Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is preparing for another significant spiritual event following the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of Ram Lalla that took place on January 22, 2024. The consecration of 14 temples within the Ram Mandir complex is scheduled for June 5, 2025, coinciding with the Ganga Dussehra festival.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has organized a three-day festival from June 3 to June 5 to mark the occasion. However, the rituals will commence on May 30, beginning with the installation of the Shiva Lingam in the Shiv Temple located within the complex. A total of 101 Vedic scholars from Kashi and Ayodhya will oversee the rituals, including the worship of the 'Yagyashala', recitation of the Valmiki Ramayana, chanting of mantras, readings from the four Vedas, and other traditional ceremonies.
The temples slated for consecration include six located within the main precinct dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Sun God, Ganapati, Hanuman, Goddess Bhagwati, and Goddess Annapurna. Additionally, seven temples situated in the Sapt Mandapam area will be consecrated, housing deities and revered figures such as Sage Vashistha, Valmiki, Agastya, Vishwamitra, Ahalya, Shabari, and Nishadraj. An idol of Lakshman, in the form of Sheshavatar, will also be consecrated in the Sheshavatar Temple as part of the ceremonies. Marble thrones, each two feet in height, have been specially crafted for the installation of the deities in the respective temples. The idols will be placed on these thrones during the consecration ceremonies, trust officials said.
Consecration, also known as Kumbhabhishekam, is a sacred ceremony that involves sprinkling the temple with sacred waters. The ceremony often takes several days and includes honoring Ganesha and praying to the Earth. The central events take place in a large tent by the temple and include a fire altar ceremony, offerings, and a closing ceremony. The "Prana Pratishtha" is a vital part of the Kumbhabhishekam, which infuses the life force of God in the image, turning a stone into a sacred icon.
Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Construction Committee of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, stated that the construction of the Ram temple is nearing completion. The installation of the Ram Darbar, which includes the idols of Lord Ram, Sita ji, and Hanuman ji, on the first floor took place on May 23. Following this, there will be some associated religious ceremonies.
The construction of the entire Ram Temple complex is likely to be completed by March 2025, while the first and second floors of the temple will be completed by July-end and December this year, respectively. The temple complex is expected to have 60% green area.
Security measures have been heightened around the temple complex and in Ayodhya. The Cyber Cell is investigating the matter. Security agencies are actively investigating the authenticity of the email, while central and state authorities have been placed on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Ram Mandir has emerged as Uttar Pradesh's most visited site in 2024, attracting an unprecedented 135.5 million domestic tourists and surpassing the Taj Mahal in popularity. With over 16 crore visitors recorded in 2024, Ayodhya now accounts for a significant share of Uttar Pradesh's tourism sector, which saw a total of 476 million visitors last year.
