Ahead of Ram Lalla’s consecration on January 22, the rituals have started with the atonement (Prayashchit puja). This series of rituals will conclude on January 22. At present, not only Ayodhya but the entire country is in ‘Rammay’.
Nepal is celebrating Rammay too. Celebrations are taking place in Sri Lanka, and a special holiday has been declared in Mauritius. Besides, Ramnaam chanting, Hanuman Chalisa and Sunderkand are being recited in Hindu temples across the world.
Prayashchit puja started on Tuesday in the Ram temple in Ayodhya Dham. This puja is done for the sake of the host so that the sins committed through the physical and cognitive senses can be atoned before the consecration of Ram Lalla.
This puja marks the beginning of the Pran Pratishtha rituals. Atonement puja is being performed by 121 Vedapathi ritualist Brahmins.
*What is Prasyachta Puja*
Prayashchit Puja is a penance ritual performed before the consecration of Ramlala. This includes atonement in all three dimensions – physical, internal and mental. External atonement involves ten ritual baths of the host including pancha dravya and other specified materials. Godaan Praashishtha is also organised, where the host takes a pledge to atone through donations. Monetary donations, including contributions of gold, are made as part of this process.
*Who does Tapa*
Atonement puja is done by the host, it is not done by ordinary pundits. The primary purpose of this puja is to atone for sins committed intentionally or unintentionally through a purification process that seeks forgiveness for any transgression.
*Karmakuti puja*
After the conclusion of the penance, the Karmakuti puja, or Yagyashala puja takes place. Before starting the Yagyashala, Havan Kund puja is performed, which includes a short puja of Lord Vishnu. Entry to different areas of the temple is granted through specific pujas, which mark the beginning of other rituals.
*Puja Avadhi*
Prayaschitta puja takes approximately two hours. After this, the same duration is required for Vishnu puja also. The penance puja started at 9:30 am on 16 January. Which was completed with full rituals by 121 Brahmins.
*6 days Rituals*
The rituals of consecration of Ramlala at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple started on Tuesday and will continue till January 21. The Pran Pratishtha of Ramlala at the designated place in the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha) is scheduled on January 18. The present idol, which has been revered for 70 years, will find a place in the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha) of the new temple also.
The main ritual of Pran Pratishtha will begin at 12:20 pm on January 22 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After this puja, which will last for about 40 minutes, there will be messages from PM Modi, CM Yogi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for about 75 minutes. Blessings by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das will also be dilivered.
*Pran Pratistha Rituals:*
January 16: Atonement (has completed)
January 17: Entry of the statue into the campus.
18th January: Pilgrimage, Jalayatra, Jaladhivas and Gandhadhivas.
19 January: Aushadhivas, Kesaradhivas, Ghritdhivas and Dhanyadhivas.
January 20: Sugar Day, Fruit Day, Flower Day
21 January: Midday stay, evening sleep rest
*Vigrah Sthapan*
The statue, made of Shyam Shila (Black Stone) and weighing 150 to 200 kg by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, has been selected for installation in the sanctum sanctorum. In this idol, Lord Rama is depicted as a five year old boy.
*Mangal Dhwani by 25 Rare Indian Musical instruments*
Before the consecration, the resonant sound (Mangal Dhwani) will echo surrounding the Primises. There will be auspicious playing of 25 prominent and rare musical instruments from different states at the Pran Pratistha Mahotsav in Ayodhya.
*Darshan closed on 20-21 January*
Devotees will not be able to have darshan of Shri Ramlala on 20-21 January. The darshan of the new statue will be open to the public from 23rd. Invitations have been sent to 53 people from 50 countries around the world.
*India’s first 7 star vegetarian hotel*
The grand inauguration of Ram Temple on January 22 is a historic moment in the cultural and religious landscape of India. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently gave information about a seven-star hotel in Ayodhyadham. Which will serve exclusively vegetarian food. The government has received around 25 proposals, including from Mumbai-based real estate firm The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), for hotel development in Ayodhya.
*Vegetarian Thali*
Ayodhya Dham is known for its vegetarian dishes like GI-tagged laddu, rabri, kachori-sabzi, chaat, dahi bada, vegetarian thali, tehri, baati chokha, peda and more. Now there are also plans to build several five-star hotels on the banks of Saryu river. Chief Minister Adityanath aspires to make the annual religious ceremony commemorating the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram temple ritual on January 22 a tradition.
With Ayodhya becoming a tourist hub, major restaurant chains are setting up outlets in the city. The carefully planned ceremony is expected to be attended by spiritual leaders, dignitaries and devotees from across the country, a symbol of unity and faith.
*Prisoners of Kanpur jail are making Ram flag*
There is an atmosphere of celebration across the country regarding the consecration of Ram Temple. Meanwhile, an encouraging scene emerged in Kanpur jail. The prisoners here expressed their desire to contribute to Lord Shri Ram. The jail administration immediately agreed to this proposal. Now the prisoners of Kanpur are making flags and symbols for the sanctity of life in the jail premises itself.
Kanpur jail prisoners are happily participating in the celebrations related to Ram temple. Through their artistic endeavors, they are not only expressing devotion to Rama, but atonement for their crimes. About thirty to forty prisoners are engaged in making earthen lamps, there are plans to send these lamps and Ram-marked flags to Ayodhya Dham before January 22.