Beyond Rituals: A Glimpse into the ‘Pran Pratistha’ Rituals at Ram Mandir

As the nation eagerly anticipates the grand inauguration of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir on 22nd January 2024, the initiation of rituals for the ‘Pran Pratistha‘ ceremony has set the stage for this MUCH SPOKEN ABOUT event. 

The consecration ceremony holds great significance, and its step-by-step process reflects the depth of traditions and customs in Hinduism.

The Pran Pratishtha Ceremony:

The ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony, scheduled between 12:15 pm to 12:45 pm on January 22, will take place within the ‘Garbha Griha’ (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple, where the idol depicting the 5-year-old child form of Lord Ram  will be enshrined. 

However, according to the rules, only five dignitaries will be present inside the ‘Garbha Griha’ during this event, that includes:

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
2. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat
3. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel
4. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
5. Ram Mandir Chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das

A bit about the ‘Pran Pratistha’ rituals

The term ‘Pran Pratistha’ signifies the establishment of the life force within the idol. This ritual involves a meticulous process carried out by priests amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony:

• The temple doors remain closed during the ceremony.
• The blindfold of Lord Ram is opened, and a mirror is shown to Him.
• Aarti is then performed, followed by puja conducted by three teams of Acharyas.
• Swami Govind Devagiri Maharaj will lead the first team, Shankaracharya Vijendra Saraswati will lead the second team, and scholars of Kashi will be a part of the third team.
• Lord Ram’s eyes remain blindfolded until he sits on his throne, and the blindfold is removed after the ‘Pran Pratistha’ is complete.
• Prime Minister Modi, as the chief host, opens the blindfold of seated Ram Lalla, after which a mirror will be shown and Kajal will be applied by PM Modi himself, with a gold coin. 
• Aarti is performed, and Bhog is offered, followed by the distribution of Prasadi among devotees.

The run-up rituals include Parisar Pravesh, Teerth Poojan, Jal Yatra, and Gandhadhivas, leading up to the main ‘Pran Pratistha‘ day. The ceremonies are conducted under the supervision of 121 Acharyas, with Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid Ji overseeing and coordinating the proceedings. The principal Acharya will be Kashi’s Shri Luckshmikant Dixit.

As the nation awaits this historic occasion, the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony symbolizes a union of spiritual devotion and cultural richness.