Ram Mandir in Ayodhya gears up for Ram Lalla idol selection; Three idols in contention

Team Udayavani, Dec 29, 2023, 2:21 PM IST

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra is set to undertake a momentous decision – the selection of the idol of Lord Ram Lalla that will grace the sanctum sanctorum.

According to sources reported by ANI, the decision will be determined by a voting process during the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra meeting today. Members will have the task of choosing among three distinct idols crafted by separate sculptors. The idol securing the highest number of votes will be installed during the shrine’s consecration on January 22.

“All three designs, made by separate sculptors, would be put on the table. The one idol that will get the most votes will be installed at the consecration of the shrine on January 22,” sources told ANI.

Earlier on Wednesday, trust secretary Champat Rai said that a 51-inch-tall idol of Lord Ram reflecting a five-year-old–Ram Lalla–would be selected among three designs.

“The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra on Thursday took stock of the ongoing construction work on the Ram Janmabhoomi Path and the complex along with the top official of the district.

The inspection came ahead of the consecration ceremony, scheduled next month, and just two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the temple city.

“The work is not being done hastily, rather it is being done qualitatively by investing enough time into it,” Misra said while speaking to ANI.

“The construction work has been categorised into three phases. The first phase will be completed by December 2023, the second phase, when the construction of the temple will be completed, will be carried out in January and the third phase includes the construction work in the complex,” he added.

Trust Secretary Champat Rai emphasized the specific attributes sought in the chosen idol, stating, “The one that has the best divineness and has a childlike look about it will be selected.”

Sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru district had said that the creation of Bala Rama’s idol posed a significant challenge in the absence of a reference for the child form of Lord Rama. However, to honor the devotion of the people, it was imperative to craft the idol accurately, he had said.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Ayodhya on December 30, massive preparations are underway. PM Modi is set to inaugurate an airport, a redeveloped railway station, and various other significant projects worth over Rs 11,100 crore, signifying a comprehensive effort to develop top-notch infrastructure in Ayodhya.

7-Day festivities

The much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir is scheduled over seven days commencing on January 16. The sequence of events includes various rituals, processions, and significant religious ceremonies.

January 16 – Day 1 Host appointed by the temple trust conducts atonement ceremony. ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship, and offerings to cows held on the banks of the Saryu River.
January 17 – Day 2 Procession carrying the idol of Lord Ram in child-like form (Ram Lalla) reaches Ayodhya. Devotees arrive with Saryu water in Mangal Kalash at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
January 18 – Day 3 Formal rituals commence: Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu Puja to be held
January 19 – Day 4 Lighting of the holy fire followed by the establishment of ‘Navagraha.’ ‘Havan’ (holy ritual surrounding the fire) takes place.
January 20 – Day 5 Sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple washed with Saryu water. Vaastu Shanti and ‘Annadhivas’ rituals to be conducted.
January 21 – Day 6 Ram Lalla idol bathed in 125 urns. Final resting place is prepared for the idol.
January 22 – Day 7 (Final Day) Morning puja ceremonies. Consecration of the deity of Ram Lalla in ‘Mrigashira Nakshatra’ in the afternoon.