Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserts the occasion is not only a moment of celebration but also a moment that signifies the “maturity” of Indian society. The Ayodhya temple is as much about the future as it is about the past
Our Bureau
Ayodhya/New Delhi
After a wait of years and decades, the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Lord Ram was held at 12.29 pm on Monday, with the main rituals performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ceremonial journey leading up to the Pran Pratishtha included a seven-day ritual that commenced on January 16. The ceremony was attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects in the country. People from all walks of life, including representatives of various tribal communities, also attended the ceremony.
The idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled after the ‘Pran Pratistha’ rituals were performed.
After the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla that concluded in Ayodhya on Monday, a heavy rush of devotees throng at the main gate of Shri Ram Temple to offer prayers on Tuesday. Devotees have gathered in large numbers since 3 a.m. to offer prayers and have Darshan of Shri Ram Lalla on the first morning after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the occasion of Pran Pratishtha is not only a moment of celebration but also a moment that signifies the “maturity” of Indian society, adding the manner our country has untangled this knot of history with seriousness and sensitivity indicates that our future is poised to be more splendid than our past.
Addressing the gathering after Pran Pratishtha of the idol of Ram Lalla here, PM Modi said that the occasion is not only about victory but also about humility.
PM Modi pointed out that in the annals of world history, many nations have grappled with their own historical entanglements. Attempting to resolve such historical complexities often leads to formidable challenges, with situations becoming more intricate.
He further said that the way our country has untangled this knot of history with seriousness and sensitivity indicates that our future is going to be much more beautiful than our past. The Prime Minister further said that there was a time when some people said that if the Ram temple was built, it would lead to unrest as they failed to understand the purity of India’s social sentiment.
“The construction of this temple of Ram Lalla is also a symbol of peace, patience, harmony, and coordination in Indian society. We are seeing that this construction is not igniting any fire, but rather it is giving birth to energy. The Ram temple has brought inspiration for every section of society to move towards a brighter future. Today, I call upon those people… Feel it, rethink your perspective,” he added.
He further added “Ram is not fire, Ram is energy. Ram is not a dispute, Ram is the solution. Ram is not only ours, Ram is for everyone. Ram is not just the present, Ram is eternal.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the whole world is connected with the Pran Pratistha and the omnipresence of Ram can be witnessed. He said that similar celebrations can be seen in many countries and the festival of Ayodhya has become a celebration of the global traditions of Ramayana. “Ram Lalla’s prestige is the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'”, he added.
After the grand opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to boundless celebrations and joyous chants and drumrolls, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the shrine has come up exactly where it was resolved to be built.
Addressing dignitaries in attendance at the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ event on Monday, CM Adityanath said, “The temple has come up exactly where it was resolved to be built several years ago. This historic moment, which had been eagerly anticipated across generations, arrived after 500 years. In a moment such as this, a gamut of emotions takes hold and one struggles to put one’s feelings in words. My mind, too, is caught up in a whirl of emotions. I am profoundly moved and overwhelmed as I stand here among all of you. I can doubtlessly say that each and every one of you must be experiencing a similar torrent of emotions.”
“On this historic and profoundly sacred occasion, every city and village in the country has transformed into Ayodhya Dham. Every route today has converged towards the birthplace of Shri Ram,” the CM added.
Noting the tears of joy among many as they chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Ram, Ram’, CM Adityanath said, “The whole country is ‘Rammay’ (obsessed with Lord Ram). The sights and sounds around us may give us the impression that we have entered ‘Treta Yug’. As Prabhu Shri Ram takes his throne today, it marks the fulfilment of a resolve. We are all overcome with emotion. Joy, pride, and a profound sense of contentment fill the hearts of every Ram Bhakt on this auspicious day. The day we have all been waiting for is finally here. Nearly five centuries went by in anticipation of this emotional moment. Ram Bhakts across several generations left for their heavenly abode (‘Saketdham’) with regret of an unfulfilled wish in their hearts, as the wait got more prolonged and the struggle continued.”
Finally, the wait is over and a temple of New India is now stands ready for the future.
Times Square echoes with ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants
As jubilation took hold of Ayodhya after the enthronement of Shri Ram Lalla at his majestic abode, hundreds erupted in celebrations at the iconic Times Square in New York City on Monday.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, a Stanford University graduate from Hollywood who has been residing at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh for nearly 30 years, led the crowd of hundreds here to celebrate the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.
The vibrant celebrations were marked by triumphant chants of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati said the celebratory event marks not only the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya but a ‘Rashtra Temple’, symbolising the country’s unity. “Back home today, we have opened not just a Ram Temple but also a Rashtra Temple. It will stand as a temple of unity. This is the temple for which we waited for over 500 years,” she said.
Underlining the significance of the occasion, she added, “Ram devotees across generations had been waiting for this day. It has finally arrived after more than 500 years.”
The celebration drew hundreds of Indians to Times Square, as they waved saffron flags and joined in the collective joy. The cultural festivities included dance performances, adding to the vibrancy and festive ambience around the event.
