In a significant prelude to the grand consecration ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh undertook a spiritual visit to the holy city of Ayodhya on Tuesday. The two senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders offered prayers at the revered Hanumangarhi temple and the newly constructed Ram Lalla temple, marking a moment of deep religious significance.
A Day of Devotion in the Temple Town
The visit, which took place on January 16, was steeped in devotional fervor. The leaders arrived in Ayodhya and first proceeded to the ancient Hanumangarhi temple, a site dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Here, they performed traditional rituals and sought blessings. Following this, the delegation moved to the sanctum sanctorum of the magnificent Ram Janmabhoomi temple, where the idol of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) is currently placed.
At the Ram temple, both leaders spent considerable time in prayer and meditation. They were received by members of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body overseeing the temple's construction and management. The visit is seen as a crucial review and preparatory step ahead of the landmark 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony scheduled for January 22.
Security and Significance of the Visit
The joint visit by a key Union Minister and the Chief Minister of the state underscores the immense national importance of the upcoming event. Elaborate security arrangements were in place throughout Ayodhya to ensure the safety of the dignitaries. The city is under a massive security blanket as preparations for the January 22 ceremony, which is expected to be attended by thousands of devotees and VIPs from across the country and abroad, enter their final phase.
This visit served multiple purposes:
- Spiritual Preparation: Personal devotion and prayers by the leaders.
- Operational Review: A first-hand assessment of the final preparations, logistics, and security for the mega event.
- Symbolic Gesture: Reinforcing the cultural and religious resonance of the Ram Mandir's construction, a core promise of the BJP.
The Road to the Grand Consecration
The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on January 22 will be a historic milestone, culminating a decades-long movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to be the chief guest and will perform the main rituals. The ceremony will be conducted in the presence of a select group of seers, dignitaries, and invitees. The entire nation is poised to witness the event, with live broadcasts planned and celebrations organized in temples and communities across India and the world.
The visit by CM Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has further amplified the anticipation and sanctity surrounding the occasion. It highlights the seamless coordination between the central and state governments in ensuring the ceremony is conducted smoothly, securely, and with the utmost devotional integrity. All eyes are now firmly set on Ayodhya as it prepares to usher in a new epoch with the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in the grand temple.
