New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his intention to attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024. Modi will perform the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla.

This invitation was extended by the office-bearers of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, along with religious leaders including Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trustee and Udupi Pejawar Mutt Seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji, who visited the PM yesterday. Notably, the foundation stone of Ram Temple was laid by Modi on Aug. 5, 2020.

In response to the invitation, PM Modi expressed his joy, stating, “I feel very blessed. It is my good fortune that in my lifetime, I will witness this historic occasion.” Ram Temple Trust’s General Secretary, Champat Rai, confirmed that the idol of Lord Ram would be installed at the temple on Jan. 22, and PM Modi accepted the invitation.

The Trust is planning an elaborate consecration ceremony and intends to invite over 4,000 Hindu religious leaders representing 136 Sanatana traditions. Additionally, 25,000 dignitaries are expected to participate in this event.

The overall area, spanning 71 acres, will include the Ram Mandir, covering 2.77 acres and divided into six parts, including the main sanctum sanctorum and five pavilions: Gun mandap, rang mandap, nritya mandap, kirtan mandap and prarthna mandap. The temple is designed to be 161 feet high with three floors, each 19.5 feet.

The complex of the Ram Temple will also feature temples dedicated to Shiva, Goddess Annapurna, Bhagwati, Ganesha, Hanuman and Surya (sun). Additionally, temples honouring mythological saints like Valmiki, Vashisth, Vishwamitra, Jatayu and Sabri are planned, along with other facilities like yagya/anusthan mandap, a rest house for religious leaders and an administrative building. 

The complex is being developed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating two sewage treatment plants to minimise the environmental impact. The Temple Construction Committee has also acquired 71 acres of land to build public utilities near the Temple. To prevent overcrowding during the inauguration, the Temple Trust has urged people to avoid visiting the temple in the initial days. VIPs have also been requested to refrain from visiting Ayodhya on the day of the inauguration to avoid potential mismanagement.