Why 'pran pratishtha' of 14 new idols is being done at Ayodhya temple on Ganga Dussehra

Ayodhya Temple

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir complex is poised for another landmark event, as the consecration (pran pratishtha) of 14 newly built temples within its premises has been scheduled to coincide with Ganga Dussehra in June 2025. This development, reported by Amar Ujala and Patrika, marks a significant expansion of the spiritual offerings at the site.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya is currently finalising the outline for a three-day pran pratishtha mahotsav. Though the ceremony, to be held from June 3 to 5, will be on a smaller scale compared to the grand event held on January 22 last year, the programme of worship and prayers will commence as early as May 30.

According to Amar Ujala, on this day, 101 acharyas (priests) from Kashi and Ayodhya will begin the rituals, starting with the pran pratishtha of the Shivling at the Shiv temple within the Parkota.

What will happen on Ganga Dussehra?

The pran pratishtha conducted by the acharyas will perform elaborate Vedic rituals to consecrate idols of various Hindu deities in the new temples. The list of deities includes Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Lord Hanuman and several others, each receiving a dedicated shrine within the sprawling complex. This expansion aims to offer devotees a more holistic pilgrimage experience.

As per tradition, the presence of Lord Shiva is essential for the consecration of the Shivling and thus this ceremony will be held on May 30 itself. Following this, the pran pratishtha of the remaining 13 idols will take place on Ganga Dussehra, marking a significant spiritual event for the temple complex and its devotees.

All mandatory rituals such as Jalavas, Annavas, Aushadhivas and Shayyavas will be meticulously performed. These rituals are essential in Hindu tradition to sanctify the idols and the temple space. As The Week explains, after the pran pratishtha, the idols are to be cared for as if they were living beings, with set timings for rest and food, reflecting the deep reverence with which they are regarded.

Why was there a delay?

Originally, the pran pratishtha for these temples was expected to take place soon after the main Ram Mandir’s inauguration. However, as The Week reported, the ceremony was postponed to allow for the completion of construction work and to ensure that the rituals could be performed in accordance with traditional Vedic procedures. The temple trust and organisers emphasised the importance of adhering to auspicious timings and proper ritual protocols, which contributed to the rescheduling.

Significance of Ganga Dussehra

The choice of Ganga Dussehra for the ceremony is not incidental. Both Amar Ujala and Patrika highlighted that this festival, which celebrates the descent of the river Ganga to earth, is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. Performing religious rites on this day is believed to bring added blessings, making it an ideal occasion for the consecration of new temples.

A growing spiritual hub

The addition of these 14 temples is part of a broader vision to transform the Ram Mandir site into a major centre for pilgrimage and spiritual tourism. With the main temple already attracting lakhs of visitors, the expanded complex is expected to further enhance Ayodhya’s appeal as a religious destination.