Before being brought inside the temple, a special puja was conducted in the sanctum sanctorum. The idol of Ram Lalla, crafted by Karnataka sculptor Arun Yogiraj, has been chosen for installation at the Ram Temple.
Watch: Ram Lalla idol brought inside temple’s sanctum sanctorum, likely to be installed today
The announcement was made by Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust responsible for the construction and management of the temple.
“The Ram idol entered the Ayodhya temple at 12:30pm. At 1:30pm when the yajman performed the main rituals with Pradhan Sankalp, the atmosphere became auspicious with the sound of Veda mantras,” Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
On January 19, the ritualists after Devta Pujan, recital of all branches of the Vedas, Adhivasan, Kundpujan, blowing fire with natural method for havan, Jaladhivas (keeping idol immersed in water) and other pre-consecration rituals would be performed.
On January 20, Vastupujan of the temple after purifying its courtyard with water with medicinal qualities filled in 81 urns would be done amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.
On January 21, the ritual of bathing the idol with waters from different pilgrimage sites and holy rivers filled in 114 urns would be performed before performing Mahapuja and Nagarbhraman (taking the idol in the city). After these rituals, the idol would be brought to Yajna Mandap to perform the rituals of Shaiyyadhivas, Tatvanyas, Mahanyas and others.
The rituals of Devpranpratishtha (consecration) will take place on January 22 afternoon with the taking of the idol to the installation site following performing of regular rituals between 8 am and 12 noon. After the consecration Mahapujan, Aarti and Purnahuti will also be performed.
Thousands of VIP guests have received invitations from the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the ceremony.