PM to attend; security grid in place
Ayodhya, January 21: The historic Ayodhya is all set for the ‘PranPratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Temple on Monday which will be attended by thousands of guests, led by the Prime Minister NarendraModi.
In this regard, the entire area has gone under a heavy security blanket ahead of the grand opening of the Ram Temple, with Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) commandos deployed at LataMangeshkarChowk ahead of the event.
Ram Mandirpran-pratishtha: The consecration ceremony would begin at 12.20 pm in the auspicious nakshatra and is expected to be completed by 1 pm.
The auspicious and mega pran-pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla’s idol in the newly built Ram Janmabhoomi Temple will take place in the temple town of Ayodhya with much fanfare.
The temple town is fully prepared for the ceremony in which the idol of Lord Ram Lalla would be consecrated in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Many devotees have started flocking to Ayodhya to witness the auspicious moment.
Prime Minister NarendraModi will also participate in the consecration ceremony at the newly constructed Ram JanmbhoomiMandir in Ayodhyaat noon. The historic event will witness the presence of representatives from major spiritual and religious sects, along with people from diverse backgrounds.
PM Modi will address the gathering and interact with the laborers involved in the temple’s construction. Additionally, he will visit the restored ancient temple of Lord Shiva at KuberTila, performing pooja and darshan.
The traditional Nagara-style Ram JanmbhoomiMandir boasts dimensions of 380 feet (length), 250 feet (width), and 161 feet (height), supported by 392 pillars and adorned with intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities. The main sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of ShriRamlalla.
Accessed through the eastern entrance via the Singh Dwar, the Mandir features five halls and a historic well, Sitakoop. Adjacent to the Mandir, the restored ancient temple of Lord Shiva at KuberTila includes a statue of Jatayu.
Constructed with indigenous technology, the Mandir’s foundation comprises a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete, with no use of iron. A 21-foot-high granite plinth protects against ground moisture.
The complex incorporates modern amenities such as a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, fire safety water supply, and an independent power station. The Mandir stands as a testament to India’s rich traditional architecture and cultural heritage.
The temple trust and Vishva Hindu Parishad have invited nearly 8,000 guests including politicians, business stalwarts, entertainment industry stars and other diginitaries who are scheduled to arrive the temple town for the pran-pratishtha ceremony.
The temple trust has also advised the devotees and people to participate in the ceremony virtually. The grand event will be broadcast live across different platforms in the country.
On the security front, the Uttar Pradesh Police said new-age, state-of-the-art technology has been used for elaborate security arrangements for the ceremony.
Milind Raj, who has come to be nicknamed as ‘Lucknow’s Drone’ after developing unmanned aerial vehicles to keep a hawk-eye on the city, said he willingly volunteered to help the police ensure tight security in Ayodhya.
These drones have enabled the police to throw a proper security blanket around the temple town a day ahead of the ‘PranPratishtha’ ceremony.
The drone is equipped to patrol the sky like a police vehicle and can also send back real-time alerts if any suspicious person or object is seen.
It is equipped with a special software through which it will also be able to identify criminals or potential trouble-makers.
Security was tightened in the temple town on Friday for the January 22 event, which would be attended by nearly 8,000 VIP guests.
UP Police has deployed personnel in the city, with patrolling being done on all three fronts–land, water and air.
Additional Director General (ADG), Lucknow Zone, PiyushMordia said patrolling on the Saryu River is being done through boats and drones were also being pressed into service for aerial surveillance.
