Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed a significant ritual at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Tuesday, marking the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. The senior BJP leader hoisted a flag atop the temple's sanctum sanctorum, a symbolic act that drew widespread attention.
A Solemn Ceremony in the Temple City
The event took place on December 31, 2024, exactly two years after the historic consecration of the Ram Lalla idol. Singh arrived at the temple premises and was received by trust officials, including General Secretary Champat Rai. Dressed in traditional attire, the Defence Minister first offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum before proceeding to the roof of the temple structure.
Accompanied by priests and trust members, Singh hoisted the flag on the temple's golden kalash. Visuals from the ceremony showed the minister actively participating in the ritual, which was conducted with Vedic chants and religious hymns. The temple trust stated that the ceremony was held with "simplicity and devotion" to commemorate the landmark day.
Commemorating the Historic Pran Pratishtha
The Pran Pratishtha, or consecration ceremony, of the Ram Lalla idol was performed on January 22, 2023. That grand event was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by thousands of dignitaries and saints. It marked the culmination of a decades-long movement for the construction of the temple at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.
Rajnath Singh's visit and flag-hoisting ceremony served as a poignant reminder of that historic milestone. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, which manages the temple, has been organizing various religious and cultural events in the lead-up to the anniversary. The trust emphasized that the focus remains on devotion and religious observance rather than large-scale public celebrations this year.
Security and Significance of the Event
The ceremony was conducted under tight security arrangements in Ayodhya. Given Singh's stature as the Defence Minister, a multi-layered security cordon was established around the temple complex. The event, though relatively low-key compared to the original consecration, carried substantial symbolic weight.
Political observers noted the significance of a senior Union Minister performing the ritual, highlighting the continued importance of the Ram Temple in the national discourse. The ceremony also reaffirmed the temple's status as a central pillar of faith for millions of Hindus. The trust officials expressed gratitude for Singh's participation and stated that such acts strengthen the spiritual fabric of the nation.
As Ayodhya continues to develop as a major religious and tourist hub, anniversaries of the Pran Pratishtha are expected to be observed with reverence each year, drawing pilgrims and dignitaries from across the country.
