X: @the_news_21
Ayodhya, the revered city of Lord Ram, witnessed a magnificent congregation of devotees on Wednesday, April 17, morning, as they thronged to the iconic Ram Temple to celebrate Ram Navami. This auspicious occasion, eagerly awaited for 500 years according to Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Sharad Sharma, resonated with unparalleled joy across the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in the festivities, extending his greetings to the people on this momentous day. He remarked that Ayodhya is basking in unparalleled bliss, marking the first celebration of Ram Navami at the Ram temple premises following its consecration.
One of the highlights of the day was the much-anticipated ‘Surya Abhishek’ of Ram Lalla, scheduled around 12:15 pm, with the celestial event expected to last for four minutes. During this sacred period, the Sun’s rays will delicately form a 75 mm ‘tilak’ on Ram Lalla’s forehead, symbolizing divine blessings.
Devotees commenced their spiritual journey by taking a dip in the holy waters of the Saryu River in Ayodhya before making their way to the Ram temple. The ‘darshan’ commenced as early as 3:30 am, allowing devotees ample time to immerse themselves in devotion.
Notably, this Ram Navami holds special significance as it marks the first celebration since the consecration of the Ram idol at the new temple, a monumental event inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22.
To ensure that devotees can witness and partake in the celebrations, elaborate arrangements have been made, including the installation of over 150 LED screens by the temple trust and government. These screens will broadcast the festivities, enabling everyone to share in the joyous atmosphere.
Security arrangements in Ayodhya have been meticulous, with IG (Ayodhya Range) Praveen Kumar ensuring that all necessary measures are in place for the safety and comfort of devotees. From zone and sector distributions to the deployment of volunteers and force multipliers, every aspect has been carefully orchestrated.
In addition to the spiritual offerings, devotees will be treated to a sumptuous array of 56 types of ‘bhog prasad’ at the Ram temple, enhancing the sanctity of the occasion.
Behind the scenes, scientists from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, have played a pivotal role in calculating the timings of the ‘Surya Abhishek’ and ensuring its flawless execution. Their efforts, coupled with the guidance of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, have brought this celestial spectacle to fruition.
PM Modi’s visionary suggestion during his visit to Ayodhya in 2022, urging the construction of the sanctum-sanctorum in alignment with the Konark Sun Temple phenomenon, has come to fruition today, marking a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
As devotees continue to pour into Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Ram, the festivities promise to be a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and communal harmony, resonating with the timeless essence of devotion and reverence.