'I tried...': Indian PM Modi gets emotional, begins 11-day ‘anushthan’ for Ram temple consecration

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an emotional message, announced that he is beginning an 11-day-long 'anushthan' or special ritual in the days leading up to the grand Ram Mandir consecration scheduled for January 22 in the Ayodhya temple city in the northern state ofUttar Pradesh.

"Only 11 days are left for the consecration of Ramlala in Ayodhya. I am fortunate that I will also be a witness to this auspicious occasion. The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration. Keeping this in mind, I am starting a special ritual of 11 days from today. I am seeking blessings from all the people. At this moment, it is very difficult to express my feelings in words, but I have tried from my side," the Indian prime minister said in a post on X social media platform.

PM Modi also shared a YouTube link to his page on the site which played an audio message dedicated to the upcoming 'Pran-Pratishtha' or consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

With devotees of Lord Ram flooding to the temple town ahead of the Ram temple inauguration, the Indian prime minister said that he is "passing through such feelings for the first time" in his life.

The 11-day ritual being held by PM Modi started on Friday (Jan 12) and will end with the grand event in the holy city of Ayodhya on Jan 22.

Remembering his motherHeeraben Modi, who passed away on December 30, 2022 in Ahmedabad in India's Gujarat, PM Modi said, "My mother used to chant the name of Sita Ram until the end of her life. I will witness the pran pratishtha physically, but 140 crore Indians will be present in my mind. Every devotee of Ram will be with me."

"It is my fortune that I am beginning my 11-day ritual from Nashik Dham Panchwati," he added.

Ram temple construction has taken place after years of legal battle, which finally got settled with the judgment by the Supreme Court on November 9, 2019.

"The dream that several generations have dreamt in their hearts for several years. I am getting an opportunity to be present when it will become a reality. The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration. It is a huge responsibility. The guidance that I got from the great spiritual people, I am starting a special ritual of 11 days from today. I seek blessings from people, saints that there should be no dearth from my side," said PM Modi.

(With inputs from agencies)