Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will undertake a set of rituals required ahead of the consecration of the idols at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. He will visit Panchavati in Nashik, where Lord Ram spent much of his exile, and fast for 11 days besides waking up at the Brahamamahurata (before dawn).
In an audio message, Modi said the consecration has evoked sentiments he has never felt before. “I am fortunate that I will also be a witness to this auspicious occasion. The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration,” he said.
Modi said people have waited long for the temple construction and sought their blessings ahead of its inauguration ceremony.
Modi said he would follow all the rules on the day and before the inauguration with the strictness mandated by the scriptures despite his hectic schedule and responsibilities.
He has started the ritual of following Yama-Niyam for 11 days before consecration, said a person aware of the matter. “The Prime Minister continuously follows the rules like Brahmamuhurta Jagran, Sadhana, and Satvik diet in his daily routine”.
The scriptures require the consecration of a deity’s idol to be carried out through a detailed and comprehensive process. “...detailed rules have been given which have to be followed several days before the consecration. As a devotee of Ram, the Prime Minister is dedicated to the construction and consecration of Ram temple in the spirit of spiritual practice,” said the person.
{{/usCountry}}The scriptures require the consecration of a deity’s idol to be carried out through a detailed and comprehensive process. “...detailed rules have been given which have to be followed several days before the consecration. As a devotee of Ram, the Prime Minister is dedicated to the construction and consecration of Ram temple in the spirit of spiritual practice,” said the person.
{{/usCountry}}On Friday, the PM also offered prayers at the Shree Kala Ram Mandir situated along the banks of Godavari in the Panchavati area of Nashik. As per the scriptures, Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman spent a few years in the Dandakaranya forest which is situated in the Panchavati region. The name Panchavati means the land of five banyan trees .