Devotees participating in the Pran Pratistha ceremony at the Ram temple are continuously moving towards the temple town. Locals and devotees gathered on both sides of the road, waving saffron flags and dancing happily to songs dedicated to Lord Ram.

Ayodhya was filled with religious fervor, and even the biting cold could not dampen the enthusiasm of those who gathered here to witness this historic moment. The holy city is all set to welcome Lord Ram, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend the consecration ceremony.

built in urban style

The Ayodhya Ram temple is built in the traditional Nagar style of architecture. Temples in ancient India were built in the Nagara style, characterized by their massive shikhara or intricate carvings and symbolic representations. They possess meticulous craftsmanship, as seen in the magnificent Khajuraho temples of Madhya Pradesh.

Influenced mostly by temple styles in northern India, the Nagara style originated around the 5th century AD. Major areas of impact also include Karnataka and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Supported by 392 pillars, 44 doors

The length (east-west) of the grand Ram Janmabhoomi temple is 380 feet, width is 250 feet and height is 161 feet. It is based on 392 pillars and has 44 doors. Intricate depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses are displayed on the pillars and walls of the temple.

The idol of Ramlala is kept in the sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor of the temple. According to the trust, the consecration rituals for ‘Pran Pratishtha’ began from the Saryu river on January 16 and will be completed on ‘Abhijeet Muhurta’ on Monday afternoon.

The celebration took to the streets

Lakhs of people are expected to watch the event live on TV and online platforms as the central government has announced a half-day holiday on January 22 and many states have also followed suit. Temples across the country have announced special celebrations on the occasion.

From Washington DC to Paris and Sydney, events have been planned in various parts of the world by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) or Hindu diaspora groups.

Ayodhya became fort

A multi-layered security cordon has been created in Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony, in which 10,000 CCTV cameras and drones equipped with artificial intelligence are keeping an eye on the activities of the people. Police personnel in plain clothes have been deployed at the venue.

Movable barriers attached to barbed wires can be seen at every major intersection in the temple town, as police use them to control traffic, especially during VVIP movements. Several NDRF teams trained to deal with disasters like chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks, drowning incidents and earthquakes have also been deployed.

Art on the streets of Nagpur

The ceremony will begin at 12:20 pm and according to the temple trust, it is expected to end by 1 pm. After this the guests will be addressed by the Prime Minister.

Ram temple celebration in America

Devotees from across the world expressed their connection with Ayodhya and the significance of the Ram temple for the Indian diaspora. Indian expatriates in the US illuminated Times Square, New York to celebrate the event.

People of Indian origin across the world celebrated the momentous inauguration of the Ram temple with the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.