Preparations are in full swing for the Ram Temple inauguration in India. Ayodhya is all decked up for the consecration ceremony on January 22. The city has become a buzzing hub of activity with revamped infrastructure. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several projects worth billions of dollars on December 30. This includes Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport and the Ayodhya railway station.

Preparations in full swing for Ram Mandir inauguration

<p>Congress MP Shashi Tharoor revealed that he wasn't invited to the Ram Temple idol-installation event on January 22 in Ayodhya. In a subtle critique of the BJP, he stressed on viewing religion as a personal attribute, not for political exploitation.</p>

<p>"Was interrogated by the waiting press, wanting to know if I would be going to Ayodhya on January 22. I told them I hadn’t been invited but I saw religion as a personal attribute and not one for political (mis)use," he wrote on X.</p>

<p>Tharoor expressed his perspective on religion during media interactions, asserting that it should remain a personal choice and not be manipulated for political gains.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-landscape-map-released-features-include-14-ft-wide-percota-green-spaces-673959">Also read |&nbsp;India: Ram temple landscape map released, features include 14-ft wide percota, green spaces</a></p>

<h2><strong>Media's role in shaping narrative</strong></h2>

<p>Without explicitly naming the BJP, Tharoor accused the media of diverting attention from critical governance issues. He highlighted that focusing excessively on the temple event allowed political entities to sidestep discussions on unemployment, inflation, public welfare, and national security.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Was interrogated by the waiting press, wanting to know if I would be going to Ayodhya on January 22. I told them I hadn’t been invited but I saw religion as a personal attribute and not one for political (mis)use.<br />
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I also pointed out that by making such a major news story of the… <a href="https://t.co/LQpybKbT3t">pic.twitter.com/LQpybKbT3t</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1739926184954360050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tharoor underscored his alignment with Sam Pitroda's stance that temples are not within the government's domain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Temples are not the government’s business; unemployment, inflation, public welfare and national security are. But the media allows the temple to turn the focus away from those issues," Tharoor added.</p>

<p>Tharoor criticised the media for sensationalising the temple event, suggesting it detracted attention from substantive governance issues. He implied that such diversions benefited those aiming to capitalize on the religious event while steering clear of addressing governance failures.</p>

<p>While thousands, including political figures and Bollywood celebrities, received invitations for the ceremony, Tharoor's party colleagues Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were invited. However, the Congress party hasn't confirmed their attendance.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury accused the government of intertwining religion with politics, and rejected the VHP's invitation. Congress leader Sam Pitroda echoed Tharoor's sentiments, advocating for a separation between religion and politics.</p>

<p>Pitroda argued against making religious issues a primary political platform and emphasised addressing critical matters like employment and inflation. The BJP, in response, accused Pitroda of practicing appeasement politics.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court's 2019 ruling ended the decades-long dispute by permitting the construction of the Ram Temple on the disputed site. It also directed authorities to allocate an alternative land parcel for the construction of a mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress MP Shashi Tharoor revealed that he wasn't invited to the Ram Temple idol-installation event on January 22 in Ayodhya. In a subtle critique of the BJP, he stressed on viewing religion as a personal attribute, not for political exploitation.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor revealed that he wasn't invited to the Ram Temple idol-installation event on January 22 in Ayodhya. In a subtle critique of the BJP, he stressed on viewing religion as a personal attribute, not for political exploitation. "Was interrogated by the waiting press, wanting to know if I would be going to Ayodhya on January 22. I told them I hadn’t been invited but I saw religion as a personal attribute and not one for political (mis)use," he wrote on X. Tharoor expressed his perspective on religion during media interactions, asserting that it should remain a personal choice and not be manipulated for political gains. Also read | India: Ram temple landscape map released, features include 14-ft wide percota, green spaces Media's role in shaping narrative Without explicitly naming the BJP, Tharoor accused the media of diverting attention from critical governance issues. He highlighted that focusing excessively on the temple event allowed political entities to sidestep discussions on unemployment, inflation, public welfare, and national security. Was interrogated by the waiting press, wanting to know if I would be going to Ayodhya on January 22. I told them I hadn’t been invited but I saw religion as a personal attribute and not one for political (mis)use. I also pointed out that by making such a major news story of the… pic.twitter.com/LQpybKbT3t — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 27, 2023 × Tharoor underscored his alignment with Sam Pitroda's stance that temples are not within the government's domain. "Temples are not the government’s business; unemployment, inflation, public welfare and national security are. But the media allows the temple to turn the focus away from those issues," Tharoor added. Tharoor criticised the media for sensationalising the temple event, suggesting it detracted attention from substantive governance issues. He implied that such diversions benefited those aiming to capitalize on the religious event while steering clear of addressing governance failures. While thousands, including political figures and Bollywood celebrities, received invitations for the ceremony, Tharoor's party colleagues Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were invited. However, the Congress party hasn't confirmed their attendance. Also watch | Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024 CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury accused the government of intertwining religion with politics, and rejected the VHP's invitation. Congress leader Sam Pitroda echoed Tharoor's sentiments, advocating for a separation between religion and politics. Pitroda argued against making religious issues a primary political platform and emphasised addressing critical matters like employment and inflation. The BJP, in response, accused Pitroda of practicing appeasement politics. The Supreme Court's 2019 ruling ended the decades-long dispute by permitting the construction of the Ram Temple on the disputed site. It also directed authorities to allocate an alternative land parcel for the construction of a mosque. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram temple consecration ceremony: Shashi Tharoor slams BJP over politicisation of religious event

<p>With just a month remaining until the grand opening of the Ram Temple on January 22, the Ram Temple Trust has unveiled the landscape map, providing an overview of the expansive 70-acre complex.</p>

<p>Following the Aatmanribhar (self-reliance) principle, the complex is designed to be self-sufficient, featuring sewer plants, water treatment facilities, a fire brigade post, and a dedicated power line. Champat Rai, the general secretary of Ayodhya Trust, said&nbsp;that the temple will not pose a burden on the Ayodhya municipality.</p>

<h2><strong>Key features of the Ram Temple complex</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Entry and exit: </strong>The temple's entrance will be from the east side, with the exit situated on the south side. The temple's superstructure, eventually reaching three stories, will span the entire complex.</p>

<p><strong>Ascending to the main temple: </strong>Visitors will ascend 32 steps from the eastern side to reach the main temple.</p>

<p><strong>Architectural style:</strong> The temple complex is built in the traditional Nagara style, boasting a width of 250 feet and a height of 161 feet. Each floor of the temple will be 20 feet high, adorned with 392 pillars and 44 gates.</p>

<p><strong>Unique percota design: </strong>In a departure from the norm, the Ram Temple will feature a 14-foot wide percota, spanning an impressive 732 metres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-receives-3000-applications-for-20-priest-posts-661188">Also read |&nbsp;India: Ram temple in Ayodhya receives 3,000 applications for 20 priest posts&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><strong>Significance of the percota:</strong> The four corners of the percota will be dedicated to Sun God, Maa Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. Additionally, shrines for Maa Annapurna and Lord Hanuman will grace the northern and southern sides, respectively.</p>

<p><strong>Dedicated shrines:</strong> Notable sages and figures such as Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashisht, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri, and Devi Ahilya will have dedicated shrines. An idol of Jatayu has been installed at Ayodhya’s Kuber Tila.</p>

<p><strong>Pilgrim facilitation complex:</strong> The complex will feature a pilgrim facilitation complex with a healthcare centre and a toilet block. Facilities for depositing belongings before darshan, accommodating up to 25,000 people, will be available.</p>

<p><strong>Summer provisions: </strong>During the summer, provisions will be in place to spare visitors from walking barefoot from the facility centre to the temple.</p>

<p><strong>Green spaces:</strong> Approximately 70 per cent&nbsp;of the 70-acre complex will be dedicated to green areas, featuring trees over a hundred years old. A dense jungle ensures that sunlight does not reach the ground.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Sustainable Infrastructure: </strong>The complex will include two sewerage treatment plants, a water treatment plant, and a dedicated electricity line. A fire brigade post will source water from an underground reservoir, ensuring groundwater levels remain stable. In case of necessity, water can be drawn from the Sarayu River.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With just a month remaining until the grand opening of the Ram Temple on January 22, the Ram Temple Trust has unveiled the landscape map, providing an overview of the expansive 70-acre complex.

With just a month remaining until the grand opening of the Ram Temple on January 22, the Ram Temple Trust has unveiled the landscape map, providing an overview of the expansive 70-acre complex. Following the Aatmanribhar (self-reliance) principle, the complex is designed to be self-sufficient, featuring sewer plants, water treatment facilities, a fire brigade post, and a dedicated power line. Champat Rai, the general secretary of Ayodhya Trust, said that the temple will not pose a burden on the Ayodhya municipality. Key features of the Ram Temple complex Entry and exit: The temple's entrance will be from the east side, with the exit situated on the south side. The temple's superstructure, eventually reaching three stories, will span the entire complex. Ascending to the main temple: Visitors will ascend 32 steps from the eastern side to reach the main temple. Architectural style: The temple complex is built in the traditional Nagara style, boasting a width of 250 feet and a height of 161 feet. Each floor of the temple will be 20 feet high, adorned with 392 pillars and 44 gates. Unique percota design: In a departure from the norm, the Ram Temple will feature a 14-foot wide percota, spanning an impressive 732 metres. Also read | India: Ram temple in Ayodhya receives 3,000 applications for 20 priest posts Significance of the percota: The four corners of the percota will be dedicated to Sun God, Maa Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. Additionally, shrines for Maa Annapurna and Lord Hanuman will grace the northern and southern sides, respectively. Dedicated shrines: Notable sages and figures such as Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashisht, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri, and Devi Ahilya will have dedicated shrines. An idol of Jatayu has been installed at Ayodhya’s Kuber Tila. Pilgrim facilitation complex: The complex will feature a pilgrim facilitation complex with a healthcare centre and a toilet block. Facilities for depositing belongings before darshan, accommodating up to 25,000 people, will be available. Summer provisions: During the summer, provisions will be in place to spare visitors from walking barefoot from the facility centre to the temple. Green spaces: Approximately 70 per cent of the 70-acre complex will be dedicated to green areas, featuring trees over a hundred years old. A dense jungle ensures that sunlight does not reach the ground. Also watch | Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024 Sustainable Infrastructure: The complex will include two sewerage treatment plants, a water treatment plant, and a dedicated electricity line. A fire brigade post will source water from an underground reservoir, ensuring groundwater levels remain stable. In case of necessity, water can be drawn from the Sarayu River. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ram temple landscape map released, features include 14-ft wide percota, green spaces

<p>The holy city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir.</p>

<p>The railway station of the city is one of the many places undergoing a major revamp with features like refurbished platforms, new signboards, escalators, and lifts ready to be installed.</p>

<p>As per news agency ANI, murals of Lord Ram will also be painted on the walls of the station.</p>

<p>PM Modi is set to arrive in&nbsp;the temple town on Dec 30 ahead of the consecration ceremony scheduled to take place next month.</p>

<p>"We are here for the first time. It seems we have arrived at an airport and not a railway station. This station not only has modern amenities but also a touch of Hindu mythology," news agency ANI quoted Purshottam, a tourist from Delhi as saying.</p>

<p>Ramnarayan Das Ji Maharaj, a visiting seer in Ayodhya, too, said that the remodelled and revamped railway station has the resources to extend top-class services to passengers and visitors.</p>

<p>"It looks gorgeous with a new design. Lord Ram, too, wished for the station to be revamped so well that devotees don't run into any problems visiting the grand temple for the consecration ceremony," he said.</p>

<p>Swami Sai Prasad Saraswati, a visiting seer from Thiruvananthapuram, said, "Ayodhya is beautiful and people are arriving in the city in droves ahead of the consecration ceremony."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-held-in-france-with-303-indian-passengers-onboard-departs-for-mumbai-673434">Plane held in France with 303 Indian passengers onboard departs for Mumbai</a></p>

<h2><strong>Redevelopment carried out in two phases</strong></h2>

<p>The refurbishment is being carried out in two phases. The first phase is near finishing and will see the development of the platform areas.</p>

<p>Whereas the second phase will oversee the construction of the new station building equipped with more restrooms, dormitories, ticketing and circulating areas, among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The district magistrate of Ayodhya, Nitish Kumar, released a statement saying that the railway station has a circulation capacity of about 50,000-60,000 people and work on the second phase will begin soon.</p>

<p>"We are carrying out the revamp of the railway station in a manner as to make it resemble the facade of Ram Temple. It would also reflect the historical significance of Ayodhya. While it would resemble a temple from the outside, it would be equipped with the latest technology for the ease of passengers. It already has a circulation capacity of 50,000-60,000 people and we are only into Phase 1 of the project. Work in the second phase will begin soon," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The holy city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir. The railway station of the city is one of the many places undergoing a major revamp with features like refurbished platforms, new signboards, escalators, and lifts ready to be installed.

The holy city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir. The railway station of the city is one of the many places undergoing a major revamp with features like refurbished platforms, new signboards, escalators, and lifts ready to be installed. As per news agency ANI, murals of Lord Ram will also be painted on the walls of the station. PM Modi is set to arrive in the temple town on Dec 30 ahead of the consecration ceremony scheduled to take place next month. "We are here for the first time. It seems we have arrived at an airport and not a railway station. This station not only has modern amenities but also a touch of Hindu mythology," news agency ANI quoted Purshottam, a tourist from Delhi as saying. Ramnarayan Das Ji Maharaj, a visiting seer in Ayodhya, too, said that the remodelled and revamped railway station has the resources to extend top-class services to passengers and visitors. "It looks gorgeous with a new design. Lord Ram, too, wished for the station to be revamped so well that devotees don't run into any problems visiting the grand temple for the consecration ceremony," he said. Swami Sai Prasad Saraswati, a visiting seer from Thiruvananthapuram, said, "Ayodhya is beautiful and people are arriving in the city in droves ahead of the consecration ceremony." Also read: Plane held in France with 303 Indian passengers onboard departs for Mumbai Redevelopment carried out in two phases The refurbishment is being carried out in two phases. The first phase is near finishing and will see the development of the platform areas. Whereas the second phase will oversee the construction of the new station building equipped with more restrooms, dormitories, ticketing and circulating areas, among others. The district magistrate of Ayodhya, Nitish Kumar, released a statement saying that the railway station has a circulation capacity of about 50,000-60,000 people and work on the second phase will begin soon. "We are carrying out the revamp of the railway station in a manner as to make it resemble the facade of Ram Temple. It would also reflect the historical significance of Ayodhya. While it would resemble a temple from the outside, it would be equipped with the latest technology for the ease of passengers. It already has a circulation capacity of 50,000-60,000 people and we are only into Phase 1 of the project. Work in the second phase will begin soon," news agency ANI quoted him as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Ayodhya's railway station undergoing major revamp, here are new-age amenities to be installed

<p>Temples across the United States are gearing up for an extraordinary week-long celebration in North America to celebrate the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in the holy city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on January 22 next year, media reports said citing a representative of these temples.</p>

<p>Tejal Shah, spokesperson for the Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (HMEC), expressed the profound significance of this event, stating, “It's our fortune and blessings to us that we are part of this phenomenon and the temple of our dreams is getting materialised after centuries of wait and struggle. Everyone's emotions in the US and Canada are very high. Shraddha (devotion) is built up, and everyone is eagerly waiting to receive Bhagwan Shri Ram in his mandir.”</p>

<p>Ram temple in India was a long-standing and contentious matter that revolved around the Babri Masjid, a mosque that was built in the 16th century, and the belief among Hindus that the site is the birthplace of Lord Rama. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark verdict on the Ayodhya dispute ruling in favour of the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed site, while also allocating an alternative piece of land to the Muslim community for the construction of a mosque.</p>

<p>The celebrations in US come as Hindu communities there engage in a variety of religious practices, including worship at temples, home rituals, and participation in festivals. Temples dedicated to various deities can be found throughout the country.</p>

<p>Now, as Ayodhya preps up for the grand celebrations, the Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (HMEC), representing over 1,100 Hindu Temples in the United States, is orchestrating a series of grand celebrations that will span from January 15 to the culminating live telecast of the Ram Temple inauguration from Ayodhya in India.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ayodhya-airport-to-link-major-cities-starting-jan-6-amrit-bharat-train-to-operate-as-well-672793">India: Ayodhya airport to link major cities starting Jan 6; Amrit Bharat train to operate as well</a></p>

<p>Anticipation is soaring, and thousands of Hindus are expected to witness the inauguration ceremony, according to Shah, who leads the HMEC.</p>

<p>She said, “At the end of the event, we will take a Sankalpa. For us, it will be the 21st of January night 11 pm Eastern time. So we will all join virtually on that night to celebrate Bhagwan Shree Ram’s pran pratishtha.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aditya-l1-mission-will-reach-destination-on-jan-6-isro-chief-672734">Aditya L1 mission will reach destination on Jan 6: ISRO chief</a></p>

<h2><strong>Dozens of temples enrolled</strong></h2>

<p>Dozens of temples have already enrolled for the event on January 15, featuring the Shri Ram Naam Sankirtan chanting by priests across North America.&nbsp;On January 21, the temples plan to illuminate the surroundings, broadcast the inauguration live, blow conch shells, and distribute prasadam.</p>

<p>Shah reportedly disclosed that all the participating temple will be honoured with a certificate of participation. Additionally, “Prasad” from Shree Ram Janma Bhumi Teerth Kshetra Trust will also be given to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2024-view-hope-for-interest-rate-cuts-672789">2024 View: Hope for interest rate cuts</a></strong></p>

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<p>Adding to the global significance of the event, the Chief Priest of Janaki Temple in Nepal has confirmed receiving an invitation to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Temples across the United States are gearing up for an extraordinary week-long celebration in North America to celebrate the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in the holy city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on January 22 next year, media reports said citing a representative of these temples.

Temples across the United States are gearing up for an extraordinary week-long celebration in North America to celebrate the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in the holy city of Ayodhya in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on January 22 next year, media reports said citing a representative of these temples. Tejal Shah, spokesperson for the Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (HMEC), expressed the profound significance of this event, stating, “It's our fortune and blessings to us that we are part of this phenomenon and the temple of our dreams is getting materialised after centuries of wait and struggle. Everyone's emotions in the US and Canada are very high. Shraddha (devotion) is built up, and everyone is eagerly waiting to receive Bhagwan Shri Ram in his mandir.” Ram temple in India was a long-standing and contentious matter that revolved around the Babri Masjid, a mosque that was built in the 16th century, and the belief among Hindus that the site is the birthplace of Lord Rama. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark verdict on the Ayodhya dispute ruling in favour of the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed site, while also allocating an alternative piece of land to the Muslim community for the construction of a mosque. The celebrations in US come as Hindu communities there engage in a variety of religious practices, including worship at temples, home rituals, and participation in festivals. Temples dedicated to various deities can be found throughout the country. Now, as Ayodhya preps up for the grand celebrations, the Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (HMEC), representing over 1,100 Hindu Temples in the United States, is orchestrating a series of grand celebrations that will span from January 15 to the culminating live telecast of the Ram Temple inauguration from Ayodhya in India. Also Read | India: Ayodhya airport to link major cities starting Jan 6; Amrit Bharat train to operate as well Anticipation is soaring, and thousands of Hindus are expected to witness the inauguration ceremony, according to Shah, who leads the HMEC. She said, “At the end of the event, we will take a Sankalpa. For us, it will be the 21st of January night 11 pm Eastern time. So we will all join virtually on that night to celebrate Bhagwan Shree Ram’s pran pratishtha.” Also Read | Aditya L1 mission will reach destination on Jan 6: ISRO chief Dozens of temples enrolled Dozens of temples have already enrolled for the event on January 15, featuring the Shri Ram Naam Sankirtan chanting by priests across North America. On January 21, the temples plan to illuminate the surroundings, broadcast the inauguration live, blow conch shells, and distribute prasadam. Shah reportedly disclosed that all the participating temple will be honoured with a certificate of participation. Additionally, “Prasad” from Shree Ram Janma Bhumi Teerth Kshetra Trust will also be given to them. Watch | 2024 View: Hope for interest rate cuts × Adding to the global significance of the event, the Chief Priest of Janaki Temple in Nepal has confirmed receiving an invitation to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (With inputs from agencies)

Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya: US temples prepare for spectacular celebrations with live broadcast

The Ram Temple Construction in Ayodhya is nearing its completion on January 22nd set as the date for the consecration ceremony. According to India civil aviation Minister the initial phase of the Ayodhya International Airport is also scheduled to be completed by the end of December.

Ayodhya International Airport ready for inauguration on December 30th

Preparations are presently on the way in the Indian city of Ayodhya for the inauguration of the grand Ram Mandir. The newly constructed Temple is also to be inaugurated on the 22nd of January and for this a pretty massive incense stick is being made in Vadodara town in Gujarat for The Grand Event.

Ram Mandir inauguration: Preparation underway in Ayodhya

The Ram Temple Construction in Ayodhya is nearing its completion on January 22nd & the Ayodhya Airport is nearing completion. India's civil aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed date of inauguration of Ayodhya International Airport. PM Modi will inaugurate it. The Airport will boost the region's air connectivity. Watch the video to know the inauguration date.

Ayodhya Airport nears completion, inauguration date announced | Latest News | WION

Ram temple inauguration is around the corner. All eyes are set on the grand ceremony in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, Ram Temple Trust has requested a few not to come. Watch this video to know more.

Ram Mandir inauguration: Are BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani & Murli Manohar Joshi invited?

The northern Indian city of Ayodhya was once marred by communal tensions. It is now gearing up for the opening of a grand Hindu temple that is igniting an economic boom. Watch this video for all details.

Ram Mandir inauguration: How Ram Mandir is boosting Ayodhya's economy

Hindu faithful worldwide are gearing up for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir believed to be the birthplace of their deity Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The consecration ceremony is set to take place on the 22nd of January next year.

US: American Hindus rally to celebrate Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration in Maryland

Celebrations in Washington ahead of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir inauguration

<p>The foundation stone for the proposed mosque in the northern Indian city of Ayodhya, replacing the controversial Babari Masjid, albeit at a different place, will be laid by&nbsp;Imam-e-Haram or the Imam who leads namaz at the holy mosque in the precincts that also house the Kaaba in Mecca.</p>

<p>Masjid Mohammad Bin Abdullah is being constructed almost 25 kilometres from Ayodhya on a plot of land that the Uttar Pradesh government gave to the Muslim party as part of the Supreme Court order in the case in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, as part of the judgement, the Hindu side got space over the demolished Babri Masjid to build the new Ram Temple while the Muslim side was given a separate piece of land for the construction of the mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mosque, expected to be the biggest in India, will house the biggest Quran in the world with dimensions reading 21 feet high and 36 feet wide, according to&nbsp;Mumbai-based BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh, who has been made chairman of the Masjid Muhammad Bin Abdullah’s Development Committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Beautiful than Taj Mahal</strong></h2>

<p>The mosque will have five minarets symbolising the&nbsp;five pillars of Islam — namely kalima, namaz, roza, Haj and zakat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shaikh added that the mosque will perhaps outshine the Taj Mahal, located in Agra and one of the seven wonders of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It will be more beautiful than the Taj Mahal and people of all faiths will come to see this monument to peace and harmony even if not all of them will pray here.”</p>

<p>The start of the construction of the mosque comes at a time when the Ram Temple is nearing completion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone (Bhumi puja) in August 2020 and over three years later, he will be there to attend the consecration ceremony on January 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-receives-3000-applications-for-20-priest-posts-661188"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Ram temple in Ayodhya receives 3,000 applications for 20 priest posts</strong></a></p>

<p>Champat Rai, general secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, under whose aegis the temple is being constructed, had met PM Modi in October and confirmed that a Lord Ram idol will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum with the BJP leader attending the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The foundation stone for the proposed mosque in the northern Indian city of Ayodhya, replacing the controversial Babari Masjid, albeit at a different place, will be laid by Imam-e-Haram or the Imam who leads namaz at the holy mosque in the precincts that also house the Kaaba in Mecca.

The foundation stone for the proposed mosque in the northern Indian city of Ayodhya, replacing the controversial Babari Masjid, albeit at a different place, will be laid by Imam-e-Haram or the Imam who leads namaz at the holy mosque in the precincts that also house the Kaaba in Mecca. Masjid Mohammad Bin Abdullah is being constructed almost 25 kilometres from Ayodhya on a plot of land that the Uttar Pradesh government gave to the Muslim party as part of the Supreme Court order in the case in 2019. Notably, as part of the judgement, the Hindu side got space over the demolished Babri Masjid to build the new Ram Temple while the Muslim side was given a separate piece of land for the construction of the mosque. The mosque, expected to be the biggest in India, will house the biggest Quran in the world with dimensions reading 21 feet high and 36 feet wide, according to Mumbai-based BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh, who has been made chairman of the Masjid Muhammad Bin Abdullah’s Development Committee. Watch | Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024 Beautiful than Taj Mahal The mosque will have five minarets symbolising the five pillars of Islam — namely kalima, namaz, roza, Haj and zakat. Shaikh added that the mosque will perhaps outshine the Taj Mahal, located in Agra and one of the seven wonders of the world. “It will be more beautiful than the Taj Mahal and people of all faiths will come to see this monument to peace and harmony even if not all of them will pray here.” The start of the construction of the mosque comes at a time when the Ram Temple is nearing completion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone (Bhumi puja) in August 2020 and over three years later, he will be there to attend the consecration ceremony on January 22. Also read | India: Ram temple in Ayodhya receives 3,000 applications for 20 priest posts Champat Rai, general secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, under whose aegis the temple is being constructed, had met PM Modi in October and confirmed that a Lord Ram idol will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum with the BJP leader attending the ceremony. (With inputs from agencies)

Ayodhya mosque's foundation stone to be laid by Imam from Mecca, will 'outshine Taj Mahal'

The much-awaited Ram temple in Ayodhya will open in January next year. Preparations and construction are all underway at a mammoth scale. Meanwhile, Mohit Pandey has been selected as one of the priests for the temple. Here is all you need to know.

Mohit Pandey chosen Ayodhy Ram Mandir priest, inauguration only weeks away | India News | WION

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ram temple on August 5, 2020.

In Pics | India's Ayodhya Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum almost complete

<p>Ahead of the highly-anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir (temple) in Ayodhya, situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has added an illustration depicting the temple on its social media handles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The header of BJP's X (formerly known as Twitter) account depicts an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda&nbsp;with Ram Mandir in the backdrop and the inauguration date of January 22, 2024, written in Hindi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the illustration, BJP's information technology cell head Amit Malviya said the change was in keeping with the recent trend followed during the G20 Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In the run-up to the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, we used images connected to that event, and now with the inauguration of the Ram Temple imminent, we have made this change,” Malviya was quoted as saying by The Hindu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There has been a heightened anticipation amongst the devotees to visit the temple, central to the faith of Hindus. It is believed that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and that a temple lay on the spot before it was razed by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb to build the Babri mosque.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-receives-3000-applications-for-20-priest-posts-661188"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Ram temple in Ayodhya receives 3,000 applications for 20 priest posts</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Ram temple consecration ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>After years of court cases and several controversies, the Indian Supreme Court in 2019, granted the land to the Hindu side to build the temple. PM Modi laid the foundation stone (Bhumi puja) in August 2020 and over three years later, he will be there to attend the consecration ceremony on January 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Champat Rai, general secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, under whose aegis the temple is being constructed, had met PM Modi in October and confirmed that a Lord Ram idol will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum with the BJP leader attending the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-temple-set-to-open-for-public-from-january-2024-652711"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024</strong></a></p>

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<p>Earlier this week,&nbsp;an official from the Teerth Kshetra Trust said they had received over 3,000 applications for 20 priests' posts. Till the last update, 200 people had been selected for the interview which is scheduled to be held at Karsevak Puram, the headquarters of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Ayodhya.</p>

<p dir="ltr">A three-member panel, which comprises a Hindu preacher from Vrindavan, and two chief priests from Ayodhya, has been mandated to complete the hiring process.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ahead of the highly-anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir (temple) in Ayodhya, situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has added an illustration depicting the temple on its social media handles.

Ahead of the highly-anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir (temple) in Ayodhya, situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has added an illustration depicting the temple on its social media handles. The header of BJP's X (formerly known as Twitter) account depicts an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President JP Nadda with Ram Mandir in the backdrop and the inauguration date of January 22, 2024, written in Hindi. Speaking about the illustration, BJP's information technology cell head Amit Malviya said the change was in keeping with the recent trend followed during the G20 Summit. “In the run-up to the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, we used images connected to that event, and now with the inauguration of the Ram Temple imminent, we have made this change,” Malviya was quoted as saying by The Hindu. There has been a heightened anticipation amongst the devotees to visit the temple, central to the faith of Hindus. It is believed that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya and that a temple lay on the spot before it was razed by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb to build the Babri mosque. Also read | India: Ram temple in Ayodhya receives 3,000 applications for 20 priest posts Ram temple consecration ceremony After years of court cases and several controversies, the Indian Supreme Court in 2019, granted the land to the Hindu side to build the temple. PM Modi laid the foundation stone (Bhumi puja) in August 2020 and over three years later, he will be there to attend the consecration ceremony on January 22. Champat Rai, general secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, under whose aegis the temple is being constructed, had met PM Modi in October and confirmed that a Lord Ram idol will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum with the BJP leader attending the ceremony. Watch | Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024 × Earlier this week, an official from the Teerth Kshetra Trust said they had received over 3,000 applications for 20 priests' posts. Till the last update, 200 people had been selected for the interview which is scheduled to be held at Karsevak Puram, the headquarters of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Ayodhya. A three-member panel, which comprises a Hindu preacher from Vrindavan, and two chief priests from Ayodhya, has been mandated to complete the hiring process. (With inputs from agencies)

India's ruling BJP adds Ram temple illustration on social media profiles ahead of inauguration

With shining lamps twinkling light and also a riot of colors India of course is celebrating one of its most important festivals of the year. Diwali opr Deepawali in the northern part of India marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and in the South it marks the birth of Goddess of wealth Laxmi on the new moon day of the Karthk month according to the Hindu calendar. Our next report gets you is what is happening in the holy town of Ayodhya which is the birthplace of Lord Ram.

India celebrates the festival of lights Diwali, also known as Deepawali

In Pics | Ayodhya sets new Guinness world record, lights over 2.23 million earthen lamps

More than two million earthen oil lamps in india's temple town of QAyodhya a day ahead of the hindu festival of lights diwali and set a world record. The three-km-long bank of river Sarayu in the holy city glistened when all the lamps were lit by volunteers and people drawn from various walks of life. Adding to its shine was the grand temple of Lord Ram, which is under construction and will open in January.

Ayodhya sets Guinness record by lighting over 2.4 million diyas

The much-awaited Ram temple in Ayodhya will open in January next year. Preparations and construction are all underway at a mammoth scale. WION's Nikita Singh visited the site and brought a special segment on what to look forward to and the impact it is expected to have on India as a whole.

Ayodhya's Ram Mandir (Temple) set to open for public from January 2024

The long-awaited Ram Temple in Ayodhya is almost ready to open its doors in January. Massive preparations and construction are in full swing. WION's Nikita Singh visited the site to bring you an exclusive sneak peek of what to expect.

Ram temple: Pilgrimage centre for every Indian

<p>The Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the installation of Lord Ram's idol, asking him to place the idol of Lord Ram in the 'Garbhagriha' of the Ram Mandir in the Ayodhya temple on January 22, 2024. Champat Rai, the Trust's general secretary, confirmed this development. Prime Minister Modi also shared the news on his social media account, expressing his profound gratitude for being a part of this historic event.</p>

<p>"Today along with members of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, we met Prime Minister&nbsp; Narendra Modi. We have invited him (PM Modi) to come on January 22 to install the idol of Lord Ram in the Garbhagriha. He has accepted our request. He will be present on January 22. The date for&nbsp;'Pran Pratishtha'&nbsp;on January 22 is confirmed," Champat Rai said.</p>

<p>“Hail Siya Ram! Today is a day full of emotions. Just now the officials of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had come to meet me at my residence. They have&nbsp;invited me to come to Ayodhya on the occasion of consecration of Shri Ram temple. I feel very blessed. It is my good fortune that in my lifetime, I will witness this historic occasion," PM Modi said in a post on X.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ayodhya-deepotsav-scripts-new-guinness-world-record-by-lighting-over-15-million-diyas-527854">Also read |&nbsp;India: Ayodhya Deepotsav scripts new Guinness World Record by lighting over 1.5 million diyas</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">जय सियाराम!<br />
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आज का दिन बहुत भावनाओं से भरा हुआ है। अभी श्रीराम जन्मभूमि तीर्थ क्षेत्र ट्रस्ट के पदाधिकारी मुझसे मेरे निवास स्थान पर मिलने आए थे। उन्होंने मुझे श्रीराम मंदिर में प्राण-प्रतिष्ठा के अवसर पर अयोध्या आने के लिए निमंत्रित किया है।<br />
<br />
मैं खुद को बहुत धन्य महसूस कर रहा… <a href="https://t.co/rc801AraIn">pic.twitter.com/rc801AraIn</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1717183441580802330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Legal battle </strong></h2>

<p>The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya started after a prolonged legal battle that culminated with the Supreme Court's ruling in 2019, clearing the path for the temple's construction. The&nbsp;construction of Ram Temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram&nbsp;in Ayodhya was a significant electoral pledge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;led by Narendra Modi. Following the Supreme Court's verdict, the government established the 'Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra' Trust, charged with making all decisions related to the temple's construction.</p>

<p>Additionally,&nbsp;Muslims have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the mosque's construction progress and called for a change in the trustees of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation. Despite plans to install Lord Ram's idol in the temple in January, the foundation stone for the mosque has not been laid yet.</p>

<p>Notably, the ground-level construction of the three-story Ram temple is now concluded, and the temple trust has set January 14, Makar Sankranti, for the commencement of Ram Lalla's consecration.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ayodhya ram temple to devotees before Jan 26</strong></p>

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<p>Prime Minister Modi laid the temple's foundation stone on August 5, and construction work is progressing swiftly. The idol of Ram Lalla is scheduled to be enshrined in the temple's inner sanctum on January 22, 2024.</p>


The Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the installation of Lord Ram's idol, asking him to place the idol of Lord Ram in the 'Garbhagriha' of the Ram Mandir in the Ayodhya temple on January 22, 2024.

The Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the installation of Lord Ram's idol, asking him to place the idol of Lord Ram in the 'Garbhagriha' of the Ram Mandir in the Ayodhya temple on January 22, 2024. Champat Rai, the Trust's general secretary, confirmed this development. Prime Minister Modi also shared the news on his social media account, expressing his profound gratitude for being a part of this historic event. "Today along with members of Shri Ram Janambhoomi Trust, we met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have invited him (PM Modi) to come on January 22 to install the idol of Lord Ram in the Garbhagriha. He has accepted our request. He will be present on January 22. The date for 'Pran Pratishtha' on January 22 is confirmed," Champat Rai said. “Hail Siya Ram! Today is a day full of emotions. Just now the officials of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had come to meet me at my residence. They have invited me to come to Ayodhya on the occasion of consecration of Shri Ram temple. I feel very blessed. It is my good fortune that in my lifetime, I will witness this historic occasion," PM Modi said in a post on X. Also read | India: Ayodhya Deepotsav scripts new Guinness World Record by lighting over 1.5 million diyas जय सियाराम! आज का दिन बहुत भावनाओं से भरा हुआ है। अभी श्रीराम जन्मभूमि तीर्थ क्षेत्र ट्रस्ट के पदाधिकारी मुझसे मेरे निवास स्थान पर मिलने आए थे। उन्होंने मुझे श्रीराम मंदिर में प्राण-प्रतिष्ठा के अवसर पर अयोध्या आने के लिए निमंत्रित किया है। मैं खुद को बहुत धन्य महसूस कर रहा… pic.twitter.com/rc801AraIn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 25, 2023 × Legal battle The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya started after a prolonged legal battle that culminated with the Supreme Court's ruling in 2019, clearing the path for the temple's construction. The construction of Ram Temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya was a significant electoral pledge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi. Following the Supreme Court's verdict, the government established the 'Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Tirtha Kshetra' Trust, charged with making all decisions related to the temple's construction. Additionally, Muslims have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the mosque's construction progress and called for a change in the trustees of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation. Despite plans to install Lord Ram's idol in the temple in January, the foundation stone for the mosque has not been laid yet. Notably, the ground-level construction of the three-story Ram temple is now concluded, and the temple trust has set January 14, Makar Sankranti, for the commencement of Ram Lalla's consecration. Also watch | Ayodhya ram temple to devotees before Jan 26 Prime Minister Modi laid the temple's foundation stone on August 5, and construction work is progressing swiftly. The idol of Ram Lalla is scheduled to be enshrined in the temple's inner sanctum on January 22, 2024.

India: PM Modi to attend installation of Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya temple in historic ceremony on Jan 22

<p>More than 1.5 million earthen lamps (diyas) were lit on Sunday (October 23) at the "Ram ki Paidi" during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, which is in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh. A new Guinness World Record for the "largest display of oil lamps" was set when earthen lights were lit along the banks of the Saryu river.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the eve of Diwali, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the "Deepotsav" celebrations in Ayodhya— the Ram Janmabhoomi. At the New Ghat on the Saryu River near Ayodhya, PM Modi offered "aarti."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The teachers and students of Awadh University, Ayodhya contributed largely to creating the record and when it was announced by the representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records, the city echoed with the chants of "Jai Shri Ram". Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister received the certificate, and the Prime Minister congratulated him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diwali-special-not-just-india-these-countries-also-celebrate-the-festival-425785">Diwali special: Not just India, these countries also celebrate the festival</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya witnesses laser show as lakhs of earthen lamps light up the Saryu river. <a href="https://t.co/pn4ohYmzpg">pic.twitter.com/pn4ohYmzpg</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1584180527350706176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya witnesses laser show as lakhs of earthen lamps light up the Saryu river. <a href="https://t.co/pn4ohYmzpg">pic.twitter.com/pn4ohYmzpg</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1584180527350706176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Grand <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepotsav</a>🪔held in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ayodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ayodhya</a> on the banks of River Saryu on the eve of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepavali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepavali</a>.<br />
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Ghats of holy river Saryu illuminated with the light of more than 15 Lakh earthen lamps🪔. A WORLD RECORD 🪔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMinAyodhya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMinAyodhya</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Deepavali2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Deepavali2022</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AyodhyaDeepotsav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AyodhyaDeepotsav</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Diwali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Diwali</a> <a href="https://t.co/SogzgKW5K8">pic.twitter.com/SogzgKW5K8</a></p>
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1584191429567746048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>PM Modi addresses a gathering&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>While addressing thousands of people, PM Modi said Lord Ram is like a beacon for the entire world. He said, "We begin our celebration with the declaration of 'Satyamev Jayate'. This celebration will revive the ethos of cultural India. Today is the day of a ray of hope, a ray of humankind, a ray of Janbhagidari, a ray of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Lord Rama is the giver of light to the whole world. He is like a beacon for the entire world. From Deep to Deepawali, this is the philosophy of India, this is the thought of India, this is the eternal culture of India. Deepawali diyas are the living energy of India`s ideals, values and philosophy," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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More than 1.5 million earthen lamps (diyas) were lit on Sunday (October 23) at the "Ram ki Paidi" during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, which is in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

More than 1.5 million earthen lamps (diyas) were lit on Sunday (October 23) at the "Ram ki Paidi" during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, which is in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh. A new Guinness World Record for the "largest display of oil lamps" was set when earthen lights were lit along the banks of the Saryu river. On the eve of Diwali, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the "Deepotsav" celebrations in Ayodhya— the Ram Janmabhoomi. At the New Ghat on the Saryu River near Ayodhya, PM Modi offered "aarti." The teachers and students of Awadh University, Ayodhya contributed largely to creating the record and when it was announced by the representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records, the city echoed with the chants of "Jai Shri Ram". Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister received the certificate, and the Prime Minister congratulated him. ALSO READ | Diwali special: Not just India, these countries also celebrate the festival #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya witnesses laser show as lakhs of earthen lamps light up the Saryu river. pic.twitter.com/pn4ohYmzpg — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2022 × #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya witnesses laser show as lakhs of earthen lamps light up the Saryu river. pic.twitter.com/pn4ohYmzpg — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2022 × Grand #Deepotsav🪔held in #Ayodhya on the banks of River Saryu on the eve of #Deepavali. Ghats of holy river Saryu illuminated with the light of more than 15 Lakh earthen lamps🪔. A WORLD RECORD 🪔#PMinAyodhya | #Deepavali2022 | #AyodhyaDeepotsav | #Diwali pic.twitter.com/SogzgKW5K8 — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 23, 2022 × PM Modi addresses a gathering While addressing thousands of people, PM Modi said Lord Ram is like a beacon for the entire world. He said, "We begin our celebration with the declaration of 'Satyamev Jayate'. This celebration will revive the ethos of cultural India. Today is the day of a ray of hope, a ray of humankind, a ray of Janbhagidari, a ray of Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas." "Lord Rama is the giver of light to the whole world. He is like a beacon for the entire world. From Deep to Deepawali, this is the philosophy of India, this is the thought of India, this is the eternal culture of India. Deepawali diyas are the living energy of India`s ideals, values and philosophy," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Ayodhya Deepotsav scripts new Guinness World Record by lighting over 1.5 million diyas

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali, the festival of lights, where he inaugurated the grand 'Deepotsava celebrations'. Millions of diyas were lit in the town which is widely believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama.

India's Ayodhya turns into sparkling utopia on Diwali eve, over 1.5 mn diyas lit on Saryu's banks

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">As part of the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, the north Indian city of Ayodhya set a new Guinness World Record by lighting 900,000 oil lamps and keeping them blazing for at least 45 minutes.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">Hindus believe the deity Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">According to Hindu epic Ramayana, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Laxmana to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile and defeating the demon king Raavana.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">As dusk fell Wednesday in Ayodhya, thousands of volunteers lighted diyas along the Saryu river's banks, along roads, and at homes.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">Last year, the city lit&nbsp;606,569 oil lamps.&nbsp;</p>

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<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">Guinness World Records representatives presented Yogi Adityanath, the state's chief minister, with a certificate after watching the event with drone-mounted cameras, according to Uttar Pradesh government spokesperson Shishir Kumar.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As part of the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, the north Indian city of Ayodhya set a new Guinness World Record by lighting 900,000 oil lamps and keeping them blazing for at least 45 minutes.

As part of the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, the north Indian city of Ayodhya set a new Guinness World Record by lighting 900,000 oil lamps and keeping them blazing for at least 45 minutes. Hindus believe the deity Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya. According to Hindu epic Ramayana, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Laxmana to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile and defeating the demon king Raavana. As dusk fell Wednesday in Ayodhya, thousands of volunteers lighted diyas along the Saryu river's banks, along roads, and at homes. Last year, the city lit 606,569 oil lamps. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × Guinness World Records representatives presented Yogi Adityanath, the state's chief minister, with a certificate after watching the event with drone-mounted cameras, according to Uttar Pradesh government spokesperson Shishir Kumar. (With inputs from agencies)

Diwali in Ayodhya: Indian holy city lights record number of oil lamps

<p>Actor Akshay Kumar will be heading to Ayodhya soon for the mahurat shot of his upcoming film "Ram Setu".<br />
<br />
The actor will reach Ayodhya on March 18 along with the film`s director Abhishek Sharma and creative producer Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi. It was the Dwivedi who came up with the idea of shooting the mahurat shot at Ayodhya,<br />
<br />
"What better way to embark upon the journey of `Ram Setu` than to kick-off at the very birth place of Lord Ram. Having visited Ayodhya several times myself, I suggested to Akshay and the team that we should launch the production schedule with blessings from the holy temple of Lord Ram. We are scheduled to hold our mahurat shot in Ayodhya and commence our filming on an auspicious note," says Dwivedi.<br />
<br />
Sharma reveals that Akshay will be seen in a new avatar. "Akshay sir plays an archaeologist and his look and character is inspired by several Indian and international professional archaeologists who work in the field. In terms of both look and character, Akshay sir`s fans are in for a totally new avatar," he says.<br />
<br />
The film also stars actresses Jacqueline Fernandez and Nushrratt Bharuccha. Talking about their roles in the film, the director says: "They both play strong, independent women with well-etched out parts. We are keeping their looks under wraps for now!"<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Sharma adds that Akshay came on board with the film almost instantly.<br />
<br />
"I first read newspaper coverage about a court case related to a project to build a shipping canal in the shallow straits between India and Sri Lanka and the issues that the project was facing. I found this to be an opportunity to explore the truth behind an Indian legend and was amazed at the magnitude of the subject. It`s like I was being presented with the possibility to bring forward a true story that would connect generations of Indians to a part of our heritage that was not getting the attention it deserved. I pitched the first draft of the screenplay to Akshay sir and he immediately came on-board," says Sharma.<br />
<br />
The film will be shot at multiple locations while 80 percent of it will be based in Mumbai.<br />
<br />
Producer Vikram Malhotra says that all Covid protocols are in place for the shoot.<br />
<br />
"For `Ram Setu`, there will be strict protocols in place, including travel and stay bio-bubbles, frequent health checks and a professional agency on-board to manage these protocols all through. Given the complexity of the story and ensuing locations, VFX etc, the production will be spread across multiple schedules over the next few months," he says.<br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Actor Akshay Kumar will be heading to Ayodhya soon for the mahurat shot of his upcoming film "Ram Setu". The actor will reach Ayodhya on March 18 along with the film`s director Abhishek Sharma and creative producer Dr.

Actor Akshay Kumar will be heading to Ayodhya soon for the mahurat shot of his upcoming film "Ram Setu". The actor will reach Ayodhya on March 18 along with the film`s director Abhishek Sharma and creative producer Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi. It was the Dwivedi who came up with the idea of shooting the mahurat shot at Ayodhya, "What better way to embark upon the journey of `Ram Setu` than to kick-off at the very birth place of Lord Ram. Having visited Ayodhya several times myself, I suggested to Akshay and the team that we should launch the production schedule with blessings from the holy temple of Lord Ram. We are scheduled to hold our mahurat shot in Ayodhya and commence our filming on an auspicious note," says Dwivedi. Sharma reveals that Akshay will be seen in a new avatar. "Akshay sir plays an archaeologist and his look and character is inspired by several Indian and international professional archaeologists who work in the field. In terms of both look and character, Akshay sir`s fans are in for a totally new avatar," he says. The film also stars actresses Jacqueline Fernandez and Nushrratt Bharuccha. Talking about their roles in the film, the director says: "They both play strong, independent women with well-etched out parts. We are keeping their looks under wraps for now!" Meanwhile, Sharma adds that Akshay came on board with the film almost instantly. "I first read newspaper coverage about a court case related to a project to build a shipping canal in the shallow straits between India and Sri Lanka and the issues that the project was facing. I found this to be an opportunity to explore the truth behind an Indian legend and was amazed at the magnitude of the subject. It`s like I was being presented with the possibility to bring forward a true story that would connect generations of Indians to a part of our heritage that was not getting the attention it deserved. I pitched the first draft of the screenplay to Akshay sir and he immediately came on-board," says Sharma. The film will be shot at multiple locations while 80 percent of it will be based in Mumbai. Producer Vikram Malhotra says that all Covid protocols are in place for the shoot. "For `Ram Setu`, there will be strict protocols in place, including travel and stay bio-bubbles, frequent health checks and a professional agency on-board to manage these protocols all through. Given the complexity of the story and ensuing locations, VFX etc, the production will be spread across multiple schedules over the next few months," he says.

Akshay Kumar to shoot 'Ram Setu' mahurat shot in Ayodhya

<p>The under-construction Ram temple in Ayodhya will be strong enough to withstand earthquakes or even if the Saryu river changes course.</p>

<p>All technical experts including IIT engineers are busy brainstorming to boost the temple construction, which is said to be 1,000 years old. Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, told IANS on Wednesday that all the homework is being done for the construction of the temple.</p>

<p>As Ayodhya is situated on the banks of Saryu river, when the remains of the temple were excavated, crumbly sand emerged creating a challenge for laying the foundation. Asked about this, Rai said, "This challenge has been accepted by the Indian engineers. The river has a bank and the river may change course. Earthquakes may occur in the future. Below is the crumbly sand. Taking all these things seriously, experts are preparing for strong construction."</p>

<p>Rai said, "Sand has been found up to 60 metres below the proposed site for construction of the temple. We have also asked for photos from ISRO. It has been revealed that Saryu river has changed direction five times. The river may change direction in the next 500 years also. The temple construction committee is taking all these things into account."</p>

<p>Rai said, "There was brainstorming of experts on this subject. It has been decided that the way a dam wall is built, that method should be adopted for the construction of the temple foundation."</p>

<p>"Engineers at IIT-Bombay, Delhi, Chennai, and Guwahati, experts from Larsen &amp; Toubro and Tata are working on drawing up a strong foundation for the temple. We expect the foundation to be built in the next 2-3 days. The map will also be ready."</p>

<p>The Ram temple will be constructed with stones. The height of each floor will be 20 feet, length 360 feet and width 235 feet. The construction work is under the supervision of Nripendra Mishra, former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Rai, who is also vice-president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, told IANS that a grand Ram temple would be completed in Ayodhya in the next three years. The map of the temple will be wider than the old map, because now more land is available.</p>


The under-construction Ram temple in Ayodhya will be strong enough to withstand earthquakes or even if the Saryu river changes course. All technical experts including IIT engineers are busy brainstorming to boost the temple construction, which is said to be 1,000 years old.

The under-construction Ram temple in Ayodhya will be strong enough to withstand earthquakes or even if the Saryu river changes course. All technical experts including IIT engineers are busy brainstorming to boost the temple construction, which is said to be 1,000 years old. Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, told IANS on Wednesday that all the homework is being done for the construction of the temple. As Ayodhya is situated on the banks of Saryu river, when the remains of the temple were excavated, crumbly sand emerged creating a challenge for laying the foundation. Asked about this, Rai said, "This challenge has been accepted by the Indian engineers. The river has a bank and the river may change course. Earthquakes may occur in the future. Below is the crumbly sand. Taking all these things seriously, experts are preparing for strong construction." Rai said, "Sand has been found up to 60 metres below the proposed site for construction of the temple. We have also asked for photos from ISRO. It has been revealed that Saryu river has changed direction five times. The river may change direction in the next 500 years also. The temple construction committee is taking all these things into account." Rai said, "There was brainstorming of experts on this subject. It has been decided that the way a dam wall is built, that method should be adopted for the construction of the temple foundation." "Engineers at IIT-Bombay, Delhi, Chennai, and Guwahati, experts from Larsen & Toubro and Tata are working on drawing up a strong foundation for the temple. We expect the foundation to be built in the next 2-3 days. The map will also be ready." The Ram temple will be constructed with stones. The height of each floor will be 20 feet, length 360 feet and width 235 feet. The construction work is under the supervision of Nripendra Mishra, former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rai, who is also vice-president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, told IANS that a grand Ram temple would be completed in Ayodhya in the next three years. The map of the temple will be wider than the old map, because now more land is available.

'Ram temple to be built to withstand quakes, even if Saryu changes course'

<p>The mosque to come up in Ayodhya pursuant to the Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case may have a shape that is different from the traditional shape of mosques and will not be named after any emperor or king.</p>

<p>Secretary and spokesperson of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) Athar Hussain told PTI on Sunday, "A mosque measuring 15,000 square feet will be built in Dhannipur village. It will be of the same size as that of the Babri mosque. The shape of the mosque may be completely different from that of other mosques. It may be square-shaped like the Kaaba Sharif in Mecca, as hinted by architect SM Akhtar."</p>

<p>To a question on whether the mosque at Dhannipur will have no domes or minarets like the Kaaba Sharif, Mr Hussain said it could be a possibility.</p>

<p>He said the architect has been given a free hand in this regard.</p>

<p>"The mosque will not be named Babri Masjid. It will not be named after any king or emperor. My personal opinion is that it should be called the Dhannipur Masjid," Hussain said.</p>

<p>He also informed that the trust is making its portal so that people can donate for the mosque and the museum, hospital and research centre which will be built inside the complex. Write-ups by national and international Islamic scholars will also appear on the portal.</p>

<p>He said some work on the portal is yet to be completed and hence, donation is yet to begin.</p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board has formed the IICF, a trust, for the construction of the mosque on a five-acre plot.</p>

<p>The state government has allotted the five-acre plot in Ayodhya's Dhannipur for the construction of the mosque on the directive of the top court.</p>

<p>After a protracted legal tussle, the Supreme Court, on November 9 last year, ruled in favour of the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and directed the Centre to allot an alternative five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a "prominent" place in the holy town in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>The Babri mosque in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992 by "karsevaks", who claimed that an ancient Ram temple stood at the same site.</p>


The mosque to come up in Ayodhya pursuant to the Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case may have a shape that is different from the traditional shape of mosques and will not be named after any emperor or king.

The mosque to come up in Ayodhya pursuant to the Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case may have a shape that is different from the traditional shape of mosques and will not be named after any emperor or king. Secretary and spokesperson of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) Athar Hussain told PTI on Sunday, "A mosque measuring 15,000 square feet will be built in Dhannipur village. It will be of the same size as that of the Babri mosque. The shape of the mosque may be completely different from that of other mosques. It may be square-shaped like the Kaaba Sharif in Mecca, as hinted by architect SM Akhtar." To a question on whether the mosque at Dhannipur will have no domes or minarets like the Kaaba Sharif, Mr Hussain said it could be a possibility. He said the architect has been given a free hand in this regard. "The mosque will not be named Babri Masjid. It will not be named after any king or emperor. My personal opinion is that it should be called the Dhannipur Masjid," Hussain said. He also informed that the trust is making its portal so that people can donate for the mosque and the museum, hospital and research centre which will be built inside the complex. Write-ups by national and international Islamic scholars will also appear on the portal. He said some work on the portal is yet to be completed and hence, donation is yet to begin. The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board has formed the IICF, a trust, for the construction of the mosque on a five-acre plot. The state government has allotted the five-acre plot in Ayodhya's Dhannipur for the construction of the mosque on the directive of the top court. After a protracted legal tussle, the Supreme Court, on November 9 last year, ruled in favour of the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya and directed the Centre to allot an alternative five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a "prominent" place in the holy town in Uttar Pradesh. The Babri mosque in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992 by "karsevaks", who claimed that an ancient Ram temple stood at the same site.

Ayodhya mosque's shape can be like Mecca's Kaaba: Trust official 

<p>Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a few weeks ago, had made a bizarre claim that "real Ayodhya lies in Nepal, not in India". He has now outdone himself, and has gone steps further to validate his belief.</p>

<p>Oli has directed to start work on a certain "Ram Janmabhumi Ayodhya Dham", the so-called birthplace of Lord Ram, by making a comprehensive master plan.</p>

<p>He gave the instructions during a meeting with the Chief of Madi Municipality of Chitwan and other people’s representatives at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Saturday.</p>

<p>Not only this, desperately seeking to prove that Lord Ram was a Nepali (and not Indian), he has mentioned that Ram Navami will be celebrated with grandeur by placing idols of Ram, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman in Ayodhyapuri.</p>

<p>It may be pointed out that Goddess Sita is believed to have been born in Nepal's Janakpuri. Every year ‘Ram Baraat’ (wedding procession of Lord Ram) from Ayodhya leaves for Janakpuri with much fanfare.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Lord Ram&nbsp;native place controversy in an extension to what transpired on the geographical level.</p>

<p>In June, Nepal cleared a constitution amendment bill to reflect a new map in the national emblem. This map shows Indian territories Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal.</p>


Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a few weeks ago, had made a bizarre claim that "real Ayodhya lies in Nepal, not in India". He has now outdone himself, and has gone steps further to validate his belief.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a few weeks ago, had made a bizarre claim that "real Ayodhya lies in Nepal, not in India". He has now outdone himself, and has gone steps further to validate his belief. Oli has directed to start work on a certain "Ram Janmabhumi Ayodhya Dham", the so-called birthplace of Lord Ram, by making a comprehensive master plan. He gave the instructions during a meeting with the Chief of Madi Municipality of Chitwan and other people’s representatives at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Saturday. Not only this, desperately seeking to prove that Lord Ram was a Nepali (and not Indian), he has mentioned that Ram Navami will be celebrated with grandeur by placing idols of Ram, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman in Ayodhyapuri. It may be pointed out that Goddess Sita is believed to have been born in Nepal's Janakpuri. Every year ‘Ram Baraat’ (wedding procession of Lord Ram) from Ayodhya leaves for Janakpuri with much fanfare. The Lord Ram native place controversy in an extension to what transpired on the geographical level. In June, Nepal cleared a constitution amendment bill to reflect a new map in the national emblem. This map shows Indian territories Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal.

Nepal PM's bizarre plan: To celebrate Ram Navami by starting work on Ayodhya Dham

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli to inaugurate Ram Janmabhoomi site in Nepal

<p>The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-sanitisation-underway-in-ayodhya-before-ram-temple-foundation-laying-ceremony-318200">Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony</a></p>

<p>Strict security and COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the temple. PM Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanuman Garhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi poojan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) had informed on Tuesday.</p>

<p>He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release a commemorative postage stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.Invitations have been sent to 175 people, including 135 saints of 35 religious organisations to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram temple.&nbsp;</p>


The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit.

The Saryu Ghat was seen decorated ahead of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday. In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sanitisation work was also done at the Hanuman Garhi temple in the morning ahead of the Prime Minister`s visit. Also read: Live blog: Ayodhya gears for Ram Temple foundation laying ceremony Strict security and COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the temple. PM Modi will perform `pooja` at Hanuman Garhi and Shree Ramlala Virajman before performing `bhoomi poojan` of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) had informed on Tuesday. He will unveil a plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone and also release a commemorative postage stamp on `Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir`.Invitations have been sent to 175 people, including 135 saints of 35 religious organisations to attend the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ram temple.

COVID-19 protocols in place as Ayodhya gets ready for grand Ram Temple ceremony

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