Ram Mandir Official Advises Against Ayodhya Visit on January 22

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is nearing completion, and preparations are underway for the grand opening next month. With lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit Ayodhya to witness the placement of the idol of Lord Ram in the sanctum sanctorum, Champat Rai, the Ram Mandir Trust Secretary, has made a request to the devotees.

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Mr. Rai stated that the inauguration ceremony will take place at 12 noon on January 22. While the sanctum sanctorum and the idol are ready, the construction of the entire temple may take another two years. To avoid overcrowding in Ayodhya, Mr. Rai urged people to celebrate the ‘Anand Mahotsav’ on January 22 at their nearest temple instead of coming to Ayodhya.

 

Mr. Rai’s message to the devotees was clear, “Don’t come to Ayodhya on January 22. Assemble at the temple nearest to you, irrespective of whether it’s small or big. Go to the temple which is feasible for you, even if it belongs to a different god or goddess.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22. The Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony will commence on January 16, a week before the main ceremony. The main rituals at the consecration ceremony will be performed by Lakshmi Kant Dixit.

In anticipation of the influx of devotees, several tent cities are being erected within Ayodhya to accommodate the thousands of visitors. Local authorities are also making arrangements to ensure enhanced security measures and logistical support for all attendees.

As the construction of the entire temple is expected to continue for another two years, Mr. Rai emphasized that the focus of the upcoming ceremony is the placement of the idol in the sanctum sanctorum. He urged devotees to participate in the celebrations at their nearest temple, regardless of its size or the deity worshipped there.

The message from the Ram Mandir Trust Secretary is aimed at managing the expected crowd and ensuring the safety and convenience of the pilgrims. By celebrating the ‘Anand Mahotsav’ at their local temples, devotees can be a part of the historic event while avoiding overcrowding in Ayodhya.

The grand opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a momentous occasion for millions of devotees across the country. It symbolizes the culmination of a long-standing dispute and the fulfillment of a cherished dream for many. While the construction of the entire temple may take time, the placement of the idol is a significant milestone in this journey.

By urging pilgrims to celebrate the occasion at their nearest temples, Mr. Rai is ensuring that the spirit of the event reaches every corner of the country. It is a reminder that devotion transcends boundaries and that the love for Lord Ram can be expressed in any place of worship.

In Mumbai, it is anticipated that the foundation stone for the Masjid Mohammad bin Abdullah in Ayodhya will be laid next year. Those involved in the project revealed on Friday that the ceremony will include the participation of saints, pirs, and clerics. The construction of the mosque has been entrusted to the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF).

Haji Arfat Shaikh, the chairman of the Ayodhya mosque development committee, mentioned that upon completion of the mosque in the next five to six years, invitations will be extended to prominent clerics from various countries. This inclusive list includes the Imam-e-Haram, the individual leading the namaz at the Mecca masjid.

As the countdown to the grand opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya continues, the message from the Ram Mandir Trust Secretary serves as a reminder to the devotees to come together in celebration, even if they are physically apart.

Let us honor the spirit of unity and devotion as we witness this historic event, whether in Ayodhya or at our nearest temples.

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