According to Champat Rai, the trust secretary, a 51-inch-tall statue of Lord Ram, representing a five-year-old Ram Lalla, will be chosen from three different designs. Sources have revealed that the voting to determine the idol of Lord Ram Lalla, which will be placed inside the main chamber of the magnificent temple next month, is scheduled to take place on Friday. The voting will occur during the meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust responsible for the construction and administration of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
According to sources, three separate sculptors have created designs for the shrine. These designs will be presented and the idol that receives the highest number of votes will be installed during the consecration ceremony on January 22.
Earlier, trust secretary Champat Rai announced that a 51-inch-tall idol of Lord Ram, resembling a five-year-old Ram Lalla, will be chosen from the three designs.
“The idol that exudes the greatest divinity and has a childlike appearance will be selected,” he stated.
In the meantime, on Thursday, Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra inspected the ongoing construction work on the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the complex, accompanied by the district’s top official.
The inspection took place prior to the consecration ceremony, which is scheduled for next month, and just two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the temple city.
According to Misra, the work is not being rushed, but rather being carried out with a focus on quality by dedicating sufficient time to it. He made these remarks while speaking to ANI.
The construction work has been divided into three phases. The first phase is set to be completed by December 2023, while the second phase, which involves the construction of the temple, will take place in January. The third phase encompasses the construction work within the complex.
Misra also instructed the officials to ensure that the installation of security equipment, along with the ‘welcome gate’ and canopy on Janmabhoomi Path, is completed by December without fail.
As per the temple officials, the consecration ceremony will span over seven days, commencing on January 16.
On January 16, the appointed host from the temple trust, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, will conduct the atonement ceremony. This will be followed by the ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship, and offering to cows on the banks of the Saryu River.
Subsequently, on January 17, a procession will carry the idol of Lord Ram in his child-like form (Ram Lalla) to Ayodhya. Devotees carrying Saryu water in Mangal Kalash will also arrive at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
On January 18, formal rituals will commence with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja.
On January 19, the holy fire will be lit, followed by the establishment of ‘Navagraha’ and a ‘havan’ (a holy ritual surrounding the fire).
The sacred innermost chamber of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is scheduled to undergo a purification ritual using Saryu water on January 20. Following this, the Vaastu Shanti and ‘Annadhivas’ ceremonies will be conducted.
On January 21, the idol of Ram Lalla will be ceremonially bathed using 125 urns and will then be respectfully placed to rest. Finally, on January 22, after the morning worship, the deity of Ram Lala will be consecrated during the auspicious ‘Mrigashira Nakshatra’ in the afternoon.