With just 11 days left for the highly anticipated “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a 64-year-old devotee from Hyderabad, Challa Srinivas Sastry, is nearing the end of his remarkable 7200-kilometer pilgrimage carrying a special offering – a pair of gold-plated charan padukas for Sri Ram.
Sastry’s journey began on August 5, 2020, the very day Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the temple. He has since walked through 11 states and 108 cities, collecting blessings and donations from people along the way. The 9-kilogram sandals, made of 8 kg silver and coated with gold, are worth Rs 65 lakh and symbolise Sastry’s reverence and service to Bhagwan Ram.
“I am walking on the route that Sri Ram took from Ayodhya to Rameshwaram,” Sastry said, his voice filled with devotion. “My target is to reach Ayodhya on January 15th and hand over this ‘charan paduka’ to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on January 16.”
“My father participated in Karseva in Ayodhya. He was a strong devotee of Hanuman Ji. His desire was to see the Ram temple built in Ayodhya. As he is no more, I decided to fulfil his desire,” the news agency quoted Sastry as saying.
The devotee has donated five silver bricks so far as part of his contribution to the Ram temple after the Supreme Court verdict in 2019. “I am currently carrying gold-plated ‘padukalu’ (footwear) made with ‘panch dhatu’ (five metals) to be given to Bhagwan Shri Ram,” he added.
Sastry’s journey is unique not just for its distance but also for its path. He deliberately chose to retrace Bhagwan Ram’s steps in reverse, starting from Rameshwaram and making stops at Shiva Lingas believed to have been established by the deity himself.
His dedication and unwavering faith have made him a beacon of inspiration for many. People across the country have showered him with support and blessings, eager to contribute to his noble mission.
Sastry’s arrival in Ayodhya will be a significant moment in the lead-up to the grand temple inauguration. His offering, a testament to his unwavering devotion, will add to the spiritual fervour of the occasion.
Preparations in Full Swing for Ram Mandir Inauguration
Meanwhile, Ayodhya is abuzz with activity as preparations for the “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony reach their peak. The seven-day ceremony, starting on January 16, will culminate in the consecration of the Ram Lalla murti on January 22 in the auspicious “Mrigashira Nakshatra.”
Prime Minister Modi is expected to preside over the ceremony, which will be attended by dignitaries and devotees from all over Bharat. The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust has invited 4,000 sadhus to participate in the event, making it a truly historic occasion.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir marks the culmination of a long and arduous journey for millions of Hindus who have waited centuries for this day. Sastry’s pilgrimage, a testament to the enduring faith of the people, adds a special touch to this momentous occasion.
With just 11 days to go, the excitement in Ayodhya is palpable. The air is thick with anticipation, and the city is adorned with colourful decorations. As the final preparations are made, everyone awaits the grand opening of the Ram Mandir, a symbol of hope, faith, and unity for millions.
