As Ayodhya gears up for the highly anticipated ‘Pran Pratishtha’ or consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, wooden replicas of the sacred structure have become the latest sensation, capturing attention in shops across Uttar Pradesh.
These miniature versions closely resemble the grand Ram Temple, offering a visual preview of the forthcoming ceremony. Ayodhya resident Ajay Kumar shared, “Earlier, we used to present our guests with a replica of the Taj Mahal, but now we can gift them miniature versions of the Ram Temple.”
Crafted with intricate detail, these replicas provide devotees and visitors with a tangible sense of the temple’s grandeur. Thousands of people were involved in the construction of the actual Ram Temple, making these replicas a symbolic representation of the monumental effort.
The consecration ceremony, scheduled between noon and 12:45 pm on January 22, will see the enthroning of Ram Lalla at the sanctum sanctorum, an event anticipated by thousands. The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has invited 4,000 saints from all sects for the grand ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple, marking a historic moment for Ayodhya. Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony will commence on January 16, a week before the main event, with Vedic priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit leading the consecration rituals.
To celebrate the occasion, Ayodhya will observe the Amrit Mahautsav from January 14 to January 22, featuring a 1008-hundred Mahayagya to feed thousands of devotees. The city is preparing for an influx of visitors, erecting tent cities to accommodate 10,000–15,000 people.
Local authorities are enhancing security measures and making logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. The replicas, symbolic of the upcoming grandeur, have become a symbol of excitement and anticipation for this historic event.