Ram Mandir: Rituals in Ram Temple to instill 'Prana' in Ram Lalla idol

Ayodhya: The process of instilling 'Pran' (life) into the idol of Ram Lalla has begun as part of the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony which concluded on Monday at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya.

As part of the rituals, scholars chanted 'mantras' after purifying the 'vigraha' (body of the idol) of Ram Lalla to generate 'prana'. Anil Mishra, one of the 'hosts', started the ritual of 'Arni Manthan' (preparation of fire naturally during Havan). Priests involved in the rituals mentioned that 'fire mantras' were recited during this process. They explained that 'Agni' (Fire) is essential for 'Yajna', and during 'Arni Manthan', fire is generated using 'Mantras'. Vedas were also recited on the occasion and Lord Ganesha was worshiped before 'Arni Manthan', they added.

The fire produced by the process was placed in an 'Agni Kund' (a vessel in which Havan is performed) after 'Navagraha Puja' (worship to the nine heavenly bodies and deities that influence our life on earth, according to Hinduism). The priests, through the ritual, requested the 'Navagrahas' to join in the 'Puja' and ensure that the 'Yajna' (ritual by fire) was completed without any hindrance. 'Vastu Poojan' of Ram temple was also performed.

The pre-abhishek ceremony before 'pran pratishtha' (abhishek) began at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Tuesday. A newly made idol of Ram Lalla was also brought to the Ram Mandir premises on Wednesday. During the pre-abhishek ceremony, the 'Yajman' (the person on whose behalf the ritual or yajna is performed by the priests) performed several special pujas on the banks of the Sarayu river and inside the complex. Rituals included 'prayaschit pooja' (atonement), bathing in the holy Sarayu river and other pujas.