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Business News/ News / India/  Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Highlights: Uddhav Thackeray receives invitation for 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony
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Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Highlights: Uddhav Thackeray receives invitation for 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Highlights: The 'Pran Pratishtha' rituals will be conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the main ceremonies overseen by a team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit. 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Ayodhya: Devotees sit on the roadside on a cold winter morning, ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir, in Ayodhya, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore) (PTI)Premium
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Ayodhya: Devotees sit on the roadside on a cold winter morning, ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ram Mandir, in Ayodhya, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kamal Kishore) (PTI)

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Highlights: The inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple is scheduled for January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various dignitaries in attendance.

On Thursday, the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya saw the placement of the idol of Lord Ram inside the temple's sanctum sanctorum. Covered with a veil, the first image of the idol was unveiled during the ceremony.

Crafted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka, the 'Ram Lalla' idol stands at 51 inches and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The depiction showcases Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus made from the same stone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform the 'Pran Pratishtha' rituals, with a team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit overseeing the main rituals. The event has also extended invitations to several celebrities and notable personalities.

Check all the Ayodhya Ram Mandir highlights here on LiveMint.

20 Jan 2024, 10:46:29 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Foreign devotees arrive in Ayodhya ahead of Pran Pratishtha

A devotee from New York who arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22, chanted Lord Ram's name and called Ayodhya a beautiful place.

"I have come from New York, USA. I have come here as the temple of Lord Ram is being built. Ayodhya is a beautiful place..." the devotee, Chaitanya Swami, said.

Another devotee, Prabhupad Jeevan Das, who arrived from Europe said he is very enthusiastic for the Pran Pratishtha as it is a glorious occasion which will change people's lives.

Several other foreign devotees also arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22.

Meanwhile, in Sydney, the Indian diaspora celebrated the occasion by organising a car rally on Saturday.

In the event, more than 100 cars participated and five thousand people attended the celebrations.

In the visuals captured by ANI, hundreds of cars were seen lined up on the roads and people were dancing with holding flags inscribed with images of Lord Ram.

Moreover, people celebrated the occasion with fireworks and waving Lord Ram flags. (ANI)

20 Jan 2024, 10:27:57 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Yogi govt strengthens measures against cyber fraud linked to Ram Temple

The Uttar Pradesh Government has sprung into action on Saturday to deal with the growing concern over a surge in cybercriminal activity related to the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Lord Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya Dham, which is scheduled on January 22.

As false messages claiming to collect donations for Ram Janmabhoomi, along with deceptive promises of providing free Prasad, VIP passes and entry passes, are circulating, the Yogi government is taking proactive measures to address and counteract these malicious activities.

Instructions have been issued to the entire state police, particularly the Ayodhya Police, to maintain heightened vigilance.

In a recent incident, Ayodhya Police acted swiftly, arresting an Indian American citizen involved in similar activities and putting him in jail under relevant sections.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is also alerting all devotees about these deceptive practices.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has issued an appeal to all devotees to not respond to requests or WhatsApp messages from unknown individuals without verification and to avoid making donations without proper authentication, highlighting the various cyber fraud tactics employed by criminals taking advantage of people's trust. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 09:35:09 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: India's largest floating LED screen installed at Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya

With only a couple of days remaining for the Pran Praitshtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, India's largest light-emitting diodes (LED) floating screen was installed at Saryu Ghat in the temple town to telecast the 'Pran Pratistha' programme live to the devotees.

The length of this entire screen of floating LED screen is 69 feet and the height is 16 feet. The screen has been made by a Gujarat company to telecast the Pran Pratistha ceremony live on January 22.

MD of floating LED screen, Akshay Anand said that India's largest floating LED screen has been made by a Gujarat company for the historic event to be held on January 22. On this, the program of Pran Pratishtha will be shown live directly from Saryu Ghat.

"The length of this entire screen is 69 feet and the height is 16 feet, which makes the entire floating LED screen approximately 1100 square feet," he added.

Meanwhile, security was been beefed up in the temple town on Saturday for the Pran Praitshtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, which would be attended by nearly 8,000 VIP guests.

The police force of Uttar Pradesh, which was scheduled to come to Ayodhya, has arrived in the town and has also been deployed in the temple city with patrolling being done from all three areas-- land, water and air.

Additional Director General (ADG) Lucknow Zone Piyush Mordia said that patrolling on the Saryu River is being done through boats and drones are flying high for aerial surveillance. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 09:33:21 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Uddhav Thackeray receives invitation for Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony

Former Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has received an invitation for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple on 22nd January in Ayodhya, said UBT faction on 20 January. 

20 Jan 2024, 08:50:02 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Posters depicting child version of Lord Ram go up on entry gate to Ayodhya

Posters depicting the child-version of Lord Ram adorned the entry gate to the grand Ayodhya temple on Saturday, two days ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on January 22.

Ayodhya was abuzz with the cackle of locals and the excitement and anticipation were palpable ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' and the grand opening of the temple on Monday.

Earlier, on Friday, the idol of Shri Ram Lalla, carved by renowned Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, was placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Covered with a veil, the first photo of the idol was revealed during the placement ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Acharya Satyendra Das, chief priest of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, said, "The eyes of the deity are hidden behind a piece of cloth as they cannot be revealed before the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony."

However, several purported images of the idol, with the eyes uncovered, went viral on social media platforms. (ANI)

20 Jan 2024, 08:18:47 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to be closed till 2.30 pm on January 22

After AIIMS, Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on 20 January announced that it will be observe half-day holiday till 2:30 pm on 22 January 2024 on pranpratishtha of Ayodhya Ram Temple. However, all emergency services shall remain functional and OPD registration counters to open at 1:30 pm, it added.

20 Jan 2024, 08:08:18 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: 'Sharda Committee' sends Holy water from Sharda Peeth PoK to Ayodhya

'Save Sharda Committee Kashmir ' has sent holy water from Sharda Peeth PoK to Ram Mandir Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

SSCK Head and Founder Ravinder Pandita said, "We have handed over the holy water to VHP leaders through our member Manjunath Sharma, who presented it to Koteshwar Rao in Ayodhya."

The holy water was sent by civil society members across LoC to Ravinder Pandita in September last year via Britain as the postal services between India and PoK are suspended presently. To refresh, Ravinder Pandita added that we had sent pious soil and shilas to Ram Mandir during 'Shilanayas' also 3 years ago. (ANI)

20 Jan 2024, 07:32:46 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Delhi AIIMS to be closed till 2.30 pm on January 22

Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on 20 January announced that it will be closed till 2.30 pm on January 22 for Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya.

20 Jan 2024, 07:14:28 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: New mosque construction in India's Ayodhya to begin in May, says Muslim group

As Hindu devotees prepare to inaugurate a grand temple to one of their holiest deities, India's minority Muslims plan to begin building a new mosque in the same city later this year, hoping to make a fresh start after a bloody, decades-long dispute.

Haji Arfat Shaikh, the head of the development committee of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) that is overseeing the mosque project, said this week that construction would begin in May, after the holy month of Ramadan, and the mosque would take three to four years to build.

Hindu zealots razed a 16th century mosque in the northern Indian city of Ayodhya in 1992, saying that it was built over an ancient temple on the site that marked the birthplace of Hindu god-king Ram.

The dispute had scarred relations between the communities for decades and the destruction of the mosque sparked nationwide riots that killed 2,000 people, mostly Muslims. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 06:42:24 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Rishab Shetty receives invitation for Ram Mandir's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony

'Kantara' fame Rishab Shetty has been invited to attend Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on January 22 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Excited to witness the ceremony, Rishabh took to social media and wrote, "I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, as my heart overflows with gratitude." (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 06:41:42 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Harmanpreet Kaur receives invitation for Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur received the invitation to attend the Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on January 22 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Following star cricketers MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur is the latest cricketer to receive the invitation. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 05:58:16 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Discovery Channel to air ‘Legends of The Ramayana with Amish’

"Legends Of the Ramayana with Amish", a docu-series that seeks to uncover lesser-known mysteries around the epic Ramayana, is returning on Discovery Channel.

The three-part docuseries, hosted by noted author Amish Tripathi, will air on the Discovery Channel and DTamil from Saturday till January 23. It will also be available for streaming on Discovery , a press release said.

The docu-series traverses 5000 kilometers, delving deep into ancient stories around the Ramayana. Amish Tripathi decodes intriguing information that has persisted around the Ramayana for millennia, inspiring faith, philosophies, and lifestyles across India and beyond.

Featuring stunning visuals, the docuseries unfolds the mystery around Lord Ram’s thrilling Ayana (journey), Discovery Channel said. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 05:41:10 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Ram temple images dominate Ayodhya landscape, new bank office named 'Ramjanmabhoomi' branch

With the consecration ceremony a couple of days away, the whole of Ayodhya is steeped in religious spirit. A new branch of a PSU bank that opened on Thursday in a building along the Ram Path here has been named the 'Ramjanmabhoomi' branch.

A redeveloped road that skirts its way off Ram Path, on the way to the Ram temple site, has been named Ramjanmabhoomi Path.

The bank's branch office, located in the vicinity, has been beautified with ornate lampposts and canopies with claddings on the side walls while a huge banner mounted on the wall bears an imposing image of the Ram temple along with the bank's name.

Near the redeveloped Ayodhya Dham railway station, another PSU bank has set up a huge hoarding that reads ''Ayodhya Nagari mey aapka swagat hai". It depicts silhouettes of the Ram temple, the city skyline and Lord Ram holding his bow.

The devotion to the deity is such that even commerce is not untouched by the spiritual feel in the holy city. Images of the grand temple is finding places even on visiting cards, posters, calendars and even signages.

Practically every company putting up posters in the city has depicted the Ram Temple in one way or the other. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 05:04:39 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Slaughter houses, shops selling meat and fish in Delhi urged to remain closed on January 22

Delhi Meat Merchant Association general secretary Irshad Qureshi has appealed to all traders in Delhi selling meat and fish to close their shops on January 22 in honour of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

The motive behind the appeal is to promote unity and harmony between the two communities and bring people together, Qureshi told PTI.

He said that all slaughter houses in Delhi along with shops selling meat and fish have been asked to keep their businesses closed for the day respecting the sentiments of the people for the "pran pratishtha" ceremony in Ayodhya.

"We have made an appeal to all slaughter houses and meat and fish sellers to close their shops on January 22 to show respect to the celebration of our Hindu brothers and sisters on the occasion of Ram temple inauguration," Qureshi said.

Shutting the business for a day would not impact the traders as much, he added stating that sentiments of both the communities should be respected.

Many restaurants in Delhi's Cannaught Place have also announced not to serve non-veg to the customers on January 22. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 04:19:35 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Lord Ram to return home after 550 'disrespectful' years, says Amit Shah 

Lord Ram to return home after 550 'disrespectful' years, it's a matter of pride for India, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Assam on 20 January.

20 Jan 2024, 03:57:39 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Ambanis to Adani and Tata: Who's who of India Inc invited consecration

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani and his family, renowned Indian entrepreneur Ratan Tata and industrialist Gautam Adani are among the top Indian businesspersons who have been invited as state guests for the consecration of the Ram Temple here on Monday.

The 500 state guest list, accessed by PTI, features the who's who of India Inc as well as from the entertainment, sports, music and other sectors.

The list features billionaire Mukesh Ambani, his mother Kokilaben, wife Neeta, sons Akash and Anant, daughter-in-law Shloka and would-be-daughter-in-law Radhika Merchant.

Ratan N Tata, chairman emeritus of salt-to-software Tata Group, as well as Tata Sons chairperson N Chandrasekaran and wife Lalitha are on the list of invitees.

Business tycoon Gautam Adani too is on the list and so is mining mogul Anil Agarwal.

Hinduja group's Ashok Hinduja, Wipro's Azim Premji, Nusli Wadia of Bombay Dyeing, Torrent group founder and chairperson Sudhir Mehta, GMR Group’s G M R Rao, and real estate baron Niranjan Hiranandani have received invitations too.

Other prominent industrialists invited include Aditya Birla Group chairperson Kumar Mangalam Birla and his wife Nirja, Piramal Group's Ajay Piramal, Mahindra and Mahindra's Anand Mahindra, DCM Shriram's Ajay Shriram and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) CEO K Krithivasan.

Former HDFC chairperson Deepak Parekh, K Satish Reddy of Dr Reddy's Pharmaceuticals, Zee Entertainment Enterprises CEO Punit Goenka, L&T Chairman and Managing Director S N Subrahmanyan and his wife, Durali Divi of Divis Laboratories, Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy, Jindal Steel & Power head Naveen Jindal and Naresh Trehan of Medanta Group are there as well.

Kotak Mahindra Bank founder Uday Kotak is in the list too as is Infosys head Nandan Nilekani and company co-founder TV Mohandas Pai.

L&T chairperson and MD S N Subramaniam and wife as well as its former head A M Naik, vaccine-man and Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawala, HDFC's Aditya Puri, Godrej Group chairperson Adi Godrej, Bharat Biotech founder and chairperson Illa Krishna, Arun Bharat Ram of Sriram Group also feature on the list.

JSW Steel MD Sajjan Jindal, G V K Reddy of GVK Airport, Raymond's Gautam Singhania, Harsh Goenka of RPG Enterprises, Marico's Harsh Mariwala, K Satish Reddy and wife of Dr Reddy's Pharmaceuticals, Manohar Lal Agrawal of Haldiram, Bharat Forge managing director Baba Kalyani, Dilip Sanghvi of Sun Pharma, Hero Motocorp head Pawan Munjal, Indigo's Rahul Bhatia, Shapoorji Pallonji Group's Shapoor Mistry, Prathap C Reddy of Apollo Hospital and Yusuf Hamied of Cipla Pharmaceuticals are there too.

The new age industries are represented by among others Byju's founder Byju Raveendran, Roshni Nadar of HCL and Zoho founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu.

The public sector is represented by LIC chairperson Siddharth Mohanti and SBI chairperson Dinesh Khara. National Stock Exchange (NSE) president Ashish Chauhan.

Sanjay Kirloskar of Kirloskar Oil, HDFC CEO & MD Sashi Jagdishan, C K Birla of Birla Industries, Madhukar Parekh of Pidilite Adhesives, Mahendra Choksi of Asian Paints, Hasmukhbhai Patel of Ramdev Food Products Pvt Ltd, Nirmal Minda of Minda Group, Zydus Lifesciences' Pankaj Patel, Puneet Yadu Dalmia of Dalmia Bharat, JK Tyres' Raghupati Singhania of JK Tyres, Rahul Chandrakant Kirloskar of Kirloskar Pneumatic Co Ltd and Motilal Oswal's Ramdeo Agrawal figure on the list too.

ISRO chairperson S Somnath, DMRC principal advisor E Sreedharan, and NITI member V K Saraswat are also on the list.

It is not clear how many of them will actually attend the opening of the 161-feet-tall pink sandstone shrine. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 03:55:29 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Delhi L-G approves half-day holiday for all Delhi govt offices on January 22

Delhi L-G approves half-day holiday for all Delhi govt offices on January 22 on account of Ram Temple event in Ayodhya, said Raj Niwas official on Saturday.

20 Jan 2024, 03:41:10 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Amitabh Bachchan to Rajnikanth, Ram Mandir consecration to be star-studded event

Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amjad Ali Khan are among the A-listers from the entertainment and music world who have been invited as state guests for the consecration of the grand Ram Temple here on Monday.

The 500 state guest list, accessed by PTI, features a mix of actors, directors and singers from the showbiz world invited for the event.

According to details on the list, Bachchan will fly into Ayodhya in a private chartered plane on Monday for the opening of the 161-feet-tall pink sandstone shrine.

The list features Tamil superstar Rajinikanth as well as Telugu mega stars Prabhas, Allu Arjun and Junior NTR. The south film industry will also be represented by Chiranjeevi and Mohanlal.

Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn are on the list, which also features Kangana Ranaut, Madhuri Dixit and her husband Shriram Nene. BJP MPS Hema Malini and Sunny Deol also feature in the list of invitees.

Anupam Kher, directors Madhur Bhandarkar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his wife as well singers Shreya Ghoshal, Kailash Kher, Shankar Mahadevan, Anup Jalota, Sonu Nigam and Anuradha Paudwal have been invited.

Actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, who portrayed Ram and Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s popular TV series “Ramayan", are on the list too. As are director Chandraprakash Dwivedi, singer Malini Awasthi, sarod maestro Amjad Ali, musician Ilayaraja and family members of the late singing legend Lata Mangeshkar.

The invitees include regional artists such as Jahnu Barua, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Manju Borah, and Malcha Goswami. Poet Manoj Muntashir and his wife, and lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi along with his wife too find mention.

It is not clear how many of them will actually attend the ceremony. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 03:27:42 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: No decision yet on declaring govt holiday on Jan 22, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said no decision has been taken on declaring a government holiday on January 22 when the consecration of Ram Temple will be performed in Ayodhya.

Reacting to BJP’s demand for a holiday on January 22, Siddaramaiah said he has not yet seen the request letter.

"No, not yet. We will see. I have not yet seen the letter. We will see it," Siddaramaiah told reporters when he was informed that the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council Kota Srinivas Pujari had written a letter to him in this regard.

The chief minister was also informed that BJP state president B Y Vijayendra had put forth a similar demand.

"Not yet. We will see. I have not yet seen the letter. Let’s see," the chief minister added.

When asked whether he would go to Ayodhya, Siddaramaiah said, "Why are you repeating this question when I have already said that I will go there some other day." (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 03:18:43 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Govt asks media to to refrain from publishing false, manipulated content

The central government on 20 January asked media outlets, social media platforms to refrain from publishing false, manipulated content related to Ram Temple event.

20 Jan 2024, 03:07:05 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: NDRF sets up camp near Ram Temple ahead of 'Pran Pratishtha'

With just 48 hours to the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Temple on January 22, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has set up a camp near the shrine in Ayodhya to respond to contingencies, if any.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the rituals around the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at the temple on January 22.

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Manoj Kumar Sharma, the deputy inspector general of police, NDRF, shared details of the deployment of the rescue personnel in the temple town ahead of the big day.

"Three NDRF teams have been deployed here ahead of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on January 22. The deployment has been done in coordination with the local administration and police. One of our teams has been deployed at the ghats. We are ready to deal with all sorts of contingencies," Sharma told ANI on Saturday.

Ahead of the grand ceremony, elaborate security deployments and arrangements have also been made across the city. (ANI)

20 Jan 2024, 02:45:47 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Ram temple is step towards 'Akhand Bharat', says MP CM

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday said the construction of a new Ram temple in Ayodhya was a step forward towards `Akhand Bharat' or undivided India. If God wishes, Akhand Bharat will extend as far as Afghanistan, he said at a mass Hanuman Chalisa chanting event in Bhopal. 

The event in Bairagarh area was organised ahead of the consecration of the temple in Ayodhya on January 22. "It is God's will that the construction of Lord Ram's temple should definitely be a big step towards `Akhand Bharat'," Yadav said, addressing the gathering. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 02:42:12 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Railways allocates three special trains from Tripura to Ayodhya

The Railways has allocated three special trains to Tripura for ferrying people to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh to offer prayers in the Ram temple, a BJP Yuva Morcha leader said on Saturday.

The three special trains were given to the northeastern state after Chief Minister Manik Saha wrote to Railways Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw to provide special trains from Agartala to Ayodhya. (PTI)

20 Jan 2024, 02:26:54 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: UP Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) commandos deployed at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk| WATCH

20 Jan 2024, 02:24:32 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Devotees from Germany arrive at Ayodhya ahead of Pran Pratishtha ceremony

Devotees from Germany arrive at Ayodhya ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple on 22nd January.

ISKCON National Campaigner, Yudishthir Govind Das says "This is a historic moment. Hindu devotees across the world have been waiting for this since over 500 years...Ayodhya has been reconstructed completely...ISKCON is also organising a program in its temples across the world on 22nd January. We will organise Ram Katha and Bhandara on that day..."

20 Jan 2024, 02:02:35 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: First look of Ram Lalla's idol revealed ahead of Pran Pratishtha ceremony

Ayodhya Ram Temple news: The face of the Ram Lalla's idol at the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi temple was revealed on Friday. The picture, reportedly released by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), shows Ram Lalla in a standing posture, holding a golden bow and arrow. The first image of the Ram Lalla idol became public just three days before the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony on January 22.

Another picture was released earlier in the day, wherein the statue carved in black stone could be seen with its eyes covered with a yellow cloth. It's adorned with a garland of roses, Sharad Sharma, an office-bearer of the VHP told PTI.

The 51-inch idol of Lord Ram as a child was brought to the temple on Wednesday night. The idol was sculpted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj.

Ayodhya: The Ram Lalla idol at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir ahead of its 'Pran Pratishthan' ceremony, in Ayodhya, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (PTI Photo)
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Ayodhya: The Ram Lalla idol at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir ahead of its 'Pran Pratishthan' ceremony, in Ayodhya, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. (PTI Photo) (PTI)
20 Jan 2024, 01:58:51 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Markets, schools, offices to stay shut on Jan 22 — what's open and what's closed

Ayodhya Ram Mandir ceremony: The state and central governments, along with several other institutions, have made a slew of announcements, informing people about the closures and operation timings of public places and government offices on January 22.

The nation is all set to witness the grand consecration ceremony or "pran pratishtha" of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Monday, January 22. As the preparations to celebrate the "historic" day are underway across the country, here's a quick recap of what's open and what's closed on the day of the Ram temple ceremony.

Stock market

The stock market will remain shut on Monday. However, the market will remain open from 9 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday. In a circular, the National Stock Exchange said the currency derivative segment will remain closed on January 22. The Indian stock market will have a full trading session on Saturday, January 20, it added.

Money market

Money markets will remain closed on January 22, announced the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday. There will be no transactions and settlements in government securities (primary and secondary), foreign exchange, money markets and rupee interest rate derivatives on that day, the RBI said in a fresh circular.

Govt offices and institutions

The central government declared a half-day closure for all central government offices, Central Institutions, and Central Industrial Establishments across the country on Monday, January 22.

20 Jan 2024, 01:37:02 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: ‘It is an emotional moment’, says Manoj Joshi on Pran Pratishtha ceremony

Ahead of the most awaited and auspicious moment of the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya temple, actor Manoj Joshi said he is eagerly waiting for the day and has expressed his happiness on the grand occasion.

While talking to ANI, he said, "The consecration ceremony of Lord Ram is happening on January 22 in the grand divine temple."

Joshi said that generations have waited for Ram temple and that wait was finally coming true.

20 Jan 2024, 01:26:07 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Pran Pratishtha long-awaited moment of Ram Bhakts, says CM Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Saturday that after waiting for 500 years, Ram Bhakts are going to witness the "beautiful moment" of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

"This is a long-awaited moment. After waiting for 500 years, Ram Bhakts and people of the country are getting to be witnesses to this beautiful moment," CM Dhami told ANI here.

20 Jan 2024, 01:13:28 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: NDRF sets up camp near Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya

NDRF sets up camp near Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya ahead of the pran pratishtha ceremony.

20 Jan 2024, 01:11:15 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: 10,000 packets of prasad prepared by 'Surbhi Sodh Sansthan' from Varanasi| WATCH

10,000 packets of prasad prepared by 'Surbhi Sodh Sansthan' from Varanasi at Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Ayodhya, for the invitees attending the Pran Pratishta Ceremony on 22 January.

20 Jan 2024, 12:55:28 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Schools closed on January 22 in honour of Ram Temple Pran Prathishtha Ceremony. Check full list here

The upcoming 'Pran Prathishtha' ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, has prompted several states to declare it a public holiday in honor of this significant Hindu event.

On January 22, a grand ceremony will mark the culmination of rituals, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by various VVIPs. The Trust overseeing the event has made extensive arrangements to welcome and honor attendees, offering special gifts, including 'Ram Raj'. Read here.

20 Jan 2024, 12:48:31 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: PM Modi in Ayodhya, Oppn leaders chart alternate plans for January 22 | Read here

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, while several opposition leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray have some other plans for the day.

The Congress turned down the invitation for the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla. Senior Congress leaders--Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury--have 'declined' the invitation to the grand event in Ayodhya. Read here.

20 Jan 2024, 12:16:58 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Ram Mandir Inauguration: These states declared a holiday or half day on January 22. Check full list here

The upcoming 'Pran Prathishtha' ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, has prompted several states or central governments to declare it a public holiday or half day in honor of this significant Hindu event.

The Department of Personnel and Training on Thursday announced that all central government offices will be closed for half day on January 22 on the occasion of the Pran Pratishta ceremony of Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya Ram Temple. Read here.

20 Jan 2024, 12:15:50 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Cyber crimes on the rise as Pran Pratishtha event draws closer, says Police

Cyber crimes are on the rise in the temple town of Ayodhya ahead of the Pran Pratishtha event, the Ayodhya Police cautioned on Saturday.

The police said that given the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in the city, cybercriminals are taking advantage of people's faith and committing fraud by sending fake QR codes to collect donations in the name of Ram Temple, in the name of distributing free prasad to the common people, giving VIP pass and entry pass to visit Ram temple and even by creating a fake website in the name of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya.

The police have requested citizens not to reply to any unknown person's request or any WhatsApp message sent by any unknown person without verification or donate money to anyone without verification. (ANI)

20 Jan 2024, 12:05:47 PM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Rangolis being painted in Ayodhya ahead of Pran Pratishtha ceremony

20 Jan 2024, 11:45:46 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: 'Water of Kubha (Kabul) river from Afghanistan sent for 'Abhishek' of Ram,' says Anil Mishra

Vishwa Hindu Parishad President Alok Kumar hands over gifts received from Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Afghanistan to 'Yajman' of Shri Ram Temple Anil Mishra.

He said, “Muslim brothers and sisters from Kashmir came to meet me and expressed their happiness at the construction of Ram temple, and said that even though we follow different religions, our ancestors are the same. They handed over 2kg of organically produced pure saffron from Kashmir... Silk manufacturers from Tamil Nadu have sent a silk bedsheet depicting the Shri Ram temple... Water of Kubha (Kabul) river from Afghanistan has been sent for the 'Abhishek' of Shri Ram." (ANI)

20 Jan 2024, 11:22:17 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha: A look at the preparations for the consecration ceremony

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on January 19 reviewed preparations for the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, PTI reported. He instructed officials to prioritise strong security measures and ensure proper respect for VIPs attending the event, it added.

The CM emphasised the deployment of liaison officers with every VVIP participant, and individuals familiar with the historical and cultural significance of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yagya were recommended for specific roles. He also stressed cleanliness, safety, and service standards. Read here.

20 Jan 2024, 11:15:33 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: ‘Eyes of Ram Lalla cannot be revealed before Pran Pratishtha,’ says Acharya Satyendra Das

Acharya Satyendra Das, Chief Priest of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, said on Saturday that the eyes of the Ram Lalla idol cannot be revealed before the 'Pran Pratishtha'.

The 'Pran Praishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla will take place on January 22. The idol of the lord, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, was placed inside the Sanctum Santorum of the temple. Covered with a veil, the first photo of the idol was revealed during the placement ceremony in the Sanctum Sanctorum on Thursday.

However, pictures of the Ram Lalla idol with 'naked' eyes surfaced on the internet.

20 Jan 2024, 10:57:26 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: Markets, schools, offices to stay shut on Jan 22 — what's open and what's closed

Ayodhya Ram Mandir ceremony: The state and central governments, along with several other institutions, have made a slew of announcements, informing people about the closures and operation timings of public places and government offices on January 22. Read here.

20 Jan 2024, 10:43:41 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: PAC Barabanki Police Band performs at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk 

PAC Barabanki Police Band performs at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on 22nd January.

20 Jan 2024, 10:35:49 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: SSP Jawans deployed outside residence of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra General Secretary Champat Rai

SSP Jawans deployed outside the residence of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra General Secretary Champat Rai. 

20 Jan 2024, 10:13:48 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Lock and Key weighing around 400 kg, made in 6 months arrives at Ayodhya from Aligarh| WATCH

Lock and Key weighing around 400 kg, made in 6 months arrives at Ayodhya from Aligarh, ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on 22nd January.

20 Jan 2024, 10:08:00 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: PM Modi praises Bihar-based singer Maithili Thakur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised Bihar-based singer Maithili Thakur for singing a song on Maa Shabri, who according to the Ramayan had offered half eaten fruit to Shri Ram during his exile.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that the Pran Pratishtha event is reminding the people in the country of incidents related to the life of Lord Ram.

"The occasion of Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya is reminding my family members across the country of every incident related to the life and ideals of Lord Shri Ram. One such emotional incident is related to Shabari. Listen, to how Maithili Thakur ji has put it in her melodious tunes," he said.

20 Jan 2024, 09:47:37 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Temples across US gears up for Ram Mandir festivities

Hundreds of temples dotted across the United States are gearing up to celebrate the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya next week, with thousands of Indian Americans likely to attend a series of events beginning this week.

“Ayodhya is re-emerging from destruction and neglect, epitomising the eternal nature of Sanātana Dharma. The upcoming consecration at Ram Lalla Mandir after 550 years is bringing immense joy to the city and nearly a billion Hindus across the world," Kalyan Viswanathan, president of the Hindu University of America said in a blog post.

20 Jan 2024, 09:35:59 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Devotees from Chhattisgarh bring 'Sweet Ber' fruit to Ayodhya ahead of 'Pran Pratishtha' Day

As the country awaits the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's historic temple, people from across the country are making contributions to express their devotion towards Lord Ram.

Devotees from Chhattisgarh have brought 'Sweet Ber' from Shivrinarayan in Chhattisgarh's Champa district. A group of 17 devotees arrived in Ayodhya to hand over the fruits to the Ram Janmabhoomi trust.

It is believed that Shivrinarayan was the maternal home of Lord Ram. During the 'Vanvasa', when Lord Ram reached the place along with brother Lakshman, a devotee named Shabri fed him her partially eaten 'sweet Ber'.

Devotees from Chhattisgarh bring 'Sweet Ber' fruit to Ayodhya ahead of 'Pran Pratishtha' Day. (Photo: ANI)
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Devotees from Chhattisgarh bring 'Sweet Ber' fruit to Ayodhya ahead of 'Pran Pratishtha' Day. (Photo: ANI)
20 Jan 2024, 09:31:59 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Shri Ram's childhood pictures adorn the gate

20 Jan 2024, 09:29:55 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: ‘Ayodhya Ram Mandir lays foundation for Ram Rajya,’ says Basavaraj Bommai

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai believes the 'Pran Pratishtha' in Ram Mandir in Ayodhya marks the commencement of "Ram Rajya", an era of prosperity and justice for all.

Speaking at the release of a CD on Sri Ram by Jayashree Arvind on Friday, Bommai described "Ram Rajya as a time of abundance, free from poverty and injustice".

"We are all fortunate to witness this historic moment. The installation of Lord Ram in his rightful place, after centuries, fills us with joy. It's a sign that time has come for everything," Former Karnataka Chief Minister said. (ANI)

20 Jan 2024, 09:12:54 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Preparations are underway to make 150 quintal laddoos in Chandigarh ahead of 'pran pratishtha' ceremony

Preparations are underway to make 150 quintal laddoos in Chandigarh ahead of Ram Temple's 'pran pratishtha' ceremony on January 22, in Ayodhya.

20 Jan 2024, 09:08:55 AM IST

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates: Ram Mandir gets world’s most expensive Ramayana worth ₹1.65 lakh; here’s why it’s special

Ayodhya is set to host a unique treasure, a Ramayana edition priced at 1.65 lakh, in time for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22. Bookseller Manoj Sati brought this special edition to Ayodhya. Read here.

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