Lights, marigolds and high security: 18 photos show Ayodhya all ...
The basic meaning of pran pratishtha is to 'give life to the idol'. (Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust)
Last minute preparations and final touches continue in full swing in the temple town as the much-anticipated ‘pran pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is just a day away. The temple with Ram Lalla idol is all set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (January 22).
The consecration ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla is scheduled to take place at 12.20 pm, and event is set to witness the participation of about 8,000 invitees, including 1,500-1,600 “eminent” guests.
The new 51-inch idol, sculpted by Mysuru-based Arun Yogiraj, was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on Thursday. A series of rituals preceding the main ceremony were conducted between January 16-21.
From strings of marigold and other flowers, special lightings to ramped up security arrangements — Here’s a look at the preparations in Ayodhya, in pictures:
On the eve of the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the temple town of Ayodhya is in the grip of religious fervour. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) The narrow lane that once led to the disputed temple site is now a wide, two-lane ‘Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path’ with grand gates and huge walls decorated with murals. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) Extensive preparations are underway in Ayodhya for the significant ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple, set to be inaugurated by PM Modi. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) Natural flowers sourced from across the country are being used for decorations across the temple town. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) Special floral designs have been made in preparation for the grand ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava)
The decorative special lights used are themed on the religious diya, so as to accentuate the traditional look and the elements of the Ram temple. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava)
Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers in a trial run of showering flower petals on the Ram Janmabhoomi Path on the day of the consecration ceremony. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) The basic meaning of pran pratishtha is to ‘give life to the idol’. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) The various formal procedures preceding it, which began Tuesday, are currently underway. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava)
The consecration ceremony of the idol of Lord Ram is scheduled to take place at 12:20 pm.(Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) The grand event of the consecration ceremony is set to witness the participation of about 8,000 invitees, including 1,500-1,600 “eminent” guests. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) Devotees, in religious spirit, from across the country have already started thronging the streets of the temple town in large numbers. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) The shops and markets in Ayodha are seen bustling with visitors and devotees ahead of the inauguration event. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) Ahead of the mega event, locals and tourists alike move around with saffron flags. The idol of Ram Lalla was installed in the temple on Thursday. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava)
In order to manage the significant influx of devotees and guests, security arrangements have been ramped up in Ayodhya. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava)
The state government in preparation for the mega event has deployed police personnel as part of its multi-layered security plan. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava) Near Hanuman Garhi and other places across the temple town, multiple NDRF teams have also been deployed ahead of PM Modi’s visit. (Express photo by Vishal Srivastava)
