Chief priest of Ayodhya temple reacts sharply after picture of Ram Lalla’s idol leaked online, demands investigation

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, reacted strongly on Saturday after the first image of the new Ram Lalla idol became public ahead of the inauguration ceremony of the Ayodhya temple on January 22. The chief priest demanded an investigation after the photographs. A picture of Ram Lalla’s idol showing open eyes was leaked on Friday.

The eyes of the idol of Lord Rama cannot be revealed before the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ is completed. If the eyes can be seen, then there should be an investigation as to who showed the eyes and how the pictures of the idol went viral on social media,” said chief priest Satyendra Das.

First, a picture of the new idol placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple with its eyes covered with a cloth surfaced on social media late on Thursday night. A day later, photos of the idol without a cover circulated on social media platforms.

It is noteworthy that before the consecration of Ayodhya temple, concern had increased among the officials after the picture of Ram Lala from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi sanctum sanctorum went viral. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is now seriously considering taking action against the culprits.

Meanwhile, officials of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Temple Trust have refused to release any photo.

Pictures of Ramlala’s idol released

The first image of the idol of Ram Lalla made of black stone and carrying a golden bow and arrow was made public on Friday. Ahead of the Pran Pratistha on January 22, the 51-inch idol of Ram in the form of a five-year-old child was placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.

The original idols of Ram (Ram Lalla Virajman) and his brothers will be installed in front of the new idol inside the sanctum sanctorum. They have been worshiped since 1949, and are currently housed in a temporary temple inside the complex; Before the ceremony, the idols will be moved to the new temple inside the sanctum sanctorum. The entire temple complex will remain closed for the public on January 20 and 21.

(With PTI inputs)