Preparations for the Ram mandir Bhoomi pooja in Ayodhya, scheduled for August 5, are in full swing, with the city painted yellow, the color of knowledge and auspiciousness.
Prayers and ceremonies will begin on Tuesday morning with the worship of Lord Hanuman’s mark at Ayodhya as he is believed to preside over the city. The program was slated for Sunday but was postponed due to weekend blockades in Uttar Pradesh amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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The continuous recitation of Akhand Ramayan at all local temples and a Deepotsava lighting oil lamps on houses, temples, and the Saryu River on the night of August 4-5 have been announced.
An invitation to the show, written in red and black on a yellow background, has already been mailed to the guests, asking them to be present at Karsevakpuram in Ayodhya on Tuesday at 4 pm for the historic Bhoomi pooja. Wednesday’s event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources close to the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is the organizer of the event, said that the list of more than 260 guests has been reduced to 175, to guarantee social distancing.
Fire brigade personnel disinfect the area near Saket Degree College before the Ram Temple opening ceremony in Ayodhya. (Photo: PTI)
The list includes 133 saints and seers from 36 spiritual traditions across the country, along with BJP leaders, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office bearers, and dignitaries connected to the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), among others.
Some confirmed names, other than Prime Minister Modi, are UP Governor Anandi Ben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.
On Wednesday, PM Modi is expected to kick off the event by offering prayers at the famous Hanuman Garhi Temple, where he is scheduled to spend no more than seven minutes. Then you are expected to visit the Ram Lalla makeshift temple of wood and glass, where you will be given Chandan and prasad after you offer flowers to the deity.
The Bhoomi pooja will include chanting mantras and, after shoveling the earth, worshiping the earth and shila. According to Ayodhya officials, a 22.60kg pure silver brick will be used for the Bhoomi pooja ceremony.
Considering Covid’s standards, the arrangements are such that all attendees will sit within six feet of each other. Only five people, including PM Modi, Anandi Ben Patel, Adityanath, Bhagwat, and Mahant Das, are expected to sit on the main stage.
After Wednesday’s program, the construction of the temple will begin in full swing. Trust members say construction will take six months to a year.
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