Today signifies the fifth day of the seven-day Vedic rituals preceding the consecration of Bhagwan Ram at Ayodhya Mandir. On January 19, the sacred fire was kindled during the ‘Aranimantha’ ceremony by rubbing two planks of wood with the help of a cloth, initiating the ‘Yagya.’ The fire in the kundas (pitchers) continue ‘akhand’ (continuously) until the ‘Pran Pratishtha’.
The week-long rituals, which commenced on January 16, will reach their culmination on January 22 with the Pran Pratishtha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to preside over the ceremonial installation of Bhagwan Ram Lalla. Starting January 23, the mandir will be open for ‘darshan’ for the general public.
On the fifth day, the sanctum sanctorum, where the murti of Bhagwan Ram was installed on January 18, will undergo a cleansing with the holy water of Saryu. Followed by the ‘Vaastu shanti’ and ‘Annadhivas’ rituals.
In adherence to Vedic rituals, ‘Vaastu shanti’ is performed to seek peace from the elements of sky, water, earth, fire, and air, each holding significance in Vaastu shastra. This practice aims to eliminate any remaining defects within the new house, even after the Vaastu puja conducted on January 18.
The murti of Bhagwan Ram, installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Mandir, currently has its eyes covered with a veil. According to a member of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra, the unveiling of the eyes will take place on January 22 during the ‘Netronmelan’ ritual. This procedure involves applying honey to a gold bar, anointing the eyes, resulting in an appearance similar to ‘kajal’ for observers. The detailed process of ‘Netronmelan’ is a significant aspect of the upcoming ceremonies at the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya.
