The Ram Lalla idol at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir ahead of its 'Pran Pratishthan' ceremony, in Ayodhya, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.
PTI Photo
Ayodhya: The process of instilling 'prana' (life) in the idol of Ram Lalla as part of the 'pran pratishtha' (consecration) rituals, culminating on Monday, has commenced in the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex in Ayodhya.
As part of the rituals, scholars recited 'mantras' after purifying the 'vigrah' (the body of the idol) of Ram Lalla to instil 'prana'. Anil Mishra, one of the 'yajamanas', initiated the ritual of 'arni manthan' (preparing the fire naturally during havana).
The priests involved in the rituals mentioned that 'Agni Mantras' were recited during this process. They explained that 'agni' (fire) was essential for the 'yajna', and during the 'arni manthan', fire is produced using the 'mantras'.
Vedas were also recited on this occasion, and Lord Ganesha was worshipped before the 'arni manthan', they added.
The fire produced through the process was placed in the 'agni kund' (the pot in which the havana is performed) after the 'navagraha puja' (worshipping the nine heavenly bodies and deities that, according to Hinduism, influence our life on Earth).
The priests, through the ritual, requested the 'navagrahas' to join the 'puja' and ensure that the 'yajna' (ritual by fire) is completed without any obstacle. A 'vastu pujan' of the Ram Temple was also performed.
The pre-consecration rituals before the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) at the Ram Temple began in Ayodhya on Tuesday. The newly constructed idol of Ram Lalla was also brought inside the Ram Temple complex on Wednesday. During the pre-consecration rituals, the 'yajmana' (the person on whose behalf a religious ritual or yajna is performed by the priests) conducted several special pujas on the bank of the Saryu river and inside the Complex.
The rituals included 'Prayashchit Puja' (atonement), bathing in the sacred Saryu river, and performing other pujas.