The consecration of 'Raja Ram' — Lord Rama in his royal form — along with the enshrinement of idols in eight newly constructed temples within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, was held on Thursday in Ayodhya in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
This marked the second major Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony at the temple. The first had taken place on January 22, 2024, when Ram Lalla was consecrated in a grand ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The rituals were conducted during the ‘Abhijit Muhurat’, a period considered one of the most auspicious moments in the Hindu calendar.
The day began with prayers at the ‘yajna mandap’ at 6:30 am, followed by a havan at 9 am that lasted for an hour. Subsequently, rituals began simultaneously at all eight temples within the complex. The use of visual technology, including cameras and large display screens, ensured that all ceremonies were conducted in perfect synchronicity.
According to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the deities consecrated include Shri Ram Darbar (the central shrine), Sheshavatar, Lord Shiva in the northeast (Ishan) direction, Lord Ganesha in the southeast (Agni) corner, Lord Hanuman in the southern wing, Surya (Sun God) in the southwest (Nairitya) corner, Goddess Bhagwati in the northwest (Vayavya) corner, and Goddess Annapurna in the northern wing.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at the Ram Temple, had darshan of the Shri Ram Darbar on the first floor, and also visited the nearby Hanumangarhi temple.
He later shared his sentiments on X, saying: "Today, in the holy birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya Dham, we are getting the great fortune of becoming a witness to the programme organised for the Pran-Pratishtha of the holy idols of gods in the eight temples including Shri Ram Darbar on the first floor of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple."
He added: "This auspicious occasion is a new expression of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat'. Victory to Siyavar Shri Ramachandra!"
The BJP, which governs both the Centre and Uttar Pradesh, also posted on X: "The second festival of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha concluded today in Ayodhya. A step towards Ram Rajya".
Ram Temple trustee Anil Mishra said the ceremonies were conducted strictly as per Vedic traditions and involved the participation of learned Brahmins from across the country. "The day of Ganga Dussehra will symbolise a new beginning. It will be the moment when the fruits of centuries of penance, struggle, and faith will manifest in tangible form," he said.
The event was held on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra. Ahead of the ceremony, Mahant Raghuvar Sharan, chief priest of Rasik Niwas Temple in Ayodhya, had said: "This year, Ganga Dussehra will not only be sacred but also historic, as after a long struggle of 500 years, Lord Ram, known as 'Rajarama', will be ceremonially installed on the first floor of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya."
Explaining the spiritual relevance of the date, Ayodhya-based astrologer Pandit Kalki Ram stated: "Any auspicious deed performed on Ganga Dussehra yields manifold results. Perhaps this is why the Ram Temple Trust chose this day for the consecration of Rajarama."
The occasion drew massive crowds, with pilgrims thronging the temple complex to witness what many called a landmark moment in Ayodhya's and the nation's spiritual history.
Following Thursday’s rituals, entry to the Ram Darbar and other temples within the complex has been temporarily closed to both the general public and VIPs, according to District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde.
He said the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will convene on Saturday to finalise the date on which the Ram Darbar and six other temples will be opened to the public. "In the first phase, the Ram Darbar will be opened for public visits," Funde said, adding that access to the remaining temples will follow in later phases. The date for their opening will be announced separately.