Ayodhya witnesses an influx of thousands of devotees as the Ram Temple opens to the public after the grand consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ‘pran pratishtha’ rituals, featuring PM Modi’s prostration before the Ram Lalla idol, marked a historic occasion attended by dignitaries, politicians, and celebrities.
In anticipation of the temple’s public opening, massive crowds gathered at the temple premises as early as 3 am. The gates will welcome devotees from 7 am to 11:30 am and then reopen from 2 pm to 7 pm, offering ample opportunities for ‘darshan.’
The consecration ceremony, broadcasted nationwide, saw the presence of key figures, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. PM Modi shared his emotions on Twitter, describing the moment as extraordinary and expressing his joy in being part of the divine program.
Following the rituals, PM Modi addressed a gathering of around 8,000 individuals, comprising seers, Ram Janmabhoomi movement associates, and celebrities. His visit extended to Kuber Tila, where he interacted with workers involved in the temple’s construction.
While senior BJP leaders, such as JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, observed the event through live streaming, Opposition leaders chose to abstain, labeling it an “RSS-BJP event” during the preceding political skirmish. BJP-run states declared a holiday to enable people to witness the ceremony on TV and participate in local temple events.
The atmosphere in Ayodhya was further enriched by a devotional “Mangal Dhwani,” featuring 50 traditional musical instruments from across the country. The construction of the Ram Temple concludes a prolonged legal battle, with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the temple in November 2019.
In a poignant address, PM Modi declared the consecration of Ram Lalla’s idol as the dawn of a new era, emphasizing unity and humility. He urged critics to reconsider their views, asserting that Ram symbolizes energy, not fire, and represents a solution, not a dispute. The temple, according to PM Modi, signifies India’s peace, patience, and mutual harmony, embodying the nation’s maturity in resolving historical disputes. The invocation of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ underscored the temple’s significance as a symbol of peace, patience, harmony, and global unity in Indian society.