2nd consecration at Ram temple begins today
Ayodhya/Lucknow: The second consecration ceremony at the Ram temple will begin on Tuesday. During the three-day ceremony, the consecration of deities will be performed in six temples situated on the temple's ramparts, along with the formal installation of the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the temple, reports Shalabh.
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Meanwhile, Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust general secretary, Champat Rai, on Monday appealed to devotees not to visit the temple town for 'pran pratishtha' rituals. "We have not invited anyone from outside Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh or nearby states or other states. Do not gather in Ayodhya for Pran Pratishtha because no special arrangements have been made," Rai.
Rai said that owing to the weather conditions, holding a large programme was not possible and people should avoid crowding Ayodhya on June 5 when the Ram Darbar on the first floor would be inaugurated.
"I request everybody with folded hands to plan your visit as per your due schedule and original plan. We have not extended the invitation for people to attend the consecration ceremony. We appeal to you to plan your visit after the ceremonies are over," said Rai.
Seven temples, including the Ram Darbar, will be inaugurated in the Ram temple complex on June 5.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would attend the ceremony during the muhurat on June 5 morning.
Yogi will attend three more events — Saryu Trayodashi Janmotsav, birthday celebrations of Ram temple's chief priest Nritya Gopal Das, and a programme to mark the World Environment Day on June 5— which is also the CM's birthday.
The ceremonies will culminate on the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra on June 5. Rituals commenced on Monday evening with a grand Kalash Yatra from the banks of the Saryu River. The yatra passed through Veena Chowk, Rampath, Singarhat, and Rangmahal Barrier before reaching the temple premises.
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On June 3 and 4, a 12-hour-long puja will be performed daily from 6:30am, featuring the chanting of 1,975 mantras and sacred offerings to the fire god.
Ram Raksha Stotra, Hanuman Chalisa and bhajans would continue to play in the background.
To ensure the convenience of the devotees, Ayodhya District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde confirmed that extensive arrangements have been made, including shaded rest areas, drinking water stations, and mobile toilets.
Special measures have also been taken in light of the prevailing heat, with 10 hospital beds reserved in each district hospital for emergencies. ORS packets are being distributed at the temple premises, outposts, and police stations.
Resting areas and other amenities have also been made available within the temple premises for pilgrims.
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