Ram Temple Inauguration: What Is 'Pran Pratishtha' And How It Is Performed?

The idol of Lord Ram will be installed at the newly-built Ram Temple with a consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22. The entire nation is excited about the inauguration and many influential personalities from across the globe are anticipated to attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony.

What is 'Pran Pratishtha'?

The term 'Pran' denotes life force and 'Pratishtha' means establishment. In essence, it means giving life to the idol. The ritual is popular among Jainism and Hinduism. The idol is installed at a sacred place after sanctification.

The 'Adhivas'

At this stage, the idol is submerged in various materials. The idol is kept in water for one night, this is called 'Jaladhivas'. In the next stage, the idol is submerged in grain, this is called 'Dhanyadhivas'. These dips are performed for two different reasons.

Dr Sunder Narayan Jha, professor at the Department of Veda at the Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, New Delhi, told The Indian Express that when an idol is designed, it sustains various injuries from the craftsman's tools. The dips are meant to heal up all the injuries.

Dr Dipakbhai Jyotishacharya, who runs the Parashar Jyotishalaya in Gujarat's Vapi, said, if the idol has any stone of not great quality then it will be found out during the submersion.

Ritual bath

The idol is given a ritual bath and its 'abhishek' is performed with various materials.

Opening of the eyes

At this stage, several mantras are chanted, asking Gods to come and animate its various parts- 'Soorya' the eyes, 'Vayu' the ears, 'Chandra' the mind and many more.

Then 'anjan', somewhat like 'Kohl', is put around the deity's eyes with a gold needle. This particular step is carried out from behind, as it is assumed that if one looks directly into God's eyes then her/his brilliance can be too much to take.

After applying 'anjan', the deity's eyes open and come to life. Now God can receive the devotees.

At last, devotees perform prayers and food is offered.

Where these rituals are mentioned?

The 'Pran Pratishtha' process is mentioned in the 'Vedas' and explained in 'Puranas' such as 'Matsya Puran', 'Vaman Puran', 'Narad Puran', etc.

Why it is important?

It is considered that before the process of 'Pran Pratishtha', every idol is like any other decorative figurine and so through 'Pran Pratishtha', special powers are infused to transform the idol into the deity.