Ayodhya is adorned in preparation for the upcoming 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony scheduled for January 22. According to reports, a variety of special offerings, including special thepla, almond sweets, matar kachori (pea-stuffed bread), and other specially prepared food items, will be served as prasad (offering) during the ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
In anticipation of the event, a substantial 1265 kg of laddoos designated as prasad arrived at Ayodhya's Karsevakpuram from Hyderabad on Saturday. N Nagabhushanam Reddy, the individual behind Sri Ram Catering Services responsible for crafting these laddoos, expressed his gratitude, stating, "God has blessed my business and my family. I had pledged to prepare 1kg laddoo for each day until I am alive." He also mentioned obtaining a food certificate, ensuring the laddoos' longevity for one month, with a team of twenty-five men diligently working on their preparation over three days.
Meanwhile, the unveiling of the first image of the new Ram Lalla idol took place on Friday, heightening excitement for the forthcoming consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya temple on January 22. Crafted from black stone sourced from Karnataka, the idol, measuring 51 inches, features covered eyes with a piece of yellow cloth and is adorned with a garland of roses, as revealed by the Vishva Hindu Parishad.
The statue, symbolizing Ram Lalla in his child form, stands in a dignified posture. This new idol, expertly carved by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, was carefully placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple on Thursday afternoon, and transported to the site on a truck the previous night.
Rituals at the temple commenced on Friday at 8:30 am and continued until 3:30 pm, marking the beginning of the ceremonial proceedings leading up to the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, which holds immense significance in the cultural and religious landscape of Ayodhya.
