In a historic event filled with devotion and grandeur, the new Ram Lalla idol was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple on Monday. The ceremony, symbolizing the culmination of years of anticipation and reverence, was witnessed by lakhs of people across the nation through live television broadcasts and in temples everywhere.

The skies above the newly constructed Janmabhoomi temple were adorned with petals as Army helicopters performed a ceremonial flower shower, marking the auspicious moment of the idol's consecration. This visual spectacle added a layer of national pride and joy to the religious proceedings.

Carrying a silver ‘chhatra’ placed on a red cloth amidst playing of ‘Mangal Dhvani’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi climbed up the stairs of the newly constructed Ram temple and performed ‘Sankalp’ within the 84 seconds ‘abhijit muhurat’ as part of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla.

He then went into the ‘Garbh Griha’ amid chanting of mantras to complete the remaining rituals. The majestic five ft tall statue of five-year-old Ram Lalla was finally unveiled to the world.

The 'pran pratishtha' rituals, a significant spiritual procedure in Hinduism for infusing life into a deity's idol, were conducted in the presence of distinguished guests including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Prime Minister Modi's participation in these rituals was not just a ceremonial act but also a reflection of his commitment to India's cultural and religious ethos.

PM Modi offered prayers at Kuber Tila Shiva temple; unveils 'Jatayu' statue. He performed 'jalabhishek' (offering water on the 'Shiva linga') and also did a 'parikrama' (circumambulation) of the temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showers flower petals on the workers who were a part of the construction crew at Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The ceremony was completed amid blowing of conch shells and a helicopter showered flower petals on the temple.

"This is a moment of celebration as well as the moment of a reflection of Indian society's maturity. It is an occasion of not merely triumph but humility too. The history of the world is itself proof that many countries get strangled in their own history and such countries faced difficulties when they tried to solve their problems...but the way, our country untied the knots of history, is proof that our future is going to be more beautiful than our past," PM Modi said, while addressing everyone.

Over 8000 guests had been invited for the ceremony at the grand temple. The event was attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country.

Directors Rohit Shetty & Rajkumar Hirani, actors Amitabh Bachhan, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Alia Bhatt & Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal and Ayushmann Khurrana also attended the ceremony. Joyous Ram devotees and members of the Indian diaspora around the world gathered at several places, including at the iconic Times Square in New York, and organised prayers, car rallies and other religious events to celebrate the consecration of 'Ram Lalla' in Ayodhya on 22 Jan 2024.

All you need to know about the Mandir

The auspicious Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is built in the traditional Nagara style. It spans 380 feet in length (east-west), 250 feet in width, and reaches a height of 161 feet. The structure is supported by a total of 392 pillars and features 44 doors. Intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods, and goddesses adorn the pillars and walls of the temple. The main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor houses the idol of Shri Ramlalla, depicting the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram.

The primary entrance to the Mandir is located on the eastern side, accessible by ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar. Within the Mandir, there are five Halls or Mandaps, namely Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. Adjacent to the Mandir, there is a historic Well known as Sita koop, dating back to ancient times. In the southwestern part of the Mandir complex, at Kuber Tila, the ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored, accompanied by the installation of a statue of Jatayu.

The Mandir's foundation is composed of a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), providing it with the appearance of artificial rock. Notably, no iron is used anywhere in the Mandir. To guard against ground moisture, a 21-foot-high plinth has been constructed using granite. The Mandir complex boasts essential facilities such as a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, fire safety water supply, and an independent power station. The construction of the Mandir relies on the application of traditional and indigenous technology native to the country.

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration and the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol is not just any other event; Its an emotion etched in the hearts of millions. It's a testament to the power of faith, the spirit of unity, and the unwavering belief in a dream that has finally come true. As India celebrates this historic occasion, let us also remember the values it embodies – hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of human kind.