The prelude to the Prana Pratishtha ceremony involves various scriptural protocols and rituals. Beginning from January 16 and continuing until January 21, 2024, the Dwadash Adhivas protocols include essential sacraments such as Prayaschita, Karmakuti Poojan, Parisar Pravesh of the Murti, Teerth Poojan, Jal Yatra, Gandhadhivas, Aushadhadhivas, Kesaradhivas, Ghritadhivas, Dhanyadhivas, Sharkaradhivas, Phaladhivas, Pushpadhivas, Madhyadhivas, and Shaiyadhivas.
Event Date and Venue
This auspicious date of Pran Prathistha of Bhagwan Ram Lalla coincides with Paush Shukla Kurma Dwadashi in Vikram Samvat 2080, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the Bhavya Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
The ceremony will mark the installation of murti Bhagwan Ram into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, officially breathing life into the sacred space. This event is expected to draw millions of devotees and religious leaders from across India and abroad, making it a historic occasion for the Hindu community.
Scriptural Protocols and Pre-Ceremony Rituals
In adherence to tradition, the Prana Pratishtha ceremony will be conducted in the Abhijeet Muhurta in the afternoon, ensuring that all rituals are carried out with precision and spiritual significance.
Pre-ceremony rituals will commence on January 16 and continue till January 21st, 2024.
The Dwadash Adhivas, a series of 12 purification rituals, will be performed as follows:16th January: Prayaschita and Karmakuti Poojan
January 17: Parisar Pravesh of the Murti
January 18 (Evening): Teerth Poojan, Jal Yatra, and Gandhadhivas
January 19 (Morning): Aushadhadhivas, Kesaradhivas, Ghritadhivas
January 20 (Evening): Dhanyadhivas
January 20 (Morning): Sharkaradhivas, Phaladhivas
January 20 (Evening): Pushpadhivas
January 21 (Morning): Madhyadhivas
January 21 (Evening): Shaiyadhivas
Adhivas Protocols and Acharyas
Traditionally, Prana Pratishtha involves seven Adhivasas, with a minimum of three being practiced. For this ceremony, 12 Adhivasas will be performed. A team of 121 Acharyas, led by Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid Ji and principal Acharya Shri Luckshmikant Dixit of Kashi, will oversee and coordinate the proceedings.
Distinguished Guests and Diverse Representation
The Prana Pratishtha will be graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including: Prime Minister of Bharat Narendra Modi, Pujaniya Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of UP, Yogi Adityanath.
The ceremony will showcase the diversity of India’s spiritual landscape. Acharyas from various schools of Bharatiya spiritualism, religions, sects, systems of worship, traditions, and Sants from over 150 traditions will be present. Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Shrimahants, Mahants, Nagas, and leading figures from over 50 Adivasi, Girivasi, Tatavasi, Dwipavasi tribal traditions will also be in attendance.
A noteworthy aspect of the event is the inclusive representation of tribal traditions, with participants from hills, forests, coastal belts, islands, etc. This marks a historic moment in recent Bharatiya history, showcasing unity in diversity.
Inclusive Traditions
The ceremony will encompass a wide range of Indian traditions, including: Shaiva, Vaishnav, Shaakta, Ganapatya, Patya, Sikh, Bauddha, Jain, Dashnam, Shankar, Ramanand, Ramanuj, Nimbarka, Madhva, Vishnu Nami, Ramsanehi, Ghisapanth, Garibdasi, Gaudiya, Kabirpanthi, Valmiki, Shankardev (Assam), Madhav Dev, ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, Chinmaya Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Gayatri Parivar, Anukul Chandra, Thakur Parampara, Mahima Samaj of Odisha, Akali, Nirankari, Namdhari from Punjab, Radhasoami, Swaminarayan, Varkari, Veer Shaiva, etc.
Darshan and Celebration
Following the completion of the Prana Pratistha ceremony in the Garbha-Griha, attendees will have the opportunity for darshan. The enthusiasm surrounding the event is palpable, with people from various states contributing gifts such as water, soil, gold, silver, gems, clothes, jewellery, bells, drums, and fragrance items. Particularly noteworthy are the gifts sent from Maa Janaki’s maternal homes at Janakpur (Nepal) and Sitamarhi (Bihar), symbolising the collective reverence for the momentous occasion.
The run-up to the ceremony has seen a continuous influx of people, each contributing in their own unique way to the grandeur of the event. The Prana Pratishtha ceremony is not only a religious milestone but also a symbol of cultural unity and shared heritage.
In light of these developments, the Prana Pratishtha ceremony for Sri Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya Janmabhoomi Mandir is poised to be a historic and momentous occasion, reinforcing the rich cultural tapestry and spiritual diversity of Bharat.
