On Thursday, 18 January, the first glimpse of the idol of Lord Ram inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was revealed. The first image of the idol, hidden behind a veil, was shown during the sanctum sanctorum placement ceremony. The Lord’s Child form was set in its designated location on Thursday after several rituals were carried out in the sanctum sanctorum during the day. All the covers have now been taken off, except his Shri Mukh. Most likely, the idol will only be fully unveiled on Pran Pratistha.

Who designed the Ram Lalla Idol?

The famous sculptor from Karnataka, Arun Yogiraj, designed the idol of Lord Ram. The idol is 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The idol portrays Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus crafted from the same stone.

Who is the chief Yajman in Pran Prathista?

The Pran Prathita is going to happen on 22 January under the observation of seers of Kashi Peeth and Acharya Ganeshwar Dixit—the renowned member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Keshtra and Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh Dr Anil Mishra. Dr Mishar is a homoeopathic doctor and was also a part of Ram Mandir Aandolan. 

Why are Shankaracharyas skipping Ram Mandir’s inauguration?

In the meantime, Ayodhya is decked out in vivid flowers in anticipation of the magnificent ceremony. Workers hung various flowers, primarily marigolds, around the temple grounds. The “greening and beautification of the 24 km stretch along the banks of the Saryu River between Sahadatganj and Lata Chowk under National Highway 28 in Ayodhya” is being carried out by the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation.

The National Highway’s middle and embankment slopes are decorated and preserved with ornamental trees and flowers. A contractor has been hired for a five-year contract to carry out this work. The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation will supply English and Hindi language signage boards that are easy to read.