Ayodhya Marks First Anniversary of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha Ceremony

The holy city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is filled with devotion and celebration as it marks the first anniversary of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. The significant event, observed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, highlights the city’s rich spiritual heritage and the culmination of centuries of devotion and struggle.

Significance of the Pran Pratishtha Ceremony
The momentous Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla took place on January 22, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the event, marking a historic chapter for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. This ancient Hindu ritual consecrated Lord Ram’s idol in the sanctum sanctorum, making the temple a revered site for millions of devotees.

Devotees Flock to Ayodhya
On the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha, thousands of pilgrims gathered at the temple to offer their respects to Ram Lalla Virajman, the deity enshrined at the temple’s heart. The air was filled with devotional chants, showcasing the deep faith of visitors who had traveled from all over India for the occasion.

Official First Anniversary Celebration: January 11
While January 22 marks the calendar anniversary, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust officially celebrated the first anniversary on January 11, 2025, in accordance with the Hindu calendar (Panchang). From this year onward, the celebration will take place every year on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, a day now referred to as Pratishtha Dwadashi. This alignment with the traditional calendar emphasizes the Trust’s dedication to preserving ancient customs while marking milestones in the temple’s journey.

Three-Day Celebration: Ram Darbar Pran Pratishtha
The anniversary celebrations included the ceremonial Pran Pratishtha of Ram Darbar on the temple’s first floor. The key event involved the installation of 4.5-foot-tall marble idols of the following deities:

• Lord Ram
• Mata Sita
• Lord Hanuman
• Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughan (Lord Ram’s brothers)

The installation of Ram Darbar enhances the temple’s spiritual significance by depicting Lord Ram’s divine family.

Minister Jaiveer Singh’s Remarks
Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh described the anniversary as a "historic occasion," highlighting the 500-year struggle that led to the consecration of Ram Lalla. He emphasized the importance of this achievement in the context of the long-standing efforts.

Massive Crowds During Mahakumbh Mela 2025
The anniversary coincided with the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which began on January 13. The mela has attracted an influx of devotees to the temple, with even larger crowds expected during the Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya (January 29). The Mahakumbh will conclude with Maha Shivaratri on February 26.

Ram Temple Construction Update
The construction of the Ram temple complex is advancing as scheduled. Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, confirmed that the project will be completed by March 2025.

Key Construction Milestones:

• First Floor Completion: The installation of Ram Darbar will be finalized on the temple’s first floor within the same timeline.
• Infrastructure Readiness: Key infrastructure, including the fire post, electrical substation, sewage, and water treatment plants, has already been completed and will be handed over to the Ram Temple Trust within the next 15 days.
• Iconography: The installation of idol murtis will be concluded by March, ensuring the temple’s spiritual readiness.