INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday (12) started a special religious practice in the run-up to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in the northern temple town of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on January 22. He will inaugurate the temple in what is being projected as a mega show.
In a post on X, the prime minister, who was on a visit to the western state of Maharashtra, said, “Only 11 days are left for the consecration of Ramlala in Ayodhya. I am fortunate that I will also be a witness to this auspicious occasion. The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration."
“Keeping this in mind, I am starting a special ritual of 11 days from today. I am seeking blessings from all the people. At this moment, it is very difficult to express my feelings in words, but I have tried from my side…," he added.
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The consecration or 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony is a ritual of infusing divine consciousness into an earthly idol. Rules for fasting before the ritual have also been prescribed in the scriptures.
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Rituals for the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony in Ayodhya will kick off on January 16. Ayodhya will also observe 'Amrit Mahotsav' between January 14 and 22, the day of the ceremony. A priest from the Hindu holy city of Varanasi will perform the main rituals.
The occasion will see several thousands of high-profile Indians, including political leaders, industrialists, sportspersons and celebrities besides millions of devotees in attendance. Guests are also expected to come from abroad.
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