Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Friday that he will observe an 11-day anushthan (rituals) preceding the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at Ayodhya’s Ram temple scheduled for January 22. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness the auspicious occasion, he conveyed that he had been chosen by God to represent the people of India during the ceremony. In a video message on the social platform X, he initiated the special ritual and sought blessings from the public.
Hindu shastras prescribe specific rules for the intricate ‘pran pratishtha’ ritual preceding the consecration of a deity’s idol. Despite his demanding schedule and responsibilities, Prime Minister Modi is determined to meticulously adhere to all the rituals, embarking on the 11-day anushthan. Hindu scriptures outline fasting guidelines leading up to the consecration, and as part of his daily routine, the prime minister observes rituals such as Brahma Muhurat Jagran, prayers, and maintains a simple diet.
The grand consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, over which the prime minister will preside, is scheduled for January 22. Final preparations are underway, with several VVIP guests from India and abroad receiving invitations. Vedic rituals are set to commence on January 16, a week prior to the main ceremony, with priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit from Varanasi conducting the main ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.
In conjunction with the event, a 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will be organized to feed thousands of devotees. Ayodhya is witnessing the construction of several tent cities to accommodate the anticipated influx of devotees. The Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust is making arrangements for 10,000-15,000 people. Local authorities are proactively preparing for the surge in visitors, implementing enhanced security measures and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.