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Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the ‘aarti’ of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on Monday, thus consecrating the deity’s idol. The idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled at the temple in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister led the rituals at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
WATCH: indica’s LIVE coverage of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya
The childhood form of Lord Ram (Shri Ram Lalla) has been placed in the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor of the temple. PM Modi performed ‘parikrama’ of the deity and did ‘dandvat pranam’. He also took blessings from ‘sadhus’.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present at the ceremony.
Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers showered flower petals over Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises in Ayodhya as the idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled. Over 8,000 guests have been invited to the ceremony at the grand temple.
The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony was attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country.
People from all walks of life including representatives of various tribal communities also attended the ceremony. Prime Minister will interact with ‘shramjeevis’ associated with the construction of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir. He will also visit the Kuber Tila, where the ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored later in the day.
The magnificent Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir has been constructed in traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet; width 250 feet and height is 161 feet; and is supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors.
The main entrance to the Mandir is situated on the eastern side, which can be approached by ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar. There are a total of five Mandaps (Halls) in the Mandir – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap and Kirtan Mandap. Near the Mandir is a historic Well (Sita koop), dating back to the ancient era.
In the southwestern part of the Mandir complex, at Kuber Tila, the ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored, along with the installation of a statue of Jatayu.
The foundation of the Mandir has been constructed with a 14-meter- thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), giving it the appearance of artificial rock. No iron is used anywhere in the Mandir. For protection against ground moisture, a 21-foot-high plinth has been constructed using granite.
The Mandir complex has a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety and an independent power station. The Mandir has been constructed employing the country’s traditional and indigenous technology.
The pillars and walls of the temple showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi was seen dressed in a cream-coloured traditional kurta-pajama, matching jacket and a stole.
Inside the intricately carved white marble temple PM Modi climbed up a series of stairs to reach the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) for the the pran-pratistha ceremony.
The Prime Minister who had undertaken an 11-day anushtan (ritual fasting) in the run-up to the day led the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals, which began with a prayer to Lord Vishnu.
Amidst hymns and vedic chants of mantras by priests, PM Narendra Modi offered prayers to Ram Lalla. The 51-inch tall idol was unveiled at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
The Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony was performed in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat among others.
“The divine moment of Pran Prathishta of Shri Ram Lala in Ayodhya Dham is an emotional moment for everyone. It is my good fortune to be part of this unique programme. Jai Siyaram,” PM Modi said in a tweet.
