As the sacred city of Ayodhya prepares for the momentous ‘Pran Pratishtha’ at the Ram Mandir on January 22, the anticipation reaches new heights with the unveiling of invitation cards that mirror the grandeur of the upcoming temple. The meticulously crafted invitation cards, delivered to over 7,000 esteemed guests, showcase an imposing image of the majestic structure alongside a youthful portrayal of Bhagwan Ram.
The invite, curated by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, goes beyond conventional invitations. It comprises a large-size aesthetically designed card featuring a silhouetted image of the impending Ram Mandir with the inscription ‘Shree Ram Dham, Ayodhya.’ Additionally, the phrase ‘Invitation Extraordinaire’ or ‘Apoorva Anadik Nimantran’ (Hindi) adorns the cover, emphasising the extraordinary nature of the event.
The invitation set, printed in both Hindi and English, includes the main invitation card, the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ program card, and a booklet chronicling the journey of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the key individuals who played pivotal roles in it. The booklet serves as a tribute to the relentless efforts and sacrifices made during the movement, both directly and indirectly.
Each page of the main invitation card unfolds a visual spectacle with images of the temple and a graphic representation of ‘Baal Roop Prabhu Ram.’ The deity is depicted in a youthful avatar, adorned in regal attire, standing on a lotus, carrying a bow and arrow, with divine locks framing his face. The following pages delve into the details of the consecration ceremony, including the auspicious ‘shubh muhurt’ at 12:20 pm on January 22, 2024.
Noteworthy dignitaries gracing the occasion include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and the president of the temple trust, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. The guest list extends beyond political figures and encompasses cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, and industrial magnates Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.
A special mention goes to actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, famous for portraying Bhagwan Ram and Goddess Sita in the iconic TV serial ‘Ramayan,’ who have been extended invitations to partake in this historic ceremony. The trust has also extended invitations to 4,000 seers from across the country, honouring the spiritual essence of the event. The program card provides insight into the ceremony’s schedule, emphasising the consecration in the august presence of key dignitaries.
The booklet accompanying the invitation delves into the profiles of prominent figures associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Notable personalities such as seer Devraha Baba Ji Maharaj, Mahant Abhiram Das, Paramhans Ramchandradas, K K Nayar, Thakur Gurudutt Singh: Rajendra Singh ‘Rajju Bhaiya,’ and Ashok Singhal are commemorated with artistic portraits, offering a glimpse into their pivotal roles during the movement.
The Ram Mandir complex, designed in the traditional Nagara style, stands as a testament to the collective aspirations of the nation. Measuring an impressive 380 feet in length (East-West direction), 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height, the temple boasts 392 pillars and 44 gates across its multiple floors.
The invitation cards, now being dispatched to the honoured guests, symbolise not just an event but a historic juncture in the cultural and religious tapestry of India. The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ at the Ram Mandir promises to be an unforgettable occasion, uniting the nation in the celebration of a dream realised after decades of perseverance and devotion.
