Ayodhya: The consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a 50-year-project of the BJP and long awaited by many, will take place today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fly to Ayodhya to participate in the ceremony, which will be telecast live. Between 12:05pm and 1pm, the Ram Mandir Prathistha, or consecration ceremony, in Ayodhya will begin with PM Narendra Modi presiding over the rituals.
Tens of thousands of devotees waving flags, honking horns and beating drums have gathered in Ayodhya, with roads clogged, trains packed full and the scores marching in on foot.
The 50-metre tall house of worship for Lord Ram Lalla was built on grounds where Babri Masjid stood for centuries before it was torn down in 1992 by karsevaks led by then Bharatiya Janata Party president Lal Krishna Advani.
Nearly 7,000 invitees, including politicians, industrialists, celebrities and sportspersons, are expected to attend the pran-pratishtha ceremony, which is expected to begin around 12.20pm.
“The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country. People from all walks of life including representatives of various tribal communities will also attend the ceremony,” read the statement.
PM Modi will interact with labourers who have been building the Ram temple. He would also visit Kuber Tila, where the ancient temple of Lord Shiv has been restored, and offer prayers.
The 380×250 feet temple is being built in the traditional north-Indian Nagara style. Its 392 pillars, 44 doors and walls have elaborate carvings of gods and goddesses. The idol of five-year-old Lord Ram has been placed at the sanctum sanctorum. The Kuber Tila stands at the southwestern part of the complex. Near the temple is a well (Sita koop), believed to be dating back to the ancient era.
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