PM Narendra Modi breaks 11-day fast following Ram Mandir consecration ceremony

PM Narendra Modi being greeted by Swami Govind Dev Giriji Maharaj, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra trust, after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir, in Ayodhya, on Jan 22, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his 11-day fast on January 22 with the culmination of the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The special ritual commenced on January 12 in the lead-up to the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla. After the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, the PM completed his 11-day fast by taking 'Charanamrit' from the hands of Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj.

The PM during this period of 11 days adhered to a disciplined routine, including sleeping on the floor and sustaining solely on coconut water.

PM Modi visited various temples in this period. Among these were the Shri Kalaram Mandir in Nashik, Lepakshi Temple in Andhra Pradesh, Shri Ramaswamy Temple in Thrissur, Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirapalli, Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, and the Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu. These visits underscored his commitment to connecting with the cultural and religious heritage associated with Lord Ram across different regions of the country.

On the day, the PM began his 11-day ritual, he said in a video message on social media platform x, "Only 11 days are left for Ram Lalla's pran pratishtha in Ayodhya. I am fortunate to witness the auspicious occasion. God has asked me to represent the people of India during the ceremony. Keeping in mind, I am beginning an 11-day special ritual from today. I seek blessings from all of you."

He had also said, "I am short of words to express my emotions at this point of time. It is an initiative on my part,” the PM added. Modi said there was an extraordinary atmosphere of devotion to Lord Ram not only in Ayodhya but among the devotees worldwide."

PM Modi emphasised that the scriptures provide rigorous and demanding guidelines for individuals participating in the 'Pran Pratishtha.' Embarking on this special exercise, he is relying on guidance received from eminent individuals well-versed in spiritual practices.

PM Modi's spiritual journey during 11-day ritual: Temple visits and prayers

Here is a recap of PM Modi's temple visits across different states over the past ten days:

January 12: Nashik, Maharashtra

- Prayed at the Shree Kalaram Temple in Nashik, actively participating in a cleanliness drive within the temple premises.

- During his visit to Shree Kalaram Temple, he immersed himself in the verses from the Bhavarth Ramayana, composed in Marathi by Sant Eknath Ji. The verses recounted the triumphant return of Prabhu Shri Ram to Ayodhya.

- Took part in a Puja at Ramkund in Nashik.

January 14: New Delhi

- Addressed a Pongal program celebrating the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu.

- Attended a special Pongal program in Delhi.

January 16: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

- Prayed at the Veerbhadra Temple, Lepakshi, and heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan in Telugu.

- Witnessed a puppet show on the Ramayan during his visit to the Veerbhadra Temple.

January 17: Guruvayur and Thriprayar, Kerala

- Prayed at the Guruvayur Temple.

- Visited the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple, where he heard verses from the Shri Adhyathma Ramayana and other Bhajans in Malayalam.

January 20: Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu

- Prayed at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, highlighting Prabhu Sri Ram’s longstanding connection with the temple.

- Listened to scholars reciting verses from the Kamba Ramayan at the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli.

- Prayed at the Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple.

January 21: Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu

- Visited Arichal Munai, the starting point of the Ram Setu, holding special significance in Prabhu Shri Ram’s life.

- Prayed at the Kothandaramaswamy Temple.