In a momentous occasion set to mark the spiritual landscape of Ayodhya, the construction site of the murti of Shri Ram will witness the inauguration of the pran prathistha ceremony. The devout city is gearing up for a twelve-day ceremonial extravaganza, culminating in the auspicious pran prathistha of the murti on January 16, housed in the very cottage where it was meticulously crafted.
Scheduled to commence on February 17, the ceremony will include a procession to the shrine of Bhagwan Shri Vigrah, followed by the sanctification of the sanctum sanctorum. This spiritual journey will be led by Ashok Tiwari, the National Spokesperson and Coordinator of Religious Affairs for the Vishva Hindu Parishad.
The residency (adhivaas) period is set to commence on January 18, with both daytime and nighttime rituals, symbolising the divine connection with Bhagwan Ram, who belongs to the solar dynasty. Fragrance and incense residency will further enhance the sanctity on January 19, with the morning dedicated to the residency of fruits and the evening to the residency of grains. On January 20, devotees will witness a morning residency of flowers and gems, followed by an evening residency of ghee.
Continuing the divine journey, January 21 will see a morning residency of sugar, sweets, and honey, with the evening dedicated to medicines and beds. The significance of the twelfth residency resonates with the lineage of Shri Rama and Aditya, emphasising the twelfth position.
As part of the grand celebration, a Chaturveda Yajna will be conducted from January 16 to January 22. This multi-day Vedic ritual aims to invoke divine blessings and positive energies.
The pran prathistha program for the installation of the life force will be led by prominent mahants and acharyas, including the ceremony’s Brahma Ganesha Shastri Dravid, Pramukh Acharya Lakshmikant Dikshit Sunil Dikshit, Gajanand Jogakar, Anupam Dikshit, and Guruji Ghatate. An integral part of the ceremony involves the participation of 11 sponsors, ensuring the sanctity and grandeur of the event.
On the culminating day, January 22, a special midday event is planned where the eyes of the murti of Bhagwan Shri Ram will be unveiled. Devotees will have the unique opportunity to witness this sacred moment, symbolising the divine vision of the revered deity. The ceremony will include showing the murti a mirror, adding an element of spiritual significance to the event.
This twelve-day ceremony stands as a testament to the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage of Ayodhya, bringing together devotees and religious leaders in a harmonious celebration of faith and devotion. The pran prathistha of Bhagwan Shri Ram’s murti will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the faithful, cementing Ayodhya’s status as a sacred pilgrimage site.
