Ayodhya's Ram Mandir: A Monument of Collective Devotion

By IndraStra Global Editorial Team

Cover Image Attribute: A 3D preview of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya / Source: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust,

The emergence of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir as a symbol cherished by the masses unfolded through a monumental fundraising initiative that rallied diverse segments of Indian society. The monumental effort to construct the Ram Mandir, culminating in its consecration on January 22, has been hailed as an unparalleled fundraising drive in the country's history. 
The upcoming consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir holds profound cultural, religious, and historical importance for millions of people worldwide. It marks a pivotal moment in the manifestation of faith and spirituality, drawing together diverse communities and personalities in a shared celebration of reverence and devotion.
Initiated in January 2021 and led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) with the backing of various Sangh organizations, the campaign aimed not only to collect funds but also to establish a profound connection between millions of people and the Ram Mandir movement. The significance of this endeavor lies in its reach—touching approximately 15% of India's population, involving around 65 crore individuals spanning 5 lakh villages, and raising approximately Rs 2,100 crore for the temple's construction.
This drive transcended financial contributions, symbolizing a shared sentiment among citizens to partake in the fulfillment of a centuries-long aspiration. From sex workers in Maharashtra's Ghatkopar to elderly individuals surviving on meager pensions, from transgenders subsisting on begging to those in the lowest economic strata like beggars and cobblers, a diverse spectrum of society fervently contributed, sometimes beyond their means, driven by the long-cherished dream of a Ram temple at the Janmabhoomi site.
The essence of this fundraising venture was to ensure inclusivity, reflected in the approach of accepting donations as low as Rs 10, enabling broad participation across societal tiers. This concerted effort, encapsulating the spirit of sacrifice and devotion, showcased the deep-rooted yearning across the nation to contribute to the construction of the Ram Mandir.
The fundraising drive wasn't confined to specific regions; it resonated across the country, even in areas where deities other than Lord Ram hold prominence. In places like Assam, where Krishna traditionally holds greater sway, efforts were made to elucidate the significance of Ayodhya's Ram in Assamese culture, ultimately uniting people in contributing to the cause.
The collective aspiration to erect the Ram Mandir resonated beyond religious boundaries, witnessing contributions from individuals of diverse faiths—Buddhist monks, Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims—testifying to the temple's unifying influence.
Numerous anecdotes underscore the depth of this sentiment, like an elderly woman in Sikkim who donated a substantial sum from her meager savings or a tea garden worker in Assam who borrowed a nominal amount to contribute to the temple fund. Such gestures exemplify the widespread eagerness to participate in this historic initiative.
As the days draw closer to this momentous occasion, the fervor and anticipation among devotees and participants continue to escalate, underscoring the significance of this event in the collective consciousness. The meticulous planning and elaborate rituals underscore the meticulousness and reverence with which this ceremony is being approached, signifying the importance attached to the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging the immense anticipation surrounding the consecration day scheduled for January 22, urged devotees to refrain from visiting the temple on that day. He appealed to individuals to light a diya (lamp) in their homes instead, emphasizing logistical and security constraints that would make it unfeasible to accommodate everyone on the event day. The VHP and RSS organizing nationwide events, including prayers at local temples and the broadcast of the consecration ceremony on large screens, facilitating widespread participation in the historic moment.
The event is not merely a religious ceremony but a cultural and social landmark that symbolizes unity, faith, and reverence transcending boundaries, affirming the cultural tapestry and rich heritage of India. The participation of diverse individuals from various spheres reflects the inclusive spirit that this monumental event embodies, showcasing a collective celebration of spirituality and cultural richness on a global stage.
In essence, the Ram Mandir embodies the aspirations, sacrifices, and devotion of millions, transcending socio-economic and religious barriers. It stands as a testament to the collective consciousness of a nation united by a common fervor—a tangible testament to India's shared heritage and cultural ethos. As the grand temple takes its place in Ayodhya, it is not merely a monument but a testament to the collective will and faith of the people—a mandir that belongs to the masses.

List of Rituals

The upcoming event in Ayodhya, slated between January 16th and January 22nd, marks the highly anticipated consecration of Lord Ram in his child-like manifestation, Ram Lalla, at the Ram Mandir. This significant religious occasion is expected to draw prominent figures from various spheres, including political leaders, celebrities, industrialists, and spiritual leaders.
The meticulously planned rituals, scheduled over seven days, are set to commence on January 16th, leading up to the culminating ceremony on January 22nd. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has revealed a comprehensive outline of the rituals, offering a glimpse into the sequence of events during this consecration ceremony.
January 16th will witness the initiation of the rituals with an atonement ceremony conducted by the designated host appointed by the Temple trust. A 'Dashvidh' bath along the banks of the revered river Saryu will be a part of this day's proceedings, accompanied by rituals encompassing Vishnu worship and Godan.
Continuing the momentum on January 17th, devotees will participate in a procession carrying the idol of Ram Lalla, accompanied by Saryu water in Mangal Kalash, signifying a sacred journey towards the temple.
The subsequent days, specifically January 18th and 19th, are slated for a series of rituals, including Ganesh Ambika Puja, Varun Puja, Matrika Puja, Brahmin Varan, Vastu Puja, Agni Sthapana, Navagraha Sthapana, and Havan. Each ritual holds its unique significance in the consecration process, symbolizing various aspects of reverence and purification.
As the ceremonies progress, on January 20th, the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple will be ritually cleansed with the sanctified waters of the Saryu River. This will be followed by Vaastu Shanti and Annadhivas rituals, contributing to the sanctity and auspiciousness of the temple surroundings.
The penultimate day, January 21st, holds a special significance as the deity of Ram Lalla will receive a divine bath using 125 urns, a ritual known as Shayadhivas. This elaborate ceremony underscores the culmination of the consecration process, infusing the sanctified aura into the revered deity.
Finally, on January 22nd, the day of the consecration itself, i.e., the Pran Pratistha ceremony, worship of the Ram Lalla deity will take place in the morning, culminating with the consecration ceremony in the auspicious Mrigashira Nakshatra in the afternoon. This particular alignment of celestial bodies is considered highly propitious for such consecrations.
Anticipation for this event extends beyond religious circles, with invitations extended to a diverse array of notable personalities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Sonia Gandhi, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Their presence is expected to add a significant cultural and social dimension to the ceremony, emphasizing its broad appeal and significance.

Cautionary Message

Vinod Bansal, a prominent figure from the VHP, has issued a cautionary message through social media platforms, urging individuals to remain vigilant against cybercriminals attempting to swindle funds purportedly for the construction of the Ram Mandir.
Bansal's alarm stems from the discovery of a fraudulent social media page operating under the name "Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Chhetra Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh." This deceptive page, accompanied by a QR code, duplicitously solicits contributions for the advancement of the Ram Temple construction.
Taking to a social media platform, Bansal highlighted the creation of this deceptive page and implored the public not to fall prey to its misleading appeals. He revealed that an FIR (First Information Report) had been lodged regarding this scam, and authorities such as the Home Ministry, as well as police officials in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, had been notified about this fraudulent activity.
The FIR filed by Bansal pinpointed an individual named Abhishek Kumar as the perpetrator orchestrating the solicitation of funds for Ayodhya temple development through the circulation of a QR code across social media platforms. Upon scanning the code, users were redirected to a UPI ID registered under the name Manisha Nallabelly, highlighting the intricate layers of this deceitful ploy.
In his statement, Bansal reiterated the categorical stance of the Temple Trust, stressing that no private individuals or groups have been authorized to collect funds for the temple's construction. Bansal expressed dismay at the timing of these fraudulent activities amid the nationwide celebration surrounding the impending inauguration of the Ram temple, emphasizing the necessity of promptly curbing such deceitful endeavors.
The issue came to the fore when numerous social media messages and phone calls began circulating, soliciting donations purportedly for the development of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Upon receiving such a call, one individual alerted VHP workers, which ultimately exposed the deceptive tactics employed by the fraudsters. 

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