Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially accepted an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024. In a tweet, PM Modi expressed his sense of privilege, remarking that it's his good fortune to witness this historic event in his lifetime.
Construction of the Ram temple complex is currently underway, with the ground floor of the three-story temple set to be completed by the end of December.
According to a PTI Interview with temple Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra last month, a unique apparatus designed to make sun rays fall momentarily on the deity's forehead in the sanctum sanctorum on the day of Ram Navami every year, is being developed in Bengaluru, overseen by scientists.
The Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, and an institute in Pune have jointly developed a computerised program for the sun rays apparatus.
The temple, situated on 67.3 acres of land allocated by the Supreme Court, is being built after a 2019 Supreme Court judgment that acknowledged the historical significance of the site while rejecting the exclusive title claim of the Muslim community.
The built-up area of the temple covers 2.5 acres, and the complex includes a 'parikrama path,' totalling approximately eight acres. The temple will feature ninety bronze panels illustrating the life and duties of Lord Ram.
Approximately Rs 900 crore has been spent on the temple's construction so far, with an estimated total expenditure of Rs 1,700 to 1,800 crore for the entire complex.
The temple trust expects around 10,000 people to attend the consecration event within the temple, while the number of pilgrims is projected to reach millions. District administration is working to ensure the smooth movement of devotees.
Numerous artefacts were uncovered during excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and construction work. Some of these items are under the custody of the trust, awaiting permission from ASI for display in a proposed museum.
The temple trust plans to initiate the consecration of Ram Lalla after Makar Sankranti on January 14, followed by a 10-day 'pran pratishtha' ritual. The Ram temple is expected to open its doors to devotees on January 24, following the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol, as confirmed by temple Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra in June.