Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his attendance at the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. He was formally invited by the office bearers of Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, accompanied by religious leaders. Notably, Mr. Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Ram temple on August 5, 2020.
Upon receiving the invitation, the Prime Minister expressed his joy and stated, “I feel very blessed. It is my good fortune that in my lifetime, I will witness this historic occasion.” The Ram Temple Trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, shared that the idol of Lord Ram would be consecrated at the temple on January 22, and PM Modi had graciously accepted the invitation.
The trust is planning a grand event, intending to invite over 4,000 Hindu religious leaders from 136 Sanatana traditions for the consecration ceremony. In addition, 25,000 dignitaries are expected to participate in the festivities.
The sprawling temple complex, spread over 71 acres, will feature the Ram Mandir on 2.77 acres, consisting of six sections, including the main sanctum sanctorum (garbh greh) and five pavilions. The temple is set to reach a height of 161 feet and will have three floors, each measuring 19.5 feet.
Furthermore, the complex will incorporate temples dedicated to Shiva, goddess Annapurna, Bhagwati, Ganesha, Hanuman, and Surya (sun). Temples honoring mythological saints like Valmiki, Vashisth, Viswamitra, Jatayu, and Sabri are also in the plans, along with various facilities such as yagya/anusthan mandap, a rest house for religious leaders, and an administrative building. The complex aims for zero discharge by implementing two sewage treatment plants, utilizing treated water for flushing and irrigation.
To manage the expected influx of visitors, the temple construction committee has acquired an additional 71 acres of land for public utilities near the temple. They have also appealed to the public and VIPs to avoid overcrowding in Ayodhya during the initial days of the inauguration to prevent mismanagement.
In line with these preparations, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat urged the people of India to organize celebratory programs at temples near their homes as a mark of the Ram temple’s inauguration.
