The chief priest of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Acharya Satyendra Das Maharaj, announced on Friday that the ritualistic transference of the deity’s soul and spirit into the idol will take place on January 22 during the “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony. This announcement comes amid the countdown to the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. On Thursday, the idol of Lord Ram was placed inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum in advance of “Pran Pratishtha.”
Covered by a veil, the first photo of the idol was revealed during the placement ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum. The images were shared by Sharad Sharma, media in-charge of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Vedic Brahmins and revered Acharyas were seen leading worship ceremonies inside the sacred precincts of the Sri Ram Temple.
“The energy of Lord Ram that we worship, which helps in our well-being and keeps us in good spirits and of sound body and mind at all times,” the seer said, explaining the significance of the Pran Pratishtha. Therefore, blessings and good health will come from worshiping this idol of Shri Ram Lalla.” The chief priest stated, “The Pran Pratishtha ceremony started on January 17 and will end on the 22nd,” when asked how many days the entire ceremony takes to complete. It may take seven days at times, eleven days at other times, or even 23 days.”
The seer added that the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ starts with the Kalash Yatra followed by the idol’s ‘Nagar Bhraman’ (tour around town) and a bath in the Saryu river.