Vishesh” in Hindi. It specifies the auspicious “shubh muhurt” for the ceremony at 12:20 pm on Monday, January 22, 2024.

Renowned actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, who portrayed Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in the iconic TV serial “Ramayan,” have also received invitations to the ceremony. Additionally, 4,000 seers from various parts of the country have been extended invitations, further enriching the spiritual significance of the event.

Champat Rai, the general secretary of the trust, shared, “Family members of the 50 karsevaks who lost their lives during the Ram temple movement have also been invited. Invitations have also been sent to judges, scientists, writers, and poets.” This broad spectrum of invitees reflects the inclusivity and cultural diversity surrounding the historic ceremony.

The main invitation card provides a visual narrative of the temple’s significance, featuring images of the temple itself and a graphical representation of “Baalrup Prabhu Ram” – Lord Ram in a youthful form, adorned in royal attire, standing on a lotus, carrying a bow and arrow, with royal locks framing his divine face.

The subsequent pages of the invitation card detail the ceremony’s date and logistics, emphasizing the auspicious moment of “Ram Lala’s return to the original seat at the new grand temple home.” The booklet accompanying the invitation further delves into the struggles and sacrifices made during the journey to construct the temple.

Among the profiles featured in the booklet are seer Devraha Baba Ji Maharaj, Mahant Abhiram Das, Paramhans Ramchandradas, KK Nayar, the then district magistrate of Faizabad in 1949-50, Thakur Gurudutt Singh: Rajendra Singh ‘Rajju Bhaiya,’ and Ashok Singhal, who later served as the president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

As Ayodhya readies itself for this historic occasion, the Ram temple complex, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, promises to be an architectural marvel. Standing at 380 feet in length (east-west direction), 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height, the temple will comprise multiple floors, each 20 feet high, adorned with a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates, as revealed by Champat Rai, the trust’s general secretary.

In conclusion, Ayodhya’s preparations for the “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony reflect the culmination of a long and arduous journey, blending spirituality, tradition, and cultural richness. The event is not just a celebration for the devotees present but a historical moment that resonates with the nation and the world, marking the fruition of a cherished dream.

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