Pran Pratishta: Sacred Rituals and Historic Moments at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Welcome to a journey into the sacred realm of Pran Pratishta at the majestic Ram Temple in Ayodhya, an endeavor that transcends time and beckons the faithful to witness a historic union of spirituality and cultural richness. Rooted in the essence of Hinduism, Pran Pratishta stands as a testament to the deep devotion and enduring dreams of millions. Scheduled for January 22, 2024, this ceremonial consecration marks a momentous occasion—the installation of Ram Lalla, the infant Lord Rama, in the sanctum sanctorum. As we delve into the profound rituals and cultural significance of this event, we find ourselves amidst a celebration that bridges diverse communities, uniting them in the glory of Lord Rama.

Pran Pratishta is a program that involves the consecration or energizing of an object or space, usually an idol or a temple, with the life force or prana of a deity. It is a sacred ritual that is performed by qualified priests who invoke the presence of the deity in the object or space through mantras, offerings, and ceremonies. Pran Pratishta can be done through two methods: mantra pratishtha, which uses chanting and rituals; and prana pratishtha, which uses the consecrator’s own life energies.

One of the most awaited Pran Pratishta programs in India is the one that will take place at the grand Ram Temple being built in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The Pran Pratishta ceremony of the Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22, 2024, and will mark the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Rama) in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This is a historic and auspicious event for millions of Hindus who have been longing for the construction of the Ram Temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 4,000 saints of all sects are expected to attend the ceremony, which will be broadcasted live by Doordarshan. The Ram Temple Trust has also appealed to the global Hindu society to celebrate the day by gathering in local temples, lighting lamps, and chanting the name of Lord Rama.

Pran Pratishta is also a common ritual performed during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, which celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. During Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees install clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes or public places and perform Pran Pratishta to sanctify the idols. They then worship the idols for a period of 10 days, after which they immerse them in water bodies as a symbol of sending Lord Ganesha back to his abode.

Pran Pratishta is a ritual that means “establishment of the image in its vital breath” or “bringing life to the temple” https://pujayagna.com/blogs/pooja-havan-yagya/pran-prathistha-consecration. It is a way of consecrating or installing a murti (idol) of a deity in a temple or a home, by invoking the presence of the deity in the murti through mantras and ceremonies. Pran Pratishta is considered to infuse life into the murti, making it a living representation of the deity. It is also a way of expressing devotion and reverence to the deity, and seeking their blessings.

Pran Pratishta is an important ritual in Hinduism, as it marks the recognition of the image of god as a particle of the divine whole, and a reminder of the transcendence and omnipresence of the divinity. It is also a way of creating a sacred space for worship and meditation, where the devotees can have a direct connection with the deity. Pran Pratishta is performed during the inauguration of a new temple, or during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, when clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed and worshipped. Pran Pratishta is also a common practice among Hindus who keep murtis of their favorite deities in their homes.

The Pran Pratishta ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya is a historic and auspicious event for millions of Hindus who have been longing for the construction of the Ram temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama. The ceremony is scheduled for January 22, 2024, and will mark the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Rama) in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 4,000 saints of all sects are expected to attend the ceremony, which will be broadcasted live by Doordarshan.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya’s Pran Pratishta ceremony is a momentous occasion as it signifies the end of a lengthy and difficult battle for reclaiming the Ram Janmabhoomi, the sacred site where Lord Rama, a highly venerated Hindu god, was born. The ceremony also symbolizes the unity and diversity of India, as people from different regions, languages, and backgrounds come together to celebrate the glory of Lord Rama.

The Ram temple issue has been a contentious and emotive one for decades, involving legal battles, political movements, and communal violence. The dispute centered on the ownership of a 2.77-acre plot of land in Ayodhya, where a 16th-century mosque, known as the Babri Masjid, stood until it was demolished by Hindu activists in 1992, claiming that it was built over a temple that marked the birthplace of Lord Rama. The demolition sparked riots across the country, killing more than 2,000 people. The matter was taken to the courts, and after several hearings and appeals, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark verdict on November 9, 2019, granting the entire disputed land to the Hindu side for the construction of the Ram temple, and allotting a separate 5-acre land to the Muslim side for building a mosque.

The construction of the Ram temple began on August 5, 2020, after a grand bhoomi pujan (ground-breaking) ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. The ceremony coincided with the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, another major political move by the Modi government. The Ram temple is being built by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, a body set up by the government to oversee the temple construction and management. The temple is designed by renowned architect Chandrakant Sompura, and is expected to be completed by 2023. The temple will have a height of 161 feet, a length of 270 feet, and a width of 140 feet. It will have five domes, 360 pillars, and 106 columns. The temple will also have a museum, a library, a research center, and a food court.

The Pran Pratishta ceremony of the Ram temple is scheduled for January 22, 2024, and will mark the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Rama) in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The ceremony is a sacred ritual that involves the consecration or energizing of the idol with the life force or prana of the deity, by chanting mantras and performing ceremonies. The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 4,000 saints of all sects, including notable guests like the Dalai Lama, Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, and Kangana Ranaut. The ceremony will be broadcasted live by Doordarshan, and the Trust has also appealed to the global Hindu society to celebrate the day by gathering in local temples, lighting lamps, and chanting the name of Lord Rama.

The Pran Pratishta ceremony of the Ram temple is a historic event, as it signifies the end of a long-standing dispute and the beginning of a new era of harmony and prosperity. It is also a celebration of the faith and culture of millions of Hindus, who revere Lord Rama as an ideal king, a righteous warrior, and a compassionate human being. The ceremony is a tribute to the legacy of Lord Rama, who is considered to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. The ceremony is also a reflection of the diversity and pluralism of India, as it showcases the rich and varied traditions, rituals, and art forms of the country. The ceremony is a historic event, as it marks the realization of a dream that has been cherished by generations of Hindus, and a manifestation of the spirit of Ram Rajya, a utopian state of peace, justice, and welfare.

The preparations for the Pran Pratishta ceremony are in full swing across the country and the globe. Here are some of the highlights:

• Vedic rituals for the Pran Pratishta ceremony will start on January 16, 2024—a week before the main ceremony. Lakshmi Kant Dixit, a Vedic priest from Varanasi, is set to officiate the primary consecration rituals for Ram Lalla at the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi.
• The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has invited 2,500 prominent people from various fields, including scientists, Param Vir Chakra awardees and their family members, family members of deceased karsevaks and artistes. Invitations have been extended to the relatives of individuals who played pivotal roles in the Ram temple movement.
• The Trust has also issued an appeal to the global Hindu society to celebrate the day by gathering in local temples, lighting lamps, and chanting the name of Lord Rama.
• Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, is witnessing significant infrastructure enhancements as the completion of the Ram Mandir nears. The construction of numerous tent towns is underway to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims for the official inauguration of the Ram Temple.
• Drummer and music composer Tanmay Mukherjee, along with his team, is creating a ‘Ram Dhun’ using western instruments for the mega event. The ‘Ram Dhun’ will be a fusion of Indian and western music, and will feature instruments like guitar, drums, keyboard, flute, and tabla.
• Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut paid obeisance to Ram Lalla and visited the under-construction Ram temple on October 26, 2023. She addressed the construction workers and credited them for bringing up the Ram temple.

The Pran Pratishta ceremony of Ram temple is a momentous occasion for the Hindu faith and culture. It is a culmination of a long and arduous struggle for the restoration of the Ram Janmabhoomi. It is also a symbol of the unity and diversity of India, as people from different regions, languages, and backgrounds come together to celebrate the glory of Lord Rama.

The Pran Pratishta ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to have a significant impact on India and the world, both culturally and politically. Here are some possible effects of the ceremony:

• The ceremony will be a moment of pride and joy for millions of Hindus, who will witness the fulfillment of their long-cherished dream of seeing the Ram temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama. The ceremony will also strengthen their faith and devotion to Lord Rama, and inspire them to follow his ideals of righteousness, compassion, and service.
• The ceremony will also be a symbol of the unity and diversity of India, as people from different regions, languages, and backgrounds will come together to celebrate the glory of Lord Rama. The ceremony will showcase the rich and varied traditions, rituals, and art forms of the country, and promote the spirit of harmony and tolerance among different communities.
• The ceremony will also have a political impact, as it will boost the popularity and credibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been instrumental in facilitating the construction of the Ram temple. The ceremony will also mark the completion of one of the core promises of the BJP’s manifesto, and will likely influence the upcoming state and national elections.
• The ceremony will also have a global impact, as it will attract the attention and admiration of the international community, especially the Hindu diaspora, who will witness the historic event through live broadcasts and social media. The ceremony will also enhance India’s image and soft power in the world, as it will demonstrate its cultural heritage, democratic values, and peaceful resolution of a long-standing dispute.

In conclusion, the Pran Pratishta ceremony at the Ram Temple is not merely a historical milestone but a testament to the spirit of a nation, embracing its diverse heritage with unwavering devotion. As the world turns its gaze toward Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, let us collectively witness the fruition of a dream cherished by generations, a celebration that extends beyond borders and resonates with the heartbeat of millions. This event is more than the installation of an idol; it is a manifestation of faith, a symbol of unity, and a promise of harmony. The prayers, rituals, and cultural richness embedded in Pran Pratishta intertwine to create a tapestry of reverence, and as we await this monumental day, we stand on the cusp of witnessing history unfold—a history etched in the sacred stones of Ayodhya, in the hearts of devotees, and in the cultural legacy of India.