Pran Pratishtha, the much awaited moment

The issue that sparked debates, the construction that marks the beginning of a new era in Indian spirituality and cultural development, one of the most massive temple establishment projects after independence is the prodigious Ram Mandir in Ayodhya which is finally ready to be inaugurated. The prime deity of Hindus across India, Lord Ram who resided in a small tent for several decades is finally stepping in a huge shrine after the prolonged struggle of around 500  years. 

Many people, organisations and leaders played a crucial role in this struggle. The conundrum has its roots in the 15th century when Mir Baqi, the commander of the Mughal Emperor Babur razed the existing Hindu Temple and built a mosque over it popularly known as the Babri Masjid. Indians and especially the Hindus since multiple generations believed the fact which the famous epic in ancient Indian mythology states that the Lord Ram was born on the banks of Sarayu river in Ayodhya. The devotion and belief of the people of the land always inclines towards Ayodhya being the principle location for Ram Mandir as it was the birthplace of their deity. After the Masjid was constructed over it back then, Hindus did try to protest but their retaliation wasn't enough. Centuries passed and the issue of Ayodhya kept boiling as both the communities ; Hindus and Muslims tried to claim their right over the location. One of the major events happened on 6th December 1992 where the members of VHP and allied organisations tried to demolish the dilapidated structure as an ultimatum to make the authorities take the issue more seriously. As a result, the people from other community turned violent and this incident gave rise to communal unrest. After many such catalyst events, on 9th may 2011, the case was firstly filed before the Supreme Court of India. The final hearing of Supreme Court regarding Ayodhya issue started on 6th Aug 2019 and the arguments lasted for marathon 200 hours. Eventually on 9th November 2019, the Supreme Court delivered the significant verdict of the land to be handed over to a trust for the construction of Ram Mandir. Whole nation applauded the decision and the valiant efforts of SC Lawyer, K. Parasaran, who argued the case barefoot standing 4-5 hours each day at 90+ age for several days.  

Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was formed to supervise the project. On 5th August 2020, the foundation stone was laid by PM Narendra Modi. This day was marked as a significant event in the process of Indian cultural revival. The Ram Temple billboards were also displayed in New York's iconic Times Square and the day was celebrated throughout the country. 

After 3 years of construction process, the inauguration ceremony will be held on 22nd January 2024. The entire temple complex is of 2.7 acres where the 3 floored magnificent temple is constructed. The 'Pran Pratishta' ceremony will be witnessed by PM Narendra Modi, CM Yogi Adityanath, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and several other dignitaries. Pran Pratishthapana refers to a ritual of inviting the cosmic energy into the idol and thus instilling life into the idol. The Prime Minister will perform the main ceremony under the guidance of nearly 120 Vedic Brahmins. Stringent security procedures have been put in place to ensure the safety of dignitaries and attendees. Forces, CCTVs, and drones have been deployed for Ram Mandir protection. This day is one of its kind for all the devotees where many states and prestigious temples have contributed significantly in the process of establishing India's one of the most culturally prominent temple. When the foundation was being laid, soils from several prominent Indian temples was collected and laid down there. Also, the idol of Lord Ram to be installed in the Garbh Griha (Sanctum Santorum) will be purified using the holy water from 125 pilgrim centres including the holy river Ganga. On 16th January, the idol will have a chariot tour around Ayodhya and ultimately on 22nd, the formal consecration ceremony will be held. The height of the idol, which will be in the form of a five-year child, will be of 51 inches.

Ram Mandir predominantly is going to serve to the state's economic boost as well as the National cultural amelioration. It will have a phenomenal impact on local tourism there by raising the standard of living of the locals. The construction of the temple in Ayodhya holds cultural significance for many people in India. It can have a lasting influence on firming the cultural identity of the nation. The inauguration of this temple will surely enfold another era in the Indian history.

Jai Shree Ram!