Not only Ayodhya, Nayagarh of Odisha will also witness the inauguration of Ram Temple on January 22.

While preparations for the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram at the Ram temple in Ayodhya are just a day away, Odisha’s Nayagarh is preparing to inaugurate a 65-feet tall temple of Lord Ram on Monday.

Situated at an altitude of about 1,600 feet above sea level, this temple in Fatehgarh under Bhapur block of Nayagarh district was built with donations from villagers and devotees, and more than Rs 30 crore was donated for the temple. The temple is constructed of Baulamala stone and is surrounded by lush green surroundings.

The temple project, launched in 2017, has become a tourist attraction. The final touches to the temple are being given by more than 150 artisans to complete the temple.

“It is a matter of pride for us. With the cooperation of villagers and devotees, it has been possible to build a huge temple of Lord Ram in our village. A large number of tourists will come to see the Lord. We are very happy” said a devotee.

“As per rituals, we will perform yajna, Veda recital during the inauguration ceremony. The rituals will begin in the morning with Surya Puja. The 5.5 feet tall statue of Lord Shri Ram, Sita and Lakshman will reach here from Rajasthan. It will be kept inside the temple with special rituals,” said the temple priest.

For the temple inauguration ceremony on Monday, the Fatehgarh Temple Trust has invited Puri Shankaracharya and Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.

Meanwhile, Odisha government offices will remain closed for half a day on the occasion of the Ram temple consecration ceremony to be held in Ayodhya on January 22.

In view of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya, the Government of Odisha has announced that the State Government offices, as well as Revenue and Magistrate Courts (Executive), will remain closed for half a day till 2.30 pm on January 22, 2024 (Monday) . A notification issued by the state revenue and disaster management department said. The state order comes after the Center announced a half-day holiday for all its employees on January 22.