Devotees offer 400 kg lock, 1,265 kg laddoo for Ram temple

• Devotees offer world's largest lock, weighing 400 kg, and 1,265 kg laddoo prasad for Ram temple 'pran-pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya
• Elderly couple, Satya Prakash Sharma and Rukmini Sharma, crafted the massive lock, fulfilling Satya's wish posthumously
• The lock aims to showcase Aligarh's lock industry internationally, while the laddoo prasad, made by Sri Ram Catering Services, symbolizes divine blessings

As Ayodhya gears up for the 'pran-pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple on January 22, devotees of Lord Ram have made extravagant offerings, including the world's largest lock weighing 400 kg and 1,265 kg of laddoo prasad. Crafted by an elderly couple, Satya Prakash Sharma and Rukmini Sharma, the massive lock was completed posthumously as per Satya's wish to gift it to the Ram temple.

Mahamandaleshwar Annapurna Bharti Puri, an Aligarh resident, facilitated the transportation of the lock to Ayodhya, aiming to showcase Aligarh's lock industry on the international stage. The accompanying 1,265 kg laddoo prasad, prepared by Sri Ram Catering Services in Hyderabad, comes with an intriguing story from the owner, Nagabhushanam Reddy, who pledged to make 1 kg of laddoo daily as a divine blessing.

The 400-kg lock, a symbol of devotion and craftsmanship, is set to enhance Aligarh's reputation for its lock industry. Mahamandaleshwar Annapurna Bharti Puri expressed that presenting the world's largest lock to Lord Ram aims to promote Aligarh on an international platform and boost the city's economic prospects. Meanwhile, the 1,265 kg laddoo prasad, a testament to the owner's devotion, was prepared by 25 individuals over three days.

As Ayodhya undergoes vibrant preparations with saffron flags, Lord Ram cutouts, and religious slogans, the seven-day rituals for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony commenced on January 16, culminating in the installation of Lord Ram Lalla's idol at 12.20 pm on January 22. The ceremony will be graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contributing to the auspicious celebration.