Ram Mandir Inauguration: Schedule Of Rituals Of Ayodhya Temple

The consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, will be presided over by Pt Laxmikant Mathuranath Dixit, an 86-year-old Vedic scholar from Varanasi.

Interestingly, Dixit has a close connection to Chhatrapati Shivaji's coronation in 1674, a significant historical event for India that occurred almost 350 years ago, according to a report in The Times of India.

A scholar in the ancient traditions of Vedic rituals, Pt Laxmikant Mathuranath Dixit can trace his lineage back to the renowned 17th-century Kashi scholar Gaga Bhatt. Gaga Bhatt played a crucial role in presiding over Shivaji's ascension as the leader of Hindavi Swarajya, representing an independent Maratha state.

Starting from January 16, Pt Laxmikant Mathuranath Dixit, along with 121 other scholars proficient in all branches of the Vedas, including over 40 from Kashi, will conduct a series of rituals. These ceremonies will culminate in the consecration of the deity Ram Lalla exactly seven days later.

Here is the schedule of rituals:

January 16: On this date, a 'Mahapujan' will be conducted, with Vedic Scholars led by Laxmikant overseeing rituals such as Sarva Prayashchit homam, Dashvid snan.

January 17: The day will feature rituals like Jalyatra, Tirth, and Kalash Pujan, followed by the Kalash Yatra.

January 18: Important rituals, including Pradhan Sankalp, Ganeshambika Pujan, Mandap Pravesh, and Yajnabhumi Pujan, will take place.

January 19: This day will witness Devta Pujan, the recital of all branches of the Vedas, Adhivasan, Kundpujan, natural fire for havan, Jaladhivas (immersing the idol in water), and other pre-consecration rituals.

January 20: Vastupujan of the temple will be performed on this day amid the chanting of Vedic mantras.

January 21: The idol of Ram Lalla will be bathed with water from various pilgrimage sites and holy rivers, followed by Mahapuja and Nagarbhraman (taking the idol through the city). Subsequently, the idol will be brought to Yajna Mandap for Shaiyyadhivas, Tatvanyas, Mahanyas, and other rituals.

January 22: The afternoon of this day marks the Devpranpratishtha (consecration), followed by Mahapujan, Aarti, and Purnahuti.