Ayodhya, January 23, 2024: The much-awaited opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is set to take place today, following a grand consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sacred rituals, known as ‘pran pratishtha,’ unfolded yesterday, drawing significant attention from devotees and dignitaries alike.
As dawn broke, an enormous crowd gathered outside the temple, with devotees arriving as early as 3 am to witness the historic moment. The temple gates will be accessible to the public from 7 am to 11:30 am, reopening again from 2 pm to 7 pm.
Prime Minister Modi, who actively participated in the rituals, expressed his sentiments on Twitter, stating, “The extraordinary moment of the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla’s life in Ayodhya Dham is going to leave everyone emotional. It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme. Jai Siya Ram!”
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries such as Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, was a momentous occasion witnessed by the nation.
Following the rituals, PM Modi addressed a gathering of around 8,000, including seers, Ram Janmabhoomi movement supporters, and celebrities from various fields. The Prime Minister also visited the Kuber Tila and engaged with workers involved in the temple’s construction.
While the event was broadcast nationwide, senior BJP leaders like JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah opted for live streaming. In contrast, Opposition leaders chose to abstain, referring to it as an “RSS-BJP event.”
The run-up to the consecration was marked by political debates, with the ruling BJP and the Opposition engaging in verbal sparring. Several BJP-run states declared the day a holiday to allow people to witness the ceremony on TV and partake in local temple events.
Ayodhya’s atmosphere was further charged with devotional “Mangal Dhwani,” featuring 50 traditional musical instruments from across the country.
The construction of the Ram Temple comes after a prolonged legal battle, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling in November 2019 in favor of the temple. PM Modi, addressing the nation, declared the consecration of Ram Lalla’s idol as the dawn of a new era.
“I have come before you as you witness the divine consciousness in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. There’s so much to say, but there’s a lump in my throat. After unprecedented patience, innumerable sacrifices, and penance, our Lord Ram has arrived. I congratulate the country on this occasion,” the Prime Minister announced.
In a powerful and emotional speech after the consecration ceremony, PM Modi emphasized that the temple represents peace, patience, harmony, and amity in Indian society. He invoked the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam,’ stating that Ram defines the world as a family.
PM Modi called for unity, insisting that the temple is not merely a symbol of triumph but also humility, showcasing India’s maturity in resolving historical disputes. He urged critics to reconsider their views, emphasizing that Ram symbolizes energy, not fire, and is a solution, not a dispute.
