Yogi Adityanath Participates in Grand ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ Rituals of Ram Darbar at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on His 53rd Birthday
By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Ayodhya: On a spiritually significant and politically symbolic day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony of the Ram Darbar on the newly constructed first floor of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
The occasion coincided with Adityanath’s 53rd birthday, adding a personal dimension to a deeply ceremonial event that blended tradition, faith, and governance.
The sacred proceedings marked the culmination of a three-day celebration, which began on June 3, dedicated to the ceremonial installation and sanctification of divine idols within the newly built sections of the grand temple.
The final day’s Pran-Pratishtha rituals commenced at 11:00 AM, lasting approximately 50 minutes, and were conducted with full adherence to Vedic traditions, accompanied by resonant chants of sacred mantras by learned priests.
Yogi Adityanath Performs Aarti of Ram Lalla and Participates in First-Floor Rituals
The ceremony began with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offering prayers and performing the traditional aarti of Ram Lalla, the child form of Lord Ram, in the sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor.
After completing the rituals there, he ascended to the first floor of the temple, where the Pran-Pratishtha of the Ram Darbar — an ensemble of deities including Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughna, and Hanuman — was conducted with great reverence.
Joining the CM during the rituals were several dignitaries and spiritual leaders. Anil Mishra, a key member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust and the official host for the Pran-Pratishtha, was present along with his wife, Usha Mishra.
Govind Dev Giri, another prominent member of the trust and a respected spiritual figure, honored Adityanath with a ceremonial felicitation in recognition of his participation and leadership in temple development efforts.
Exclusive Gathering Witnesses a Moment of Historic Devotion
Following the consecration rituals, Yogi Adityanath interacted briefly with a limited group of guests and trust members, extending his greetings and gratitude before taking leave.
The event was not open to the general public but was attended by a select gathering comprising religious leaders, trust members, and key dignitaries involved in the temple’s construction and spiritual supervision.
Preceding the Ceremony: Visit to Hanuman Garhi Temple
Before attending the main rituals at the Ram Mandir, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the iconic Hanuman Garhi Temple, another spiritually significant site in Ayodhya.
This visit was part of his planned spiritual itinerary and emphasized his connection to both the divine traditions of Ayodhya and his role as a religious leader — he is also the Mahant of the Gorakhnath Math.
CM Expresses Gratitude and Reflects on the Significance of the Day
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the day, the Chief Minister wrote:
“Today, in the holy birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, Ayodhya Dham, I am blessed to witness the grand Pran-Pratishtha ceremony for the installation of divine idols in eight temples, including Shri
Ram Darbar on the first floor of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.”
He further emphasized that this moment represents a powerful manifestation of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, a slogan that envisions the unity and greatness of India, and declared the occasion a spiritual triumph for the ideals of Lord Ram.
Trust Shares Insights into the Three-Day Ritual Schedule
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is overseeing the temple’s development, also shared details of the event via social media. According to the Trust, the first day of the three-day consecration involved the initiation of Yagyashala rituals, setting a spiritual tone for the events to follow.
On the second day, sacred Anushthans (ritual procedures) were carried out, and Utsav Vigrahas (festive idols) were taken around the temple premises in a symbolic Parikrama (circumambulation) to invoke divine blessings and purify the temple space.
A Symbol of Devotion, Development, and Political Messaging
The event not only held religious significance but also carried undertones of political symbolism, particularly as Yogi Adityanath continues to be viewed by many observers as a key contender in the BJP’s future leadership succession plans.
By closely associating himself with landmark religious milestones such as the Ram Temple, Adityanath continues to cement his image as both a spiritual and administrative leader.
With the temple’s construction advancing toward completion, the Pran-Pratishtha of the Ram Darbar stands as another milestone in a project that has united millions of devotees across the country.
It signals a new phase in the temple’s religious offerings and sets the stage for further events as the upper floors near completion.
