Ayodhya Ram Mandir Highlights: UP CM Yogi lights 'Ram Jyoti' after 'pran pratishtha' ceremony

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha visited the ghats on the banks of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. She shared pictures on X, where she could be seen interacting with locals and devotees. In her post, PT Usha expressed experiencing tranquility and divine peace at the banks of the Sarayu River, noting its historical significance in Ayodhya and its connection to Lord Ram.

“Experienced tranquility and divine peace at the banks of the Sarayu river. The river stands testimony to the history of Ayodhya and Lord Ram, blessing the people even today with her riches,” she wrote.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: As Hindu devotees prepare to inaugurate a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya, the minority Muslim community is planning to commence the construction of a new mosque in the same city later this year. The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) is overseeing the mosque project, and construction is set to begin in May after the holy month of Ramadan, reported Reuters. The mosque is expected to take three to four years to complete.

Muslim groups have struggled to raise funds and begin work at a desolate site about 25 km away from the Ram Temple.

"We hadn't approached anyone ... there was no public movement for it (funds)," said Zufar Ahmad Faruqi, the president of the IICF.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das asserted that with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the era of Ram Rajya would begin, bringing an end to all inequalities. He expressed optimism that the positive changes initiated in Ayodhya would extend throughout the country, fostering harmony and goodwill among people.

"From today, Ram Rajya will begin with Pran Pratishtha. All the inequalities will be over. Everyone will behave with love. From Ayodhya, the change that will come to the entire country and it will be very beautiful. And everyone will live in harmony. We will live with goodwill. Lord Ram's blessing will fall on everyone," said Acharya Satyendra Das.

"...Everything is happening very well. What Ram Bhakts wanted, is getting fulfilled today...As soon as Ram Lalla is seated...all difficulties will end..." added the priest.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Critics argue that the involvement of a constitutionally secular state in a Hindu religious ritual is objectionable, with many opposition leaders declining invitations, alleging that the event is being exploited for political gains by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Size and Cost: The temple is spread over nearly 3 hectares and is estimated to cost $217 million. It is expected to be a grand and monumental structure.

Construction Material: The temple is constructed using pink sandstone, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. The intricate carvings on the temple are likely to add to its visual splendor.

Doors: The temple boasts 46 doors, out of which 42 will be adorned with a layer of gold. This ornate detailing adds to the opulence and cultural significance of the structure.

Construction Method: The Ram temple is crafted without the use of iron, steel, or cement.

Inner Sanctum: A 1.3-meter (4.25-foot) dark stone sculpture depicting Lord Ram has been installed in the temple's inner sanctum. This sacred idol is the focal point of the temple and will be the centre of religious rituals.

Religious Rituals: The consecration ceremony, known as "Pran Pratishtha," involves giving life to the idol according to Hindu Vedic scriptures. This ritual is significant in Hinduism, symbolising the infusion of divine energy into the deity.

Public Opening: After the consecration ceremony, the temple will be open to the public. Authorities anticipate a large number of devotees, with an estimated 100,000 visitors expected daily.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: The Ram Janambhoomi temple in Ayodhya holds great significance as the sacred abode of Lord Ram, one of the most revered deities in the Hindu pantheon. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Ram was born at the exact site where the temple stands. Major festivals like Dussehra and Diwali are associated with mythological tales of Ram, emphasizing virtues such as truth, sacrifice, and ethical governance.

The mythological Hindu epic "Ramayan," recounting Ram's journey from prince to king, has been widely adapted in popular culture. The 1980s TV series "Ramayan" remains one of the most-viewed shows, maintaining a devoted audience.

Beyond India, Ram's divinity is not only a dominant religious force but also a part of ancient cultural heritage in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Malaysia. The universal appeal of Lord Ram's story transcends borders, making it a shared cultural and religious legacy across various regions.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has expressed hope that the Pran Pratistha of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for this afternoon, will serve as a gateway to enlightenment and peace. In a post on his X timeline on Monday morning, Adani conveyed his wishes for the opening of the temple doors

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: On the occasion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, special arrangements have been made by the Temple Authorities. Army helicopters are set to shower flowers on Ayodhya, creating a festive atmosphere. Additionally, 30 artists will play various Indian musical instruments during the Aarti at the temple premises.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has congratulated citizens on the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya's Ram temple, scheduled for January 22. In a post on X, he described the day as an "epochal" moment in the country's history, marking a "tryst with divinity." Dhankhar extended wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging the celebratory moment and commending the reawakening of national pride.

"Gratifying to witness celebratory moment marking reawakening of national pride all over...Heartfelt wishes to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi as he leads, after 11-days of rigorous 'anushthan', the sacred rituals in the presence of other yajmans, saints and seers guiding the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya," the V-P said.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: The Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami are likely to skip the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a joint statement, they expressed gratitude for the invitation but did not confirm their attendance.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Iqbal Ansari, a former litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, said that the dispute over the Ram Temple has completely ended, and the day has become a moment of celebration for the people. Ansari welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ayodhya for the historic event. Ansari earlier received an invitation to the ceremony and conveyed his happiness at being a part of the celebrations.

"All deities of all religions reside in the city of Ayodhya. Pran Pratishtha is going to take place today. This is the beginning of the Mandir...Whatever may have been the struggle, today has become the day of the people. Now people should visit and see whatever is there in Ayodhya; they should follow the path shown by God Ram," said Ansari.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana left for Ayodhya to attend the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony. He was seen wearing a kurta pyjama paired with a printed Nehru jacket and shades. Several other Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, and Vicky Kaushal, also left for Ayodhya to attend the historic ceremony

Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates: Traders and resident welfare associations in Lucknow are organizing various programs and celebrations in markets across the city to mark the Ram temple Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Saffron flags, banners, and loudspeakers playing bhajans adorn the roads, creating a festive atmosphere. The Hazratganj Traders’ Association plans to organize a procession, a joint prayer ceremony at Hanuman Mandir, and offer 15,000 tonnes of 'prasad.' Markets, including Hazratganj and Aminabad, will remain open post the ceremony, and various events, including Sunderkand Path and bhandaras, are planned. Resident welfare associations also have padyatras, lamp lighting ceremonies, and cultural performances scheduled to celebrate the occasion.

The journey of Ayodhya, from the days of the temple movement in the 1980s to the upcoming consecration ceremony, is marked by significant spots that connect to its past. These include Bada Sthan, where a 'shila' was donated for temple construction in 2002, Karsevakpuram, a focal point for temple agitation, Maniram Das Chhavni, where leaders took refuge during the 1990 firing on karsevaks, and Digambar Akhara, where Mahant Ram Chandra Das 'Paramhans' played a crucial role in the temple movement. These spots continue to be important in Ayodhya's history and hold significance for devotees and tourists.

In his proclamation for the 75th Republic Day of India, Mayor Joe Petty of the City of Worcester extended heartfelt greetings to the community, acknowledging the auspicious inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

"He joined the Indian-American community in the celebrations and highlighted our spirit of democracy, diversity & unity and the rich cultural heritage and traditions," Consulate General of India in New York said in a social media post.

Actor Chiranjeevi leaves from Hyderabad for Ayodhya for the Ram Temple pranpratishtha ceremony.

“That is really great. Overwhelming. We feel it's a rare opportunity. I feel Lord Hanuman who is my deity, has personally invited me...We are so fortunate to witness this pranpratishta,” he told ANI.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that the inauguration of Ram temple is a “historic moment for all our countrymen”.

“This is the victory of our religion, values ​​and culture. This is the victory of centuries of struggle of the saints and the unwavering patience of the people of this country “that the law will give justice”,” she said in a social media post.

:I wish that soon I and my family reach Ayodhya Dham and have darshan of Lord Shri Ram. Lord Shri Ram belongs to everyone and we all should imbibe the thoughts of Lord Shri Ram to progress this nation."

Members of the 'Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir' distributed laddoos at Times Square in New York ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Celebrations are taking place across the United States, with events planned from New York Times Square to Boston, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, coinciding with the ceremony in Ayodhya. Over 40 billboards in 10 states display messages around the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. The Hindu American community has organised car rallies and various events to commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple.

In anticipation of the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, the city is adorned with saffron flags, Lord Ram cutouts, and posters displaying slogans such as "Shubh Ghadi Aayi" (The auspicious moment has come) and "Ram fir lautenge" (Lord Ram will return again). Slogans like "Taiyar hai Ayodhya dham, virajenge Shree Ram" (Ayodhya Dham is ready to welcome Lord Ram) and "Shree Ayodhya dham ka kan kan mati chandan hai, apka Ayodhya dham me shat shat vandan hai" are also prominent. Streetlights are decorated with artworks depicting Lord Ram, and LED screens broadcast the Ramayana in the evenings. The city exudes a festive atmosphere with Ramlilas, Bhagwat Kathas, Bhajan sandhyas, and cultural programs taking place across various locations.

UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat ahead of the grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya. Both Modi and Bhagwat will be present in the 'grabh griha', or sanctum sanctorum, of the temple for the consecration ceremony.

“Amazing, unforgettable, supernatural moment!” CM Yogi Adityanath said in a post on X. “Today, in the dignified presence of the respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the ritual of consecration of the new idol of Lord Shri Ramlala is going to be completed in Shri Ayodhya Dham, the holy birthplace of the adorable Lord Shri Ram. Today, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the wait of countless Ram devotees is going to be fulfilled. The entire country has become 'Rammay' by drowning in the ocean of faith and devotion.”

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who is also the mahant of Gorakhpur math, paid tributes to his predecessors, Mahant Avaidyanath and Mahant Digvijaynath.

“The struggle of generations and the resolve of centuries have been completed with the consecration of the new idol of Lord Shri Ram Lalla taking place today at Shri Ram's birthplace in Shri Ayodhya Dham. On this occasion, there is an emotional tribute to Yugapurush Brahmalin Mahant Digvijaynath Ji Maharaj and National Saint Brahmalin Mahant Avaidyanath Ji Maharaj,” he said in a social media post in Hindi.

Ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad released stunning images of the newly built temple. The pictures showcase the temple adorned with flowers and illuminated with lights, providing a breathtaking view of the interior.

A group of students from Allahabad University, affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), is attempting to create the world's largest rangoli of the Ram Mandir and Ram Lalla. The rangoli, measuring 50 feet long and 30 feet wide, will be unveiled on Monday, coinciding with the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. The students, consisting of 30 women and 10 men, are working at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad camp in the Magh Mela area. An application has been submitted to register the rangoli in the Guinness World Records.