Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Highlights: Temple town set for consecration ceremony tomorrow; PM Modi to attend rituals

A car rally celebrating Shri Ram was held at California's Golden Gate Bridge in anticipation of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya scheduled for tomorrow.

VIDEO | Shri Ram car rally organised at California’s Golden Gate Bridge in view of #RamTemplePranPratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/ny3hKroU6x

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2024

Last minute preparations and final touches continue in full swing in the temple town as the much-anticipated ‘pran pratishtha’  (consecration) ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is just a day away. The temple with Ram Lalla idol is all set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (January 22).

The consecration ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla is scheduled to take place at 12.20 pm, and event is set to witness the participation of about 8,000 invitees, including 1,500-1,600 “eminent” guests.

In August 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, approximately 6,000 km away in the island nation of Mauritius, an 89-year-old man sat on his couch, tears streaming down his face, as he watched the ceremony being telecast live from India. “My father has had a stroke and he was sitting and crying all the way. It meant that the wait was finally over,” says Nivedita R Nathoo, the vice president of the Mauritius branch of a group called the Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party, a group affiliated with the party.

One and a half years later, the Indian diaspora will be commemorating the consecration of the Ram temple on January 22. But perhaps non-resident Indians in a few countries will be celebrating the grand event in a form similar to that being witnessed in Mauritius. Read more

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar arrived in Ayodhya today. They also visited SRJBTK trust Chairperson Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.

Dignitaries who have arrived or are on their way to Ayodhya, according to information made available to the Ayodhya District administration, include former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Pratibha Patil, former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, former Speaker Meira Kumar, Sumitra Mahajan, Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, Nasli Wadia, Gautam Adani, Ajay Piramal, Anil Agarwal, Rekha Jhunjhunwala, Adi Godrej, L&T Chairman AM Naik, Sudha Murthy, Sunil Mittal, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, K Sivan, Ravindra Jadeja, P.T. Usha, Sunil Gavaskar, Saina Nehwal, and 'Metroman' E. Sreedharan.

On the eve of Shri Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his wife made rangoli of flowers at the Chief Minister's residence in Dehradun. The CM said that all the people of the state should celebrate this sacred festival of Pran Pratistha with enthusiasm. 

#WATCH | On the eve of Shri Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his wife made rangoli of flowers at the Chief Minister's residence in Dehradun.

CM said that all the people of the state should celebrate this sacred festival of Pran… pic.twitter.com/GoI9hRJqYB

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch lit up and decorated ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya tomorrow.

#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch lit up and decorated ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Cx2xvs7zzb

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

January 22 is a day foretold, its intimations borne by the years and decades that followed the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. And yet the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya with full state honours is a new moment.

Something has passed, and in a country with no full stops, something else is in its place.

In days to come, after the temple is consecrated, a full reckoning with what has passed and what has replaced it will not be easy — as the drumbeats of the Lok Sabha election become louder, a moment of pause to look ahead, or a minute of silence to look back, will be difficult to come by.

But today, if you stand on tiptoe and look over the head of January 22, what do you see?

You see a BJP with a long arc. It has achieved what it set out to do. The party of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani moved tentatively after December 6 1992. It was seen as a political “untouchable”, compelled to place its “core issues” including the Ram temple “on the back burner”, seen to wear a mask or “mukhauta” to make friends. Now, it is the dominant party winning elections on its own, having redrawn the political lines and reset the terms of debate. The party of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah is aggressive and predatory, it observes no niceties. Vandita Mishra writes

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visits Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and inspects arrangements ahead of tomorrow's Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visits Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and inspects arrangements ahead of tomorrow's Pran Pratishtha ceremony. pic.twitter.com/HHqXI0ROko

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

? The eagerly anticipated consecration ceremony at the Ram temple is scheduled to take place on Monday in a magnificent event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in the rituals. 

? The shrine will be open to the public the following day.

? The "Pran Pratishtha" ceremony is set to commence at 12:20 pm and is anticipated to conclude by 1 pm. 

? Following the ceremony, the prime minister will deliver an address to a gathering of over 7,000 individuals, including seers and prominent figures, at the venue.

? The Ram Lalla idol underwent a ceremonial bathing on Sunday, utilizing 114 pitchers filled with medicated water and sacred water sourced from various pilgrimage sites, as per the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

?Several invitees arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday, with others expected to arrive on Monday morning. 

? With the Centre declaring a half-day off on January 22 and many others following suit, millions of people are anticipated to witness the event live on TV and online platforms.

? As final preparations were underway in Ayodhya, recognized as the birthplace of Lord Ram, temples across the nation and abroad have announced special festivities in celebration of the occasion. From Washington DC to Paris to Sydney, these events are being organized either by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad or Hindu diaspora groups in 60 countries.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday took a selfie with a sand sculpture depicting Lord Ram and the Ram temple at Ram Katha Park in Ayodhya.

Remembered as “Nair saab” in Ayodhya, Kerala-born Kadamkalathil Karunakaran Nair, defied the diktat of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to remove the Ram Lalla idol, was suspended as a result, fought a legal battle against the decision, and won.

K K Nair is described by the faithful as the “man who began the Ram Janmabhoomi Hindu revival movement”. Nair, a native of Kuttanad in Kerala’s Alappuzha, was appointed the district magistrate of Faizabad in June, 1949, months before the idol was placed in the masjid. UP state governemnt led by Govind Ballabh Pant and later PM Nehru intervened in the issue asking Nair to remove the idol, but the intransigent ICS officer refused to follow the directives.

The ICS officer whose favourite subject was mathematics, Nair had to go through a legal battle to be reinstated in the service after his suspension. Although he won the case, he quit the job as, by then, he had earned a degree in law.

Nair then contested as a Jana Sangh candidate from Bahraich Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh and became a member of the fourth Lok Sabha in 1967. Prior to that, Nair’s wife Shakuntala had contested as Jan Sangh candidate from Kaiserganj Lok Sabha in 1952 and won. She later became a member of the UP Assembly and a minister. Read on

'Deepotsav' was organised in Uttarakhand's Dehradun on the eve of the Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya. The event was attended by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.

VIDEO | 'Deepotsav' organised in Uttarakhand's Dehradun on the eve of #RamTemplePranPratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. The event was attended by CM @pushkardhami. pic.twitter.com/NDb3TVDSQl

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2024

All government establishments, including offices, schools, and colleges in Noida and Greater Noida, will observe Monday as a public holiday.

The holiday has been announced on account of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

"In view of the event on January 22, it has been declared a public holiday in Uttar Pradesh under Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881," Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said in the order.

People burst firecrackers and distribute sweets in Rajasthan's Jaipur ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya tomorrow.

#WATCH | People burst firecrackers and distribute sweets in Rajasthan's Jaipur ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/XdIbayhEen

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has compensated all the three sculptors, and they said that the two idols, which couldn’t make it to the sanctum sanctorum, will be installed inside the temple complex.

Vinod Bansal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and a member of the trust, told The Indian Express, “We have respectfully accepted all the three idols, even though only one could have made it to the Garbha Griha.”

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

Indian film personalities Kangana Ranaut, Shefali Shah, Pawan Kalyan, and Randeep Hooda were among those who arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration ceremony for the Ram temple.

Renowned actor Rajinikanth and music composer Shankar Mahadevan, also part of the guest list, were seen at the Lucknow airport on Sunday as they headed to the temple town.

While approximately 8,000 individuals are invited for Monday's ceremony, the exclusive list includes 506 A-listers, consisting of prominent politicians, leading industrialists, top film stars, sportspersons, diplomats, judges, and high priests.

An all-religious group held special prayers and lit lamps at Shah Alam Dargah in Ahmedabad for religious harmony ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Actor Kangana Ranaut has said it's her "good fortune" to be invited for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Monday.

She met her spiritual guru Rambhadracharya, participated in a yagya and paid a visit to the Hanuman Garhi temple for a clean-up drive.

VIDEO | Actress Kangana Ranaut participated in cleanliness drive at Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya earlier today. pic.twitter.com/uwgKm8IMB3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2024

“It feels like a wave of devotion has arisen in the entire country. A huge change is taking place in the universe as the dream of this grand temple has now been completed,” said spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is in Ayodhya to attend the Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony.

VIDEO | “It feels like a wave of devotion has arisen in the entire country. A huge change is taking place in the universe as the dream of this grand temple has now been completed,” says spiritual guru @SriSri, who is in Ayodhya to attend the #RamTemplePranPratishtha ceremony. pic.twitter.com/UvvWCGIJ27

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2024

The Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Centre of ISRO on Sunday released satellite imagery of the newly-constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Taken from the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite, this image shared by ISRO shows the new temple that will be inaugurated on January 22.

The satellite image of the Ram Mandir was captured by Cartosat which is processed by ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). Cartosat is a remote-sensing satellite with the capability to provide in-orbit stereo images. Read more

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

Ram Temple lit up and decorated beautifully ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya tomorrow.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya's Ram Temple lit up and decorated beautifully ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/1W9sipxe8u

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

'Sandhya Aarti' is being performed at Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: 'Sandhya Aarti' being performed at Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/8CyI7KhkOb

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

Ahead of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Monday, elaborate security arrangements have been made with thousands of police personnel already deployed in the temple town ahead of the ceremony.

Uttar Pradesh Police Special Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said all the arrangements for security and safety in the temple town are in place.

“As per the demands from the Central Home Ministry, seven companies of CAPF, two anti-drone systems, and two NSG sniper teams have been deployed in the city. We have also put in a request, which was sent by the UP government to the Centre, for 25 VR cars, 10 vehicle-mounted jammers, and six vehicle-mounted X Ray baggage scanners,” he said. Read more

Folk dances, songs dedicated to Lord Ram playing on loudspeakers, streets decked up with flowers, lights and saffron flags and people dressed up as Lord Ram, Sita and Hanuman -- the temple town of Ayodhya is buzzing with activity ahead of the consecration ceremony at the newly constructed Ram temple.

(Express Videos)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ayodhya on January 22 for the consecration ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. The detailed schedule for the Prime Minister's visit has been released, outlining a minute-to-minute plan for the event.

10:25 am: Arrival at Ayodhya Airport

10:45 am: Arrival at Ayodhya helipad

10:55 am: Arrival at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Reserved

12:05 PM to 12:55 PM: Pran Pratishtha Ceremony

12:55 pm: Departure from the place of worship

•1:00 p.m.: Arrival at the public function venue

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: Attending a public function in Ayodhya

2:10 pm: Darshan of Kuber Tila' write a news story

Indian community in Taiwan celebrated the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram temple in Ayodhya which will be held tomorrow, 22nd January 2024. Two events were organised on the eve of the occasion - one by the Indian diaspora in Taiwan and another by ISKCON Taiwan.

Indian community in Taiwan celebrates the pranpratishtha of Ram temple in Ayodhya that will be held tomorrow, 22nd January 2024. Two events were organized on the eve of the occasion - one by the Indian diaspora in Taiwan and another by ISKCON Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/jFFxfeXKRF

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

In honor of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Tripura government declared Monday as a dry day in the state, according to an official order.

The state government had earlier declared a half-day holiday on Monday on the occasion of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony.

"The state government has desired to declare a dry day on the auspicious occasion of the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on Monday. You are requested to issue necessary notice to all licensees to maintain dry day on Monday i.e. January 22, 2024, as per the provision of the Tripura Excise Act and Rules", an official of the Excise department wrote to all District Magistrates and Collectors.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

On the Ram Mandir 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya on Monday, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan says, "Not only the whole country but the whole world is waiting for this moment. We are so happy and excited and we feel blessed that we are state guests to be part of this. I think this is the biggest event that has happened in the history of India..."

#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | On Ayodhya Ram Mandir pranpratishtha, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan says, "Not only the whole country but the whole world is waiting for this moment. We are so happy & excited and we feel blessed that we are state guests to be part of this. I… pic.twitter.com/1kkUtOkyV3

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday  justified the state government's decision not to declare a holiday for the consecration ceremony of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, PTI reported.

Speaking to reporters at his residence, he said, "We have been practising our traditions and rituals for a long time. We don't need to learn from others about religion and devotion." He was replying to a question on the BJP leaders' call to declare a holiday on Monday for the consecration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Veteran cricketer Anil Kumble has arrived in Lucknow ahead of the Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya scheduled for tomorrow.

#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Veteran cricketer Anil Kumble arrives in Lucknow, ahead of the Ayodhya Ram Temple Pranpratishtha ceremony that will be held tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/8KlktAtTrB

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

On Ram Temple 'pran pratishtha' ceremony, Sadhvi Ritambhara, founder of Param Shakti Peeth and Vatsalyagram, says, "This is the happy hour of 'pran pratishtha', whole Country and the whole world have been decorated...kar sevaks' sacrifices have become meaningful...Ram Lalla has come..."

#WATCH | Ayodhya, UP: On Ram Temple 'pran pratishtha', Sadhvi Ritambhara, Founder of Param Shakti Peeth and Vatsalyagram, says, " This is the happy hour of 'pran pratishtha', whole Country and the whole world have been decorated...kar sevaks' sacrifices have become… pic.twitter.com/vLp6ORtabZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Supreme Court Bar Association President Adish C Aggarwala on Sunday urged Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to refrain from issuing adverse orders in cases scheduled for hearing in the apex court on January 22. This request comes in light of the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on the same day, acknowledging potential non-appearance of lawyers.

In a letter to the Chief Justice, Aggarwala said simultaneous ceremonies will take place in temples not only in India but throughout the world.

"I am writing this letter on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to request your lordship to advise all benches of the Supreme Court not to pass any adverse orders due to non-appearance in any matter listed on January 22, 2024, in light of the 'pran pratishtha (consecration)' of Shree Ram Temple in Ayodhya," he said in his letter.

Folk dancers from Prayagraj arrive in Ayodhya ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony.

#WATCH | UP: Folk dancers from Prayagraj arrive in Ayodhya ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony pic.twitter.com/nBRfmoLFZi

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple on January 22, the passengers onboard a flight from Delhi to Ayodhya on Sunday were heard singing Ram bhajan.

An IndiGo flight witnessed scenes of devotion filling the air with passengers singing and dancing to the tune of Ram bhajans.

#WATCH | Passengers chant Ram bhajan onboard the flight from Delhi to Ayodhya.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Temple will take place tomorrow in Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/gNirg7rs1t

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday announced his intention to lead a delegation comprising his cabinet members, MLAs, and Lok Sabha MPs from the state on a visit to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya for 'darshan.' Consequently, he will not be present at the idol consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Tata Marathon held in the morning, the CM said, "Instead of a handful of people attending the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya, I would like to take all state cabinet members as well as MLAs and parliamentarians later." "The temple is about our faith and pride. I would also like to take officials and devotees to the Ram Temple," he added.

Actor Rajinikanth arrives at the Lucknow airport to attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on Monday.

#WATCH | UP: Actor Rajinikanth arrives at the Lucknow airport to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony tomorrow.

(Video Source - Airport officials) pic.twitter.com/Nd8Llnz0WN

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

In observance of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced a half-day holiday and declared it a 'dry day.'

"It is hereby ordered that half-day public holiday (till 02:30 pm) shall be observed on January 22 in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir," an order issued by Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department (GAD) Sanjeev Verma said.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

Yog Guru Ramdev and other Sadhus hold a press conference in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh ahead of the pranpratishtha ceremony tomorrow.

The Yog Guru says, "...The atmosphere everywhere is 'Ram may' today...Maryada Purushottam Ram's dignity, ideals, sacrifice are ideals and praiseworthy for the entire world...We are getting the opportunity to witness the pranpratishtha..."

#WATCH | Yog Guru Ramdev and other Sadhus hold a press conference in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh ahead of the pranpratishtha ceremony tomorrow.

The Yog Guru says, "...The atmosphere everywhere is 'Ram may' today...Maryada Purushottam Ram's dignity, ideals, sacrifice are ideals and… pic.twitter.com/MK9W0RRgBY

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Inauguration Live Updates

Ahead of the Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor says, "...I had never imagined that there could be an atmosphere like this. But there is a lot of curiosity, enthusiasm and joy. I would call myself fortunate for having received an invitation to the pranpratishtha ceremony tomorrow..."

#WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | Ahead of the Ram Temple pranpratishtha ceremony, Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor says, "...I had never imagined that there could be an atmosphere like this. But there is a lot of curiosity, enthusiasm and joy. I would call myself fortunate for… pic.twitter.com/48ynTcEuRl

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Poet Kumar Vishwas sings a devotional song at an event organised ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony tomorrow.

#WATCH | Ayodhya, UP: Poet Kumar Vishwas sings a devotional song at an event organised ahead of the Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/xacLjUBliO

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 is more than a religious event. It carries with it the civilisational character of the country for posterity. It is not an end itself but a means to proclaim the progressive message of a commitment to faith that is not premised on “otherness”.

The movement to restore the Janmaboomi was neither a battle against any religion nor an effort to re-prosecute history. It was to proclaim the commitment to the culture that has shaped Hindus’ worldview. Lord Ram is not a god that gives, one to whom people go with wishes and aspirations but a deity who personifies ideals of life. He is a non-sectarian icon and represents those virtues considered essential for the uplift of the soul, a harmonious social order and inclusive welfarism for the people. It is these virtues that allow him to transcend the limits of time, geography and religious philosophies.

It is for these reasons that the battle to reclaim his birthplace has been fought by his devotees for five centuries. Rakesh Sinha writes

In preparation for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, extensive security measures, including multi-level security cover and widespread CCTV surveillance, have been implemented at prominent temples and various markets across the national capital, as announced by Delhi police officials on Sunday.

"No one will be allowed to breach law and order. Multi-level security checkpoints have been put up at temples and markets. The night patrolling staffers are directed to check hotels, guest houses, and dharamshalas," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Joy Tirkey was quoted as saying by PTI.

The 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh will be held on Monday.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu's Rameshwaram on Sunday ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya tomorrow.

Prayed at the iconic Kothandaramaswamy Temple. Felt extremely blessed. pic.twitter.com/0rs58qqwex

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2024

Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Sunday said had it not been for Narendra Modi, Ram Mandir would never have been a reality.

"It is correct that the temple has been constructed after the Supreme Court's order. But had Modi not been the Prime Minister of the country, had someone else been the Prime Minister this verdict would not have come and the temple would not have been built. So, I would like to give the credit to Narendra Modi," he said.

#WATCH | On Ram Temple pranpratishtha, Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam says, "It is correct that the temple has been constructed after the Supreme Court's order. But had Modi not been the Prime Minister of the country, had someone else been the Prime Minister this verdict… pic.twitter.com/6Yqs4yyheh

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated on Sunday that the arrival of Ram Lalla in his birthplace in Ayodhya and the temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony mark the initiation of a campaign for the "reconstruction of Bharatvarsh." 

This campaign, according to Bhagwat, aims to promote harmony, unity, progress, peace, and well-being for everyone.

In an article published on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) website, Bhagwat highlighted the enduring struggle of the Hindu society for the construction of the Ayodhya temple, emphasising that the conflicts and bitterness surrounding the dispute should now cease.

Folk dance artists celebrate in Ayodhya ahead of Monday's Pran Pratistha ceremony.

VIDEO | Folk dance artists celebrate in Ayodhya ahead of tomorrow's #RamTemplePranPratistha ceremony. pic.twitter.com/gpA2BgAzEy

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2024

Despite Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's insistence that Rahul Gandhi should avoid visiting Batadrawa Than, the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, during the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Congress asserted on Sunday that Gandhi's visit will proceed as scheduled. 

Jairam Ramesh, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, emphasised that Gandhi will visit the Than in Assam's Nagaon district as planned and urged against politicising the matter. 

Renowned Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, actor Vivek Oberoi, and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar embark on a journey to Ayodhya to partake in the highly anticipated Pran Pratishtha ceremony scheduled for tomorrow. Anupam Kher expresses his joy, stating, "It is a very good feeling. We all have waited for this day for a very long time. Jai Shree Ram..." Meanwhile, Vivek Oberoi and Madhur Bhandarkar share their eagerness to have a darshan of Ram Lalla, with Bhandarkar expressing, "We are really excited to have a darshan of Ram Lalla. We have been waiting for this day for several years." 

Nearly 7,500 flower saplings from Maharashtra have been carefully planted in the premises of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

In addition to the vibrant flower saplings, the temple grounds feature 56 species of ornamental plants, such as Aglaonema Red-Lipstick, Alocasia Black Velvet-Cucullata, Philodendron Ring of Fire-Birkin, Xanadu, Red Congo, Pink Fire, Pink Princess, Dieffenbachia White, Homalomena Bronze, Caladium Mix, Malpighia Shriram, Dracana Mahatma, Cephalandra plant, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings.

A Nakshatra Vatika, comprising 27 trees associated with different constellations have been planted.

Among the trees planted, which have connections to the Ramayana era, are Peepal, Pakad, Neem, Gutel, Mahua, Shisham, Khair, Palash, Bel, Maulishree, Shami, Kadamba, Mango, Arjun, Gular, Sal, Banyan, Amla, Pine—each intricately linked to specific constellations.

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was formed on February 5, 2020, following the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgement that ruled that a trust be formed to oversee the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Since then, the 15 members of the Trust have been at the forefront of the temple’s construction and of the arrangements for the idol consecration ceremony that will be held on Monday.

We take a look at the key members of the Trust, many of whom were associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday captured satellite images of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple which were shared on social media by the Government of India's official X account. "The majestic Dashrath Mahal and the tranquil Saryu River take centre stage in these snapshots. Notably, the recently revamped Ayodhya railway station stands out prominently in the detailed images," the post said. 

The Himachal Pradesh Government has declared a public holiday in the state on January 22 on the occasion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. 

Meanwhile, the central government Thursday announced that all central government offices will remain closed for half a day on January 22 to enable employees to participate in the celebrations.

Click here to know which other states have also declared a holiday on January 22.

Himachal Pradesh Government declares a public holiday in the state on January 22 on the occasion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/SYZuobwDb5

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2024

Inside the garbh griha, or the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir, the lighting is meant to accentuate the intricate marble carvings while also evoking a spiritual atmosphere. Beyond that, the lighting design highlights architectural elements — with pillars, arches and carvings illuminated through in-ground lighting at precise angles.

Parag Bhatnagar, president of Havells India, tells The Indian Express that when they were entrusted with the project by the Ram Temple Trust, the simple brief given was to “enhance the aesthetic appeal and spiritual ambience of the temple”. So, he adds, the tailored lighting not only enriches the visual magnificence of the temple but also infuses a sense of divinity into the entire experience. (Read More)

After a Ram Lalla idol was placed in the Babri Masjid on the night of December 22-23, 1949, a livid Jawaharlal Nehru ordered for its removal. But in a country born out of a scarring Partition and riots, Nehru didn’t have his way. The pushback to the Prime Minister’s orders came not just from then District Magistrate KK Nair and city magistrate Guru Dutt Singh, but also from within the Congress in Faizabad.

Local Congress MLA from Faizabad, Baba Raghav Das, was among those who vociferously opposed any move to remove the idol, even threatening to resign if that happened.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das has announced that the idol of Ram Lalla, currently housed in the makeshift temple, will be placed in the new temple today at 8 pm. The significant Pran Pratishtha ceremony, marking the consecration of the new idol, is scheduled to take place tomorrow at around 12:30 pm. Devotees will then have the opportunity to witness and seek blessings from Lord Shri Ram as they are welcomed to have a darshan of the revered deity in the newly constructed temple. The elaborate 'anushthan,' initiated on January 16th, will culminate in this auspicious ceremony, symbolizing a historic moment for the Ram Temple. 

In a poignant prelude to the momentous 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the historic Arichal Munai point in Dhanushkodi on Sunday. This site holds significance as the reputed origin of the Ram Setu, a bridge associated with the epic Ramayana. Officials have indicated that the Prime Minister is expected to extend his spiritual sojourn by offering prayers at the Sri Kothandarama Swamy Temple in Dhanushkodi. The temple, dedicated to Rama with the bow (Kothandarama), stands as a symbol of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage woven into the narrative of Lord Rama. 

VIDEO | Preparations underway at #RamMandir in #Ayodhya for tomorrow's #PranPratishtha ceremony. pic.twitter.com/qp26zlttin

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2024

Flowers adorning the temple, special lights to enhance the aesthetic appeal — with barely 24 hours to go, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is all set for the consecration ceremony.

On Saturday, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust released images showcasing the temple being adorned with “rich stocks” of flowers.

“These are all natural flowers and due to winter can last longer. So they will remain fresh on the day of the consecration ceremony. The fragrance and the aesthetic appeal of these vibrant flowers have lent another layer of divinity to the temple,” a source told PTI.

The source also mentioned that decorative lights used for external illumination are themed after diyas, providing a traditional aesthetic to accentuate the temple’s ornate elements.

“Inside the garbh griha, the traditional diya will be used,” he said, adding, the soft illumination on the inner side of the temple will highlight the architectural elements while the outer illumination will get turned on only after evening.