Ramlala’s Priest: The ancient city of Ayodhya is on the cusp of a historic moment – the much-awaited inauguration of the Ram Temple and the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram, known as ‘Ram Lalla’. Scheduled for Monday, 22 January 2024, this event is not just a religious milestone but also a cultural phenomenon, drawing attention from across the globe.
The Consecration Ceremony: A Blend of Tradition and Precision
The consecration of Ram Lalla, set between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM, is aligned with an auspicious 84-second window, adhering to Vedic rituals and astrological significance. This ceremony will be conducted by a team of 121 priests, under the leadership of the renowned scholar from Varanasi, Pandit Lakshmikant Dixit. Pandit Dixit, along with four others, will be present in the sanctum sanctorum during this pivotal ritual.
Pandit Lakshmikant Dixit: A Legacy of Wisdom
Hailing originally from Solapur district in Maharashtra, Pandit Dixit’s family has been residing in Varanasi for generations. Their lineage includes conducting numerous religious ceremonies in the erstwhile states of Nagpur and Nasik.
But who is Lakshmikant Dixit? He is the senior Acharya at the Sangveda Mahavidyalaya in Mirghat, Varanasi, a prestigious institution established with the support of the Kashi Naresh. Counted among the eminent scholars of the Yajurveda in Varanasi, Pandit Dixit is also an expert in ritual methodologies. He was initiated into Vedic studies and rituals by his uncle, Ganesh Dixit Bhatt.
Pandit Dixit’s ancestry includes the famous Pandit Gaga Bhatt, who officiated the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. Leading a team of 121 priests, including over 40 scholars from Varanasi, Pandit Dixit has been overseeing the preparatory rituals for the consecration since 16 January.
A Day of Celebrations in Ayodhya
The inauguration day in Ayodhya will be marked by a series of events:
- From 10 AM to 4 PM, a cultural procession will traverse through 100 designated spots in Ayodhya, featuring 1500 artists performing local dances and 200 artists from the Ministry of Culture’s regional cultural centers.
- Between 6 PM and 7 PM, a Ramleela performance will take place in Ramkatha Park.
- From 6:30 PM to 7 PM, the Saryu Aarti will be conducted at Ram Ki Paidi.
- A projection show is scheduled from 7 PM to 7:30 PM at Ram Ki Paidi.
- The Ram Gayan by the Vatekar Sisters will be held in Ramkatha Park from 7 PM to 8 PM.
- Bhajan Sandhya by Sharma Brothers will take place in Tulsi Udyan from 7 PM to 8 PM.
- A laser show is planned from 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM at Ram Ki Paidi.
- Finally, an eco-friendly fireworks display will light up the sky from 7:45 PM to 7:55 PM at Ram Ki Paidi.
The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is not just a religious event but a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and communal harmony. It is a celebration that goes beyond the boundaries of faith, bringing together people from all walks of life in a shared expression of joy and spirituality. As the city of Ayodhya prepares for this historic occasion, the whole country looks forward to joining in the festivities, either in person or through the numerous live broadcasts planned for the event. This monumental occasion is set to mark a new chapter in Ayodhya’s history, one that will be remembered for generations to come.
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