Nripendra Mishra: Ram Mandir Consecration a Historic Event
Nripendra Mishra, chairperson of the Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee, stated that the consecration of the Ram Mandir is a historic event. His remarks come in response to the Congress declining an invite to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, calling it a “BJP-RSS event.” “I do not answer political questions, but I do not understand one thing – Lord Ram has become political, or his followers who have devotion to him are making him political. Is Lord Ram looking at different people from different viewpoints and blessing only a few? If God is Maryada Purushottam, how can politics be associated with him?” Nripendra Mishra told news agency ANI.
Shubh Muhurat: Consecration of Ram Lalla
Nripendra Mishra also shared that the ‘shubh muhurat’, or auspicious time, for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at the temple in Ayodhya, is 12:30 pm on January 22. “The ‘muhurat’ on January 22 is around 12:30 pm. The prayers and rituals have already begun. Ram Lalla will probably be brought inside the sanctum sanctorum tomorrow morning. Different types of rituals, like the Abhishek (bath) of the idol, among others, will be performed. Finally, when the auspicious time comes at 12:30 pm on the 22nd of this month, Pran Pratishtha will be done,” he said.
Prime Minister’s Attendance and Rituals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22. The black-stone idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, has been selected for the enthronement. Rituals started on Tuesday and will continue for seven days. Thousands of VIP guests have been invited by the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the ceremony.
Historic Significance and Recognition of Faith
Mishra described the event as historic and emphasized that Hindus across the world feel that their faith has been respected. He said, “It is perhaps a historic event. There was a belief, universally, I would call it among Hindus, that (Lord) Ram belongs to Ayodhya and must get recognition in the place where people believe the temple is. So, with that kind of faith and belief, suddenly the realization has come that Lord Ram in the form of a child will come to the temple and the consecration will take place.” He added, “Not only in India but all over the world, Hindus feel their rights have been recognized and their faith has been respected.”
Unity and Respect for Judicial Pronouncement
Invoking the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ayodhya case, Mishra referenced Prime Minister Modi’s statement in 2019, emphasizing the need for no sense of victory or defeat and the acceptance of the judicial pronouncement. Mishra highlighted the importance of celebrating the event without diminishing the significance of individuals of different faiths, emphasizing that the country belongs to everybody.
Elaborate Arrangements, Gifts, and Rituals
The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has made elaborate arrangements to welcome and honor all attendees, presenting them with gifts that include ‘Ram Raj.’ As part of the celebration, they will distribute special ‘motichoor laddus’ made from desi ghee as ‘prasad’ to the guests. PM Modi will be presented with a 15-meter picture of the Ram temple enclosed in a jute bag featuring an image of the sacred structure. More than 11,000 guests nationwide have been invited to the Pran Pratistha ceremony, with special arrangements underway to provide memorable gifts to all attendees. The revered Ram Raj soil excavated from the temple will be given to the guests as a memento.
A team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit will perform the main rituals of the Pran Prathistha.
