 "modi in ayodhya")
Following the completion of the Ram mandir's 'pran pratishtha' ceremony on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated everyone on the "divine" moment and said, "Our Ram has finally arrived after centuries of efforts."
Addressing the over 7,000 guests invited to attend the ceremony, Modi noted, "Our Ram Lalla won't live in a tent anymore, he will live in this majestic temple…this moment will be discussed even after a thousand years…this is the origin of a new time cycle."
PM Modi sought forgiveness from the revered deity for the "prolonged" delay of the temple's construction. "Some would say Ram temple's construction will set off firestorms. They should reconsider as Ram is energy not fire, solution not dispute," he said, referring to the decades long Ram janmabhoomi dispute.
He also thanked the Supreme Court for the landmark 2019 judgement, which paved the way for the construction of the temple. "Ram's existence was questioned. Will express thanks to SC for doing justice and the temple was built in accordance with law," he said.
Modi expressed his happiness with the "diwali-like" festive atmosphere prevailing around India. "During my 11-day fast-ritual, I tried to touch the feet of those places where the feet of Lord Ram had landed…Lord Ram is connected to every particle of the soul of India…Ram belongs to everyone…celebrations are being held across the world to commemorate the Ayodhya festival…," he said.
He also noted that the temple's construction is a "reflection of our society's maturity." "This is also the lifeblood of unwavering faith in Indian culture as manifested in the form of Shri Ram. This is also the embodiment of human values and highest ideals…," he said.
More From This Section
PM Modi's remarks followed shortly after the grand inauguration ceremony, during which 51-inch idol of 'Ram Lalla' - the childhood form of the revered Hindu deity - was officially installed in the Ram mandir according to Hindu rituals and traditions. The ceremony began at 12:20 pm with chanting of rituals and concluded shortly after 1 pm. Modi also performed an 'aarti' during the ceremony and took blessings of the seers.
For the event, PM Modi donned a golden kurta, a cream dhoti and patka. He walked into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, holding a silver umbrella on a folded red dupatta.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat were also present on the stage.
Earlier today, PM Modi had also shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) and said "It is a matter of great privilege to be part of this divine programme."
Ram mandir consecration star-studded event
Prominent public figures, including Mukesh Ambani and his family, Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood celebrities Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor were spotted at the event.
Notable singers such as Sonu Nigam, composer Shankar Mahadevan, and Kailash Kher gave mesmerising devotional performances in the run of the event. Flowers were showered from helicopters on the temple premises during the ceremony as the people welcomed the "arrival of lord Ram."
READ: First look of Lord Ram Lalla in Ayodhya revealed after 'pran pratishtha'
READ: First look of Lord Ram Lalla in Ayodhya revealed after 'pran pratishtha'
Constructed in the traditional Nagara style, the Ram Mandir spreads across 380 feet in length, 250 feet and height 161 feet. It is supported by 392 pillars and has 44 doors.
PM Modi's remarks followed shortly after the grand inauguration ceremony, during which 51-inch idol of 'Ram Lalla' - the childhood form of the revered Hindu deity - was officially installed in the Ram mandir according to Hindu rituals and traditions. The ceremony began at 12:20 pm with chanting of rituals and concluded shortly after 1 pm. Modi also performed an 'aarti' during the ceremony and took blessings of the seers.
For the event, PM Modi donned a golden kurta, a cream dhoti and patka. He walked into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, holding a silver umbrella on a folded red dupatta.
