Produced by: BT Desk Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Ceremony was held with members of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust including Anil Mishra, Champat Rai and Swami Govind Giri in attendance.
Because of the idol’s 200-kg weight and the restricted space for movement in the sanctum sanctorum, the installation was reportedly supervised by a team of engineers.
The idol was draped with wet cloth as part of the “Jaladhivas” ritual and then covered in a special paste made of Chandan and Kesar as part of “Gandhadhivas” ritual.
Rituals have started on the old idol as well, which is being referred to as “Rajat” or “Utsav” idol.
After the idol was installed, the sanctorum was cleaned and covered with a curtain. Only the Acharya performing the puja along with the “Yajman” will be allowed access.
Mandap is all set for the “hawan” in the run-up to the consecration on January 22. The Centre has declared a half-day on January 22.
The hawan which started on Friday will continue until January 22. Fire from this will be used to light the ‘nine kundas’ in the nine corners of the temple that will be lit 24X7.