Grand second phase of Ram Mandir ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony begins today in Ayodhya

Ayodhya has begun the second phase of the consecration ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, starting June 3 and set to conclude on June 5, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Ganga Dussehra. The rituals include the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ or idol consecration in the Ram Darbar located on the temple’s first floor, along with six other temples within the complex. A Kalash Yatra procession was flagged off from the Saryu Ghat on Monday evening as part of the preparatory events.

The ritual schedule for June 3 and 4 involves fire offerings, chanting of 1,975 mantras, and the recitation of devotional hymns such as the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa. These rituals take place daily from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. The main consecration ceremony on June 5 will officially install the idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman within the temple complex.

Security arrangements have been intensified around the temple area with the deployment of Anti-Terrorism Squad commandos, armored vehicles, and round-the-clock surveillance operating in three shifts. The temple complex has been declared a red zone, and police and administration officials have taken extensive measures to ensure safety and order throughout the event.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to attend four key events during this period: the main consecration ceremony, the Saryu Trayodashi Utsav, the birthday celebrations of trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, and an event on World Environment Day. These events are part of the broader series of observances tied to the temple’s religious and cultural significance.

Champat Rai, secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, issued a statement urging people not to visit Ayodhya specifically for these rituals, as no public invitation has been extended. Rai clarified that while the temple remains open for the darshan of Ram Lalla, the first-floor Ram Darbar and the adjoining temples are still under construction and not accessible to devotees. District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde has confirmed arrangements for visitor facilities including shaded waiting areas, drinking water, sanitation, ORS sachets, and emergency medical beds across the district.