Ram Mandir launch stirs worldwide excitement
As the winds of anticipation sweep through the air, India celebrates the consecration ceremony of the Ram idol in the temple in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024. Orchestrated by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, this event will unite devotees. More than a lakh people will converge to bear witness to the pran pratishtha (consecration) that will infuse life into the sacred idols of Lord Rama within the hallowed precincts of the iconic temple.
The excitement surrounding the Ram Temple’s consecration has permeated various aspects of Indian society. Expectant mothers in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur are opting to schedule their deliveries on 22 January, believing that a child born at such an auspicious time will have a positive impact on their personality.
The Legend of the Seventh Avatar
In around 200 BC, it is believed Lord Vishnu’s seventh avatar, Ram, graced the earthly realm. Born to Kaushalya and Dasharatha in the resplendent city of Ayodhya, the heart of the Kingdom of Kosala, Ram’s life unfolded like an exquisite tapestry woven with the threads of the epic Ramayana.
Lord Rama’s journey became a timeless odyssey, a saga of valor and virtue. Ram, the epitome of excellence, became a living embodiment of virtues that stir the soul. According to the mythology of the Ramayana, he was a paragon of moral rectitude, gracefully shouldering the weight of his responsibilities, and embodying the quintessence of duty. Acknowledged as the maryada purushottama (epitome of the perfect man), Ram stands as tall as the manifestation of righteousness, the pinnacle of upholding Dharma. He symbolizes the apotheosis of a perfect human being.
A Sacred Idol
The main idol, Lord Ram in the form of a five-year-old child (Ram Lalla), was crafted by the renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka. It stands at 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The idol, made entirely of black stone, is designed to capture the innocence and divinity of a young Lord Rama. The idols of Lord Ram’s brothers, his wife Sita, and his disciple Hanuman, will be placed on the first floor of the massive temple. The worship of the idol will begin on 16 January and it will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum on 18 January.
Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, explained that the dimensions of Lord Ram’s idol and its installation height were meticulously planned based on the guidance of distinguished space scientists in India. This careful design ensures that every year on Ram Navami, the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month, Lord Surya will personally anoint Shri Ram, with sunlight directly illuminating his forehead at noon and making it radiate with brilliance.
The consecration ceremony, scheduled at 12:20 pm on 22 January 2024, aligns with the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat. Legend has it that this particular Muhurat is associated with the removal of doshas (ill effects) and is extremely propitious for initiating new endeavors. The chosen date holds historical and cultural significance, marking the triumph of good over evil.
Architectural Marvel
The grandeur of the Ram Temple is not just limited to its religious significance; it’s also an architectural marvel. Drawing inspiration from South Indian temples, the traditional Nagara-style structure stands 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. Constructed with age-resistant granite, the temple is built to withstand the test of time.
The Ram Mandir is designed to be a “Divyang-friendly temple,” ensuring easy access for disabled individuals. With features like lifts and ramps at the entrance, the temple complex aims to be inclusive and accommodating to all devotees.
Why Ayodhya?
Ayodhya is considered to be a holy city with historical importance. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. With its mention in mythological texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Ayodhya has become a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Ayodhya was the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom and was ruled by King Dasharatha, father of Lord Ram.
The temple is being built on the long-disputed site where Babri Masjid (mosque), named after Mughal emperor Babur, was built in Ayodhya in the 16th century after destroying, what is believed to be the Ram Temple. The Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992 by Hindu activists, prompting the Liberhan Commission to investigate the case.
The Allahabad High Court ruled in favor of dividing the disputed land between the Sunni Wakf Board, Nirmohi Akhara, and Hindus who supported the installation of the idol of Lord Ram in 2010. The Babri Masjid remained a point of contention until the historic judgment of the Supreme Court of India in 2019, which allowed for the construction of the Ram Mandir.
A Global Celebration
To honor the sanctity of the occasion, several Indian states, including Chhattisgarh and Assam, have declared 22 January as a “dry day,” prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages. In addition, the All India Jamiatul Quresh has announced the closure of meat shops in Lucknow during the consecration ceremony. The significance of the consecration ceremony extends beyond India’s borders. The event will be telecast at Indian embassies worldwide, with Times Square in New York City live-streaming the grand celebration. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also committed to broadcasting the ceremony at the booth level across the nation.
The Spirit of Lord Rama
As India eagerly awaits the consecration of the Ram Temple, the unifying spirit of Lord Rama is palpable.
The event transcends religious boundaries, bringing people together in celebration of a cultural and spiritual milestone. The grandeur of the temple, the symbolism of the consecration date, and the inclusive design reflect a collective effort to commemorate this historic moment in Indian history. Lord Rama, once again, stands as a unifying force, fostering harmony and shared celebrations across the diverse landscape of India.
In this moment, the past and present will converge, weaving a tale of devotion and architectural splendor. As the consecration ceremony unfolds, it promises to be a symphony of faith, echoing through the ages, resonating with the eternal spirit of Lord Rama, the timeless beacon of virtue and divinity.
