The installation of the new Ram Lalla idol in the revered Ram Temple in Ayodhya has entered a significant phase with the beginning of ‘Pran Pratistha’ (consecration) rituals starting from Tuesday. The sacred ceremonies will continue over the next seven days, culminating on January 22.
The commencement of the Karmakut puja took place at the construction site of Lord Ram Lalla idol at 1 pm on Tuesday. Prior to this, a thorough cleanliness drive was carried out in the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, and the temple was also cleansed with water from the holy Sarayu river. The consecration is scheduled for January 22.
While earlier reports hinted at Prime Minister Narendra Modi being the main Yajman during the ‘Pran Pratistha’, but people involved in the rituals clarified that he would play a symbolic role rather than being the main host.
Pandit Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid, who determined the auspicious time for Pran Pratistha, Pandit Laxmikant Dixit, the officiant of the Pran Pratistha in the Ram temple, and Swami Ramvinay Das, the general secretary of Shrimath Trust of Ramanand sect, shared insights into the hosting arrangements.
All three affirmed that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust member Dr Anil Mishra and his wife would be the chief hosts (Yajman) for the seven-day ritual, overseeing resolutions, atonement, and worship of Lord Ganesha. They will also participate in the consecration.
According to them, the decision stems from the belief that only a householder can be the primary host for the Ram Lalla ‘Pran Pratistha’ rituals, hence the selection of Dr Anil Mishra and his wife.
PM Modi’s role, they said, would be symbolic on January 22. Dravid clarified that only a householder, accompanied by his wife, could participate in the Pran Pratistha and puja for the entire duration of seven days. Therefore, PM Modi will witness the main ritual in the sanctum sanctorum but will not be the main host.
This decision follows the pattern set during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ram Mandir in 2020, where Dr Ravindra Narayan Singh and his wife were the hosts.
Pandit Venkatraman Ghanpathy, trustee of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and a scholar involved in the Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha, said that Modi’s role would primarily involve his presence in the sanctum sanctorum on January 22, participating in specific rituals.
The remaining puja will be conducted by trustee Anil Mishra and his wife. “Despite PM Modi’s role being symbolic, strict observance of Yama Niyama will be followed for a full 11 days, including eating fruits once a day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ram Temple chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das said that the ‘anushthan’ had started and would continue till January 22. Eleven priests are performing the rituals invoking all the devis and devtas (goddesses and gods).
There are 121 ‘acharyas’ conducting the rituals and Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid is overseeing, coordinating and directing all proceedings. The principal ‘acharya’ will be Laxmikant Dixit of Kashi.
The Pran Pratishtha will begin at 12:20 pm on January 22.
