As the devoted city of Ayodhya eagerly counts down to the grand opening of the Ram Temple on January 22, a spectacular celebration is set to unfold. In a remarkable display, the world’s largest lamp, standing at an impressive 300 feet, will illuminate the city at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, adding a dazzling touch to the festivities.
Symbolism and Preparation
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, a key figure
in the preparations, emphasized the profound symbolism behind the
lighting of this colossal lamp. Comprising 1.25 quintals of cotton and 21,000 litres of oil,
the lamp holds significance beyond its sheer size. The materials used,
including soil and water from different regions across the country, as
well as cow’s ghee, create a unique blend representing unity and
sacredness.
Significance of the Diwali Connection
Drawing a connection to the festival of
Diwali, Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya highlighted the historical
resonance. He stated, “When Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years
of exile, people celebrated the event as Diwali. We thought that we
could start another Diwali at Ram Mandir as the statue of Ram Lalla
would be seated in Ayodhya.”
Unprecedented Effort and Unveiling
Elaborating on the monumental task of
creating this grand lamp, Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya expressed the
immense effort involved. A total of 108 teams dedicated a year to its
preparation, with meticulous attention to detail. Noteworthy is the fact
that the lamp uses oil specifically brought from Sita Mata’s parental
homeland, adding a touch of reverence to its uniqueness.
Vedic Rituals and ‘Netronmelan’
As the vedic rituals preceding the ‘Pran
Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla entered the fourth day, Govind Dev Giri
shared insights into the upcoming ‘Netronmelan’ ceremony. The unveiling
of Ram Lalla’s statue involves applying honey to a gold bar, symbolizing
anointment. The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ itself, scheduled for January 22,
marks a pivotal moment in the construction of the Ram Temple.
City Transformed and Prime Minister’s Role
As the city adorned itself with vibrant
petals in anticipation, Ayodhya transformed into a festive spectacle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform the rituals for the ‘Pran
Pratishtha,’ and a team of priests, led by Lakshmikant Dixit, will
oversee the main rituals, encapsulating the spiritual and cultural
significance of this historic occasion.
In essence, the lighting of the world’s
largest lamp and the upcoming ‘Pran Pratishtha’ resonate as symbols of
unity, spirituality, and the cultural renaissance surrounding the Ram
Temple in Ayodhya. The city, echoing centuries of history, prepares for a
celebration that will be etched in the hearts of millions.
