Latest news with #ShriRamJanmabhoomiTeerthKshetraTrust
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
After Pran Pratishtha, Ayodhya Ram Mandir Readies For Grand Flag Hoisting Event
Last Updated: After Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishtha, Ayodhya readies for a 3-day flag hoisting; A 42-ft saffron flag will be unfurled atop Ram Mandir shikhar on Vivah Panchami on November 25. After the historic Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, the temple town – Ayodhya – is once again preparing for a spiritually and culturally significant event — the flag hoisting ceremony atop the main spire of the newly constructed Ram temple. Organised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the three-day mega celebration will be held from November 23 to 25, with the main ritual — hoisting of a 42-foot-long saffron flag atop the 161-foot-high shikhar (spire) — scheduled on November 25. The timing of the ceremony has been aligned with Vivah Panchami, the auspicious day marking the celestial wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The upcoming ceremony follows the grand consecration of Ram Lalla in January, an event that witnessed the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thousands of seers, saints, and devotees from across the country. That event marked the formal return of Ram Lalla to his rightful abode after centuries. And now, the members of the trust say this flag hoisting would mark the culminating ritual symbolising the temple's full readiness, both architecturally and spiritually. According to Trustee Dr Anil Kumar Mishra, around 5,000 eminent guests will be invited, including sadhus, religious leaders, kathavachaks, and representatives from diverse social backgrounds. 'Like the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, we aim to ensure that this event is inclusive and honourable to all traditions," he said. Arrangements for accommodation, meals, transport, and security are being planned on a massive scale. Hotels and homestays across Ayodhya are being pre-booked for guests. Saffron Flags on All Temple Spires Along with the main temple spire, saffron flags will be hoisted atop five subsidiary shikhars dedicated to Lord Shiva, Surya Dev, Lord Ganesh, Hanuman Ji, Mata Bhagwati, and Annapurna Mata. The flag will also grace the Sheshavatar temple and the Saptarishi Mandap, which houses idols of revered sages from Ramayana – Maharishi Valmiki, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Vashishtha, Nishad Raj, Ahilya, and Shabari. The entire Ram Janmabhoomi campus will be resplendent in saffron, with religious chants, bhajan-kirtans, and Ramayana recitations enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. Vivah Panchami: The Perfect Day The ceremony's timing on November 25 is no coincidence. It coincides with Vivah Panchami, the day when Lord Ram's baraat (wedding procession) is said to have travelled from Ayodhya to Janakpur (Nepal) to marry Goddess Sita. This event is celebrated in both Ayodhya and Janakpur with immense fervour. In Ayodhya, Vivah Panchami features grand processions, tableaux, devotional music, and ritual enactments of the divine wedding, drawing pilgrims in huge numbers. The Trust had earlier shortlisted three dates — November 16, 25, and 26 — after consulting astrologers. Among them, November 25 was found most auspicious, especially due to its alignment with Vivah Panchami. The final nod from the Prime Minister's Office and Union Home Ministry is awaited. 90% Work on Temple Campus Completed Trust officials confirmed that 90 per cent of the construction of subsidiary temples and infrastructure around the Ram temple has been completed. The ground floor houses Ram Lalla, while the first floor features the Ram Darbar with idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughna, and Hanuman. The second floor will be dedicated to rare manuscripts and scriptures related to Lord Ram. Of the four grand entry gates, work on two gates is already finished, and devotees will be allowed full access to the temple complex starting October 2025. Officials said that the flag hoisting will mark yet another spiritual high point for Ayodhya, reaffirming its status as the epicentre of Ram Bhakti. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
02-07-2025
- General
- News18
Ayodhya Temple Gets Rs 12-Crore Twin Gold Swings For Ram Lalla's Shravana Rituals
Last Updated: The swings will be maintained under temperature‑controlled conditions. Daily aarti rituals with Ram Lalla on the gold swings are expected to commence soon after July 17. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has unveiled its most opulent new treasures: two 24‑carat gold jhoolas (swings), each weighing approximately 5.5 kg, combining to a total of about 11 kg of pure gold, and valued at an estimated Rs 12 crore. A Glittering New Addition to an Already Golden Legacy This latest donation enhances the temple's long-standing reputation for grandeur, joining a prestigious collection that includes 42 gold‑coated doors (totaling ~100 kg of gold), a majestic throne, crown, bow, arrow, chhatra, and the kalash atop the temple's shikhar – all of which have garnered significant public and media attention since the temple's consecration. Design and Craftsmanship The design of the jhoolas embodies classical Vaishnavite aesthetics – featuring lotus-petal scallops, conch and chakra motifs, and fine floral filigree. The seats are suspended by elaborately carved chains and embellished with miniature temple mandapa pillars along the frame. Each swing is equipped with cushioned red velvet seating inset with gold brocade. According to temple trust officials, veteran artisans from Chennai – whose lineage spans over 200 years of temple craftsmanship – crafted these jhoolas under the guidance of master goldsmiths. These craftsmen drew inspiration from descriptions in the Valmiki Ramayana and used a combination of modern design precision with traditional repoussé techniques, hand-chasing, and gem-studded detailing. These swings are not decorative pieces alone; they hold ritual significance, having been created specifically for Ram Lalla to be ceremonially seated and gently swung during the holy month of Shravana, which begins in mid-July. Their purity, symbolic detailing, and dedicated ritual purpose make them an extraordinary blend of devotion, heritage, and artistry, unmatched in contemporary temple traditions. Significance for Shravana Rituals Shravana, the sacred month when Lord Ram is traditionally swung in a jhoola, begins around July 17, 2025. The shrine's priestly custodians explain that the ornate swings will be installed in the sanctum for daily use. This ceremonial act is believed to refresh devotees' spiritual bond with the deity, offering an immersive ritual experience featuring rhythmic movement and melodic bhajans. Temple Trust Speaks Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said, 'These twin jhoolas are not merely ornaments but a devotional offering of the highest order. Their construction by master craftsmen from Chennai brings traditional artistry to Ayodhya, enhancing the temple's sanctity. We look forward to their use during Shravana as Ram Lalla partakes in the cherished ritual of jhoola‑swinging." Regarding the cost and donation, Rai said, 'At an estimated Rs 12 crore for both swings, these jhoolas reflect the depth of devotion among our donours. Every detail – from the lotus motifs to temple pillar chains—is imbued with spiritual symbolism." Temple's Gold Narrative So far, the temple has utilised approximately 45 kg of gold, valued around Rs 50 crore, in the doors and throne of Lord Ram. The first golden door – 12 feet high and 8 feet wide – was installed on January 10, 2024, and plans called for the installation of 13 more, ultimately resulting in 46 doors, with 42 treated in gold plating using around 100 kg of gold. The jhoolas, however, stand apart in their ritualistic function and proximity to the deity – designed not as static artefacts but as active participants in worship during Shravan. Their unveiling signals a new chapter in the temple's evolving spiritual tapestry. With Shravana approaching, the temple conservatory is finalising installation and ceremonial protocols. The jhoolas will be maintained under temperature‑controlled conditions to preserve the gold's sheen. Daily aarti rituals with Ram Lalla on the jhoola are expected to commence soon after July 17, accompanied by devotional singing and temple processions. First Published: July 02, 2025, 15:20 IST
News18
23-06-2025
- General
- News18
Ancient Relic Depicting Goddess On Two Lions Unearthed At Ayodhya's Ram Temple Complex
Last Updated: Experts say the artefact appears to bear the image of a female deity - likely representing a Shakta or Vaishnavite tradition - standing over two crouching lions. Ongoing excavation work along the Kuber Tila pathway in the Ram Temple complex has unearthed another remarkable archaeological find – an ancient relic depicting a goddess figure atop two lions. Believed to be centuries old, the carving adds to the growing list of artefacts found at the sacred site, reinforcing Ayodhya's deep civilisational roots. The relic was discovered during foundation work in a zone being developed as a spiritual trail around Kuber Tila, a prominent hillock within the Ram Janmabhoomi campus. Experts say the artefact appears to bear the image of a female deity – likely representing a Shakta or Vaishnavite tradition – standing over two crouching lions. While erosion over time has softened the finer details, the posture and iconography align with depictions of divine figures seen in early medieval Hindu temple art. According to a senior official of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, several such relics have been discovered since temple construction began. Each of them is being documented and preserved carefully. This latest find is particularly fascinating because of its symbolic depth and artistic style. Echoes of the Past Beneath Sacred Ground The Kuber Tila area is undergoing extensive development as part of the broader temple plan, which aims not only to build a grand structure for Lord Ram but also to revive and protect Ayodhya's tangible heritage. The recent discovery, say archaeologists, strengthens the historical and spiritual linkage of Ayodhya through the centuries. Officials and experts involved in the construction work noted that the recently unearthed artefact, featuring a lion and goddess motif, reflects a long-standing tradition in Indian temple iconography. The depiction likely represents Goddess Durga or a regional deity and is estimated to date between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. Given Ayodhya's uninterrupted sacred legacy, such symbols point to the deep and layered evolution of worship practices at the site. Previous Discoveries at the Ram Temple Site This is not an isolated incident. Since 2020, when the temple's deep foundation work began, a series of ancient artefacts have been uncovered. These include three ring wells, animal and human terracotta figurines, decorated bricks, and copper objects – all found at levels more than 40 feet deep. Experts associate these artefacts with the Maurya, Shunga, and Kushana periods, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Some scholars contacted by the trust have even suggested the possibility of earlier origins through radiocarbon dating. They may be looking at cultural remnants as old as 1680 BCE, indicating over 3,600 years of historical continuity under Ayodhya's soil, according to an official. The 2003 ASI Excavation: A Legal Turning Point Earlier, in 2003, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a high-profile excavation at the disputed site under the directions of the Allahabad High Court. This investigation revealed the remains of a pre-existing religious structure – including carved pillars, shrine bases, and decorated stones – beneath the Babri Masjid. These findings were later acknowledged by the Supreme Court in its 2019 judgment, which awarded the disputed land to the Hindu side for temple construction. The ASI report, along with testimonies and artefacts, played a pivotal role in legally affirming the site's historic Hindu connection. Ongoing Preservation and a Future Museum To preserve these cultural treasures, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has formed a dedicated conservation team. Artefacts found during construction are being catalogued, and plans are underway to display them in a museum being built within the temple complex. Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust, stated that all artefacts discovered during construction are being carefully preserved. These are not just stones but testimonies to Ayodhya's ancient heritage. They are being catalogued systematically, and they will be displayed in a museum within the temple complex to educate future generations. The Trust has also involved art historians and epigraphists to decode the symbols and inscriptions found on the stones and relics, many of which are yet to be fully interpreted.
News18
21-06-2025
- General
- News18
Ayodhya's Ram Temple Main Construction Work To Be Completed By October; Landscaping By Jan 1
Last Updated: The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by October 31, with its 70-acre compound ready by January 1. Landscaping by GMR starts in November. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai said that the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by October 31, while the temple's 70-acre-wide compound will be ready in its green avatar by January 1 next year. 'The landscaping work of the temple, to be taken up by GMR, is expected to begin in the first week of November," he added. Emphasising that public 'darshan' (viewing) should not be hindered, Rai highlighted the pending works crucial for the security of the temple complex. The pending tasks include constructing the boundary wall, which hasn't started yet. These tasks, along with building the auditorium, restrooms, and Trust office, 'may take another year to complete," he added. Vinod Mehta, project director, Larsen and Toubro construction team, said that all the milestones pertaining to the completion of the temple are going to be achieved by October 31. 'Post that, L&T will start the process of pulling out from the project. Whatever has been defined in our scope of work will be achieved by then. That is what we are targeting at present," said Mehta on Friday. Officials estimate the landscaping work for the Ram temple project will take 6-8 weeks to complete. 'With the help of the latest technology, the land filling and landscaping work should not take a lot of time. And people visiting the temple would be able to enjoy their time in the gardens and green space. The temple trust would chart out which areas are going to be opened for the devotees later," said an officer. The Ram temple construction started following the Supreme Court's 2019 landmark verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute. Hindu litigants had claimed the Babri mosque was built on a temple marking Lord Ram's birthplace. The consecration ceremony was held on January 22 last year. First Published: June 21, 2025, 15:12 IST
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ayodhya Ram temple's main work to be completed by October, says temple trust
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Friday said finishing touches are currently being given to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking a crucial stage in its construction. Talking to reporters, Rai confirmed that once this work is complete, all heavy machinery will be taken down. He said the "main work of the temple will be completed by October". Emphasising that public 'darshan' (viewing) should not be hindered, Rai highlighted the pending works crucial for the security of the temple complex. They include the construction of the boundary wall, which has not yet begun. He noted that these tasks, along with the construction of the auditorium, restrooms and the Trust office within the complex "may take another year to be completed". The construction of the Ram temple began after a historic Supreme Court judgment in 2019 on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit. The Hindu litigants argued that the Babri mosque was constructed at the site of a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Ram. The consecration ceremony was held on January 22 last year.
