PM Modi's visit sets tone for Jan 22 consecration event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ayodhya on Saturday has set the tone for the consecration of Lord Ram's idol on January 22 with a slew of programs and events lined up in the coming days. The district is abuzz with activity as ministers, officials, saints, Hindutva activists and the media, among others, throng the place.
Controversies are not far behind amid all this action.
While there is curiosity about which of the three idols that made it to the short-list has finally been voted for, the list of people who will be inside the sanctum sanctorum when the Pran Pratishta (consecration) is done has also caused a stir.
Saints and priests make up about half of the 8000 invitees for the ceremony. «Priests from over 130 spiritual traditions are being invited.
The idea of „Sabke Ram“ is being kept in mind while sending out the invites,» a VHP member told ET on condition of anonymity.
Many one-day rituals will precede the January 22 ceremony. For seven days starting January 16, various rituals related to the consecration of the idol will be carried out.
A 'Shobhayatra' will be carried out by the devotees with the chosen Ram Lalla idol on January 17. The Shri Ramjanmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra-the trust which is overseeing the construction of the temple had on Friday held a meeting to decide which of the three idols will be placed inside the temple.
While the decision has been taken, the choice has not been made public yet. The idols are known to be 51-ft tall and will depict Ram Lalla as he was at 4-5 years of age.
According to reports, five persons including PM Modi, CM Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP governor Anandiben Patel and the chief priest will be present inside the sanctum sanctorum during the Pran
