EPOCH-MAKING MOMENT, SAYS MODI AS RAM BACK IN ABODE

CONSECRATION CEREMONY OVER; ARMY HELICOPTERS SHOWER PETALS; PM CALLS TO BUILD THE FOUNDATION OF A STRONG, CAPABLE, DIVINE INDIA

- NAMITA BAJPAI

It was a watershed moment in the country’s history as an infant Ram’s idol was consecrated at a majestic new temple in Ayodhya where he is believed to have been born. That the temple came after centuries of struggle held its own significance.

At 12 noon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi climbed 32 stairs to reach the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple where the pran pratishtha (consecration) ceremony culminated in the final rituals including Chakshu Unmilan or the opening of eyes of Ram Lalla, his darshan and consecration as presiding deity of Ayodhya and India.

As the rituals proceeded, Modi as the chief yajman (host of the deity) held a lotus in his hand. The pran pratistha began at 12.29.08 pm and concluded at 12.30.32 pm — within the most sacred window of 84 seconds of the mool muhurt of the Abhijeet Muhurt in Mrigashira nakshatra. Consecration over, Ram Lalla provided darshan to all. The temple premises reverberated with chants of Jai Shri Ram by the invitees.