Ram Temple Highlights: PM Modi reveres Lord Ram: Pledges to uphold principles of Ram Rajya for good governance

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A lookalike of Mahatma Gandhi, scarcely covered and strolling barefoot with a stick in his hand, drew the attention of passersby on Ram Path on a cold Friday morning.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) dispatched one lakh laddus on Friday to be flown to Ayodhya tomorrow for distribution to devotees for the Ram temple's consecration ceremony on January 22, according to an official. The laddus were transported from the TTD's Srivari Seva Sadan-1 to Tirupati Airport on Friday, according to the official. "The laddus were sent from Tirumala to the airport and tomorrow (Saturday) they will be flown to Ayodhya," a person familiar with the matter told PTI.

Aam Aadmi Party posted the invitation for Sri Ram Ramleela, which will be held on January 20, 21 and 22 from 4-7 pm in New Delhi.

Preparations are on to produce five quintal laddus in a Varanasi colony ahead of the Ram Temple's 'pranpratishtha' event on January 22.

Five Supreme Court judges, including current Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who were part of the Constitution bench that paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, have been invited as state guests to witness the consecration ceremony on January 22.

BJP MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar launched a 1,200-km youth cycling yatra from Karimnagar, Telangana to Ayodhya earlier today.

According to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das, the idol of Ram Lalla that is currently in the makeshift temple will be installed in the same location in the new temple. The idol has been worshipped for many years, and it will now be worshipped alongside the new idol. "After the evening prayers today, the old idol will be placed in the new temple... After the Pran Pratishtha is completed, only then will the people be able to worship both the idols," he added.

A devotee from Lucknow brought an offering of 56 Bhog to Shri Ram at the home of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das. Acharya Satyendra Das said, "After the Pran Pratishta on 22nd January is completed, the first offering to Shri Ram will be from this 56 Bhog."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath meets with saints at the 'Atithi Grah' in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the state administration has made plans to provide all help to devotees coming to Ayodhya for 'darshan'. A green corridor has also been established for devotees travelling from Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and other locations and further said that security measures have also been increased.

A chariot from Lord Hanuman's birthplace Kishkindha, traced in the region of present-day Hampi in Karnataka, has arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple on January 22. Visiting temples across the country, the chariot went to Goddess Sita's birthplace Janakpur in present-day Nepal before arriving in Ayodhya. A group of 100 devotees travelled with the chariot, singing and dancing, raising slogans of "Jai Shree Ram" and waving saffron flags with Lord Ram's pictures.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath arrived in Ram Katha Park and met with officials ahead of Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on January 22.

West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Friday wrote to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to declare holiday on January 22 so that people can participate in the celebrations marking the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

Ram Mandir inauguration live updates: Where to watch live telecast of ceremony

Viewers can watch the live telecast on DD News and DD National channels of Doordarshan. Other news agencies will also receive the feed from Doordarshan, and a YouTube link will be shared for other broadcasters. Doordarshan has installed 40 cameras at various locations in Ayodhya, including the Ram temple complex, to provide live coverage in 4K technology. The coverage will be broadcasted in different languages and on different channels.

Following Congress leader Digvijay Singh's remarks on the newly seated Shri Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, senior BJP leader Uma Bharti has said that Singh's words have lost importance and such people who keep speaking unnecessarily should not be talked about. Digvijay Singh has stoked a fresh controversy ahead of the "Pran Pratishtha" ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Mandir, saying the Ram Lalla idol being seated in the temple does not look like a child.

The new idol of Ram Lalla was recently installed inside Ram Temple in preparation for the 'pran pratishtha' or consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22. The first photo of the idol, shared by Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, depicts the deity as a five-year-old child in a standing posture.

Crafted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj, the 51-inch idol is made of black stone, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in the creation of this sacred representation.

Ahead of the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi curated a thoughtful playlist comprising 62 bhajans dedicated to Lord Ram. This musical selection, shared by the PM, reflects a blend of devotional tunes that resonate with the spiritual essence of the occasion.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Over the last few days, many people have been sharing their favourite #ShriRamBhajan. Sharing a playlist covering some of them. Experience the universal appeal of Prabhu Shri Ram, as each Bhajan transcends language, uniting us all in reverence.”

PM Modi has been actively engaging with the public by sharing bhajans dedicated to Lord Ram across various languages since the beginning of the month.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on January 19 conducted an inspection of the arrangements at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya in preparation for the inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 22.

The CM also had a meeting with Jagadguru Rambhadracharya during his visit.

After offering darshan at Hanumangarhi, Adityanath proceeded to the temporary temple of Lord Ram.

Following the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, three Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains are set to be operational for devotees starting from January 25. The Northern Railway Lucknow Division has released information about these trains.

The three MEMU trains will connect Ayodhya with different cities, with one running daily between Lucknow, the second from Prayagraj, and the third from Mankapur to Ayodhya. This initiative aims to facilitate transportation for devotees visiting Ayodhya for religious purposes.

BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti expressed her profound joy, stating that the pran pratishtha of the Ayodhya Ram Temple is a "matter of eternal joy." In response to comments made by Puri Shankaracharya Nischalanand Maharaj, Bharti emphasised the significance of respecting disagreements within the Shastras in a democratic society.

Addressing Nischalanand Maharaj, Bharti urged humility, stating that challenging his perspective reflects arrogance. She conveyed an invitation, saying, "I want to say to Nischalanand Maharaj that you have said that you have received the invitation, then please come."

Taking a solemn vow to contribute to the construction of the Ram temple, Atul Kumar, a jeweller hailing from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, undertook a distinctive pledge. With unwavering dedication, he handwrote the revered scripture Ramcharitmanas a remarkable nine times. As the temple approaches its completion, poised for consecration, Kumar's unique resolution stands as a testament to the enduring spirit behind the temple's inception, according to a report in Hindi Hindustan website.

Initiated at the outset of the Rath Yatra in 1990, a movement spearheaded by Lal Krishna Advani and Narendra Modi in pursuit of the temple's construction, Kumar made a solemn commitment. He pledged to transcribe the sacred verses of Ramcharitmanas until the culmination of the temple's construction—a pledge he has dutifully honoured by completing the task an impressive nine times, underscoring his unwavering dedication to the fulfillment of this cherished dream.

Prime Minister Modi on January 19 made an appeal to the people, urging them to light a 'Ram Jyoti' in their homes on January 22.

He emphasised that this lamp would serve as a source of inspiration in the collective effort to eradicate poverty, stating, "22 January ko jo aap apne ghar may Ram Jyoti jalenge woh aapki garibi ko hatane ki prerna banegi," which translates to ("The Ram Jyoti that you light in your homes on January 22 will become the inspiration to eliminate poverty").

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on January 19 arrived in Ayodhya to oversee the preparations for the consecration of Ram Lalla. During his approximately 5-hour stay, the CM will seek the blessings of Ram Lalla, and offer worship at Hanumangarhi.

The CM is scheduled to participate in Ram Lalla's aarti and visit the tent city at Hanuman Cave, currently under construction by the Municipal Corporation. Additionally, there is a planned inspection of the tent city established near Saket Petrol Pump.

Adityanath will also examine the train city, a project undertaken by the tourism department. The inauguration of the solar boat operating in Saryu is also on his agenda.

In anticipation of the upcoming pran pratishtha programme, the temporary Ram temple is set to be temporarily closed to devotees, starting from January 19 (Friday). Darshan services will be halted at 7 pm as an essential aspect of the detailed preparations for the grand event.

Despite this temporary closure, devotees will have the unique opportunity to partake in the divine darshan of Raml Lalla within the resplendent Ram temple, with the sacred viewing scheduled to resume from the morning of January 23.

On January 19 morning, as part of the pran pratistha ceremony of Ram Lalla, the sacred ritual of Arani Manthan was performed. Following this, Ganpati worship ceremony took place. All the gatekeepers were reverently worshipped, and Ram Lalla was consecrated to reside in the sacred medicines.

Later, the residence will be established in saffron and pure desi cow ghee. The divine fire that manifested during the Arani Manthan is now being enshrined in the pond.

The upcoming proceedings include the establishment of planets, the consecration of Lord Shankar's seat, and the installation of the principal deity of Ayodhya. Additionally, worship ceremonies are being conducted for the deity of Shri Ram Yantra, Yogini, Mandal Kshetrapal, and Officer.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is planning to spend around 5 hours in Ayodhya. His helicopter is set to land at Ram Katha Park at 11:10 am, and he will visit Hanumangarhi, seek blessings from Ram Lalla, and check the preparations for the consecration ceremony.

The CM will join Ram Lalla's aarti at 12:00 noon, inspect the tent cities at Hanuman Cave and near Saket Petrol Pump built by the municipal corporation, and review the Green Field Township of the Uttar Pradesh Housing Development Council.

At 1:20 pm, he'll examine the tent city set up by the tourism department and launch a solar boat in Saryu at 1:30 pm at Kachcha Ghat.

The CM will reach Saryu Guest at 1:40 pm, with approximately half an hour reserved. At 2:15 pm, he'll visit the Ram Katha Museum, conduct a review meeting for pran pratistha, and meet with saints.

A significant meeting regarding preparations and security for the Prime Minister's arrival is on the agenda. The CM will depart for Lucknow from Ayodhya by helicopter at 4:05 pm, as per several media reports.

With the pran pratishtha programme approaching, security is being ramped up in Ayodhya. Vehicle inspections are being carried out extensively, and battery rickshaws are restricted beyond the Tedhi Bazaar intersection.

SSP Rajkaran Nayyar said that a special checking campaign is in progress, focusing on strict surveillance of potential suspects. Police contingents are actively patrolling on foot.

Bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal has brought silver padukas (wooden sandals) for Ram Lalla. His bhajan, 'Jo Ram ko laaye hain, hum unko laayenge' (We will bring those who have brought Ram), is becoming quite popular.

Kanhaiya has committed to going barefoot until Lord Ram is seated at his original place. On Januray 18, he went barefoot to the temple trust's media center and handed over the padukas to general secretary Champat Rai, according to several media reports.

The BJP is organizing a warm reception for pilgrims arriving at the railway station for the Ram Mandir pran pratistha ceremony. After the welcome, refreshments will be offered at the station, and medical facilities will be accessible.

In a BJP meeting, Abhishek Mishra, overseeing accommodation arrangements, was tasked with ensuring suitable arrangements for the visitors' stay and protection from the cold. Mithilesh Tripathi, responsible for the food system, was advised to pay special attention to choosing locations for meals and snacks, according to a report in Hindi Hindustan.

On January 19 morning, the temperature in Ayodhya registered at 8 degrees Celsius. To provide relief to the locals, free breakfast stalls have been established at various locations, offering tea, biscuits, and snacks. Bonfires have also been set up to provide warmth amid the cold weather.

The idol of Raml Lalla is portrayed alongside his three brothers, Laxman, Bharat, and Shatrughan. For today's occasion, Ram Lalla is adorned in cream-coloured clothing.

This practice aligns with a tradition where the Lord Ram's attire corresponds to the specific day of the week. As per this tradition, white attire is worn on Monday, red on Tuesday, green on Wednesday, yellow on Thursday, cream on Friday, blue on Saturday, and pink on Sunday.

Apart from well-known personalities from India, the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla will also have the honour of hosting 100 representatives from 54 countries.

The Ramjanmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has extended invitations to guests from a range of European, African, and Buddhist nations, including the United States, Britain, Australia, and Mauritius.

A 300-foot lamp is currently under preparation in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration of Ram Lalla. The lighting of this grand lamp is scheduled for 5 pm on January 19.

A bhajan programme is underway in Ayodhya as part of the prelude to the consecration of Ram Lalla. Sadhus and saints are actively participating, presenting various devotional songs dedicated to Lord Ram at the Saryu river ghat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted a rigorous routine in preparation for the consecration of the Ram temple. The 73-year-old leader has chosen to sleep on the floor and sustain himself solely on coconut water.

On January 12, PM Modi shared that he had commenced an 11-day 'anusthan' (special ritual) in anticipation of the grand consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22.