14 couples hailing from different parts of India are set to assume the role of 'yajmans' or hosts for the event
As the highly anticipated Ram temple consecration ceremony approaches in Ayodhya on January 22, a total of 14 couples hailing from different parts of India are set to assume the role of ‘yajmans’ or hosts for the event. Sunil Ambekar, the Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), shared details provided by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, revealing that the rituals commenced on January 16, marking the fifth day on Saturday.
Ambekar explained the significance of the comprehensive rituals involved in Hindu temple worship, particularly highlighting the main ‘pran pratistha’ puja where 14 couples from the north, east, west, south, and northeast regions of India will be the main hosts. The list of ‘yajmans’ includes individuals such as Ramchandra Kharadi from Udaipur, Ram Kui Jemi from Assam, Gurucharan Singh Gill from Jaipur, Krishna Mohan from Hardoi, Ramesh Jain from Multani, Adalarasan from Tamil Nadu, and Vitthal Rao Kamnle from Maharashtra, among others.
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“These couples, along with their wives, will actively participate in the ceremony, reflecting widespread participation (‘sahbhaag’), as prescribed in religious texts,” Ambekar stated. He emphasized the historic moment and the unity it symbolizes for the Hindu society, with people from all corners of the country contributing to the construction of the temple.
The ongoing rituals, overseen by RSS leader Anil Mishra and his wife Usha, who are among the 15 trustees of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, involve various ceremonial acts, including the offering of sugar and flowers sourced from different regions for the “Pushpadhivaas” ritual. Another significant aspect is the purification of the sanctum sanctorum with water collected from religious sites across the nation, stored in 81 consecrated Kalash.
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With just two days left for the consecration ceremony, Ayodhya is adorned with decorations, including “rich stocks” of flowers and special lights at the grand Ram temple. The town is abuzz with religious fervor, and the newly sculpted 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, crafted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, has been placed in the sanctum sanctorum.
Ayodhya’s preparations for the ‘Pran Prathishtha’ ceremony include artistic streetlight displays on flyovers depicting Lord Ram, ornamental lamp posts themed on the traditional ‘Ramanandi tilak,’ and an overall festive atmosphere. The ceremony marks a significant moment in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s historic 2019 verdict, settling the long-standing temple-mosque dispute and paving the way for the construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site.
