The sacred town of Ayodhya is set to witness grand celebrations on Wednesday, marking the second anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Temple. The event will be led by two prominent national leaders, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Leaders to Flag Off Celebrations with Rituals and Public Address
According to the schedule, both leaders will arrive in Ayodhya on Wednesday morning. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is also the Lok Sabha MP from Lucknow, will perform the symbolic act of hoisting the saffron flag atop the Annapurna temple located on the parkota (outer wall). Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany the senior leader, providing a tour of the expansive temple complex and the parkota wall.
The highlight for the public will be a joint address by the two leaders at 1:30 PM on December 31. Their speeches are expected to draw a large gathering of devotees and well-wishers who have converged in Ayodhya for this auspicious occasion.
Religious Ceremonies and Special Attractions
The anniversary coincides with Paush Ekadashi, a date considered highly auspicious as per the Hindu calendar. Leading saints and acharyas will conduct religious ceremonies during the shubh muhurat. The state broadcaster will telecast the proceedings live from the Ram Temple starting early Wednesday morning.
As part of his visit, Rajnath Singh is expected to offer prayers at the idols installed in the 14 temples constructed around the sanctum sanctorum of Ram Lalla, on the parkota wall and the sapt mandap.
The celebrations are the culmination of a five-day series of rituals that began with great enthusiasm on Monday. The day's events included a sacred fire ritual (havan), prayers at the yagyashala, and continuous recitals of the Ramcharit Manas. A palki yatra (palanquin procession) was taken out by a group appointed by the temple trust, moving through the temple and parts of the city to allow local residents and shopkeepers to participate.
Unique Artwork Adorns Temple Premises
Adding to the spiritual ambiance, a magnificent two-dimensional painting of Ram Lalla, crafted in the traditional Thanjavur style, was installed in the temple compound on Monday. The intricate artwork was created over nine months by Bengaluru-based artist Jayashree Phaneesh. This exquisite piece, gold-plated and studded with diamond stones and other precious jewels, has been placed near the Tulsidas temple for devotees to admire.
The second anniversary marks another significant milestone for the Ram Temple, reinforcing Ayodhya's position as a major center of faith and pilgrimage. The involvement of top political leadership underscores the event's national importance, blending devotion with cultural heritage.
