Ayodhya: In a monumental moment, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya opened its doors to the general public on January 23, welcoming thousands of devotees and pilgrims seeking the ‘darshan’ of Lord Ram Lalla. The much-anticipated ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other VVIP guests, took place on January 22, marking a historic event for millions of Hindu devotees.
The Ram Mandir holds profound significance for followers of Hinduism, who believe it stands at the birthplace of Lord Ram. Crafted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, the 51-inch tall Ram Lalla idol to be consecrated features intricate carvings depicting all ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Hindu deities like Lord Hanuman, and other essential religious symbols.
Darshan and Aarti Timings for Devotees
Devotees visiting the Ram Mandir can experience ‘darshan’ during the following time slots:
Darshan Timings:
- Morning: 7:00 am to 11:30 am
- Afternoon: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Aarti Timings:
- Jagaran/Shringar Aarti: 6:30 am
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:30 pm
Free passes for the ‘aarti’ can be obtained both offline and online. The website of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra provides details on acquiring offline passes from the Camp Office at Shri Ram Janmbhoomi, requiring a valid government ID proof.
Consecration Ceremony Details
The 7-day rituals leading to the consecration ceremony commenced on January 16. On January 22, at 12:20 pm, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, a priest from Varanasi, conducted the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, infusing divine sanctity into the temple.
Ayodhya adorned itself with elaborate decorations, cutouts of Lord Ram, and religious slogans on posters, creating a festive atmosphere to commemorate this auspicious event. Massive security arrangements were in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony, underscoring the historical and cultural significance of the Ram Mandir.
For those seeking spiritual solace and a connection with their religious roots, the opening of the Ram Mandir provides a sacred space for reverence and devotion. As the doors of this iconic temple swing open, it marks a new chapter in the spiritual landscape of Ayodhya.
