Ayodhya Ram Mandir – Pran-Pratishtha anniversary to be celebrated as ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’
Ayodhya Dham.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced that the first anniversary of the Pran-Pratishtha of Ram Lalla’s 51-inch murti will be celebrated with great grandeur on January 11, 2025, in alignment with the Hindu calendar. This date, observed as Paush Shukla Dwadashi (Kurma Dwadashi), reflects the Trust’s commitment to honouring Hindu traditions and rituals. The announcement was made following a key meeting of the Trust, held at Mani Ram Das Chhawani in Ayodhya.
The Pran-Pratishtha, held on January 22, 2024, was a momentous occasion that marked the installation of Shri Ram Lalla’s murti in the sanctum sanctorum of the newly constructed Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
According to the Trust’s General Secretary, Champat Rai, the decision was made after extensive consultations with pandits, aligning with Hindu customs of celebrating festivals based on the Panchang. “The first anniversary will be celebrated as Pratishtha Dwadashi on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, which falls on January 11 in 2025. This practice respects our ancient traditions and connects devotees more deeply with our cultural roots,” he explained.
The meeting, presided over by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, saw significant deliberations and announcements related to the temple’s development and upcoming festivities.
Key Decisions and Announcements…..
Permanent Pilgrim Facilities: To enhance the experience for the millions of devotees visiting the Mandir, a 9-meter wide and 600-meter-long permanent shed will replace the temporary German hangers. This will provide protection from heat and rain throughout the year.
A state-of-the-art healthcare facility spanning 3,000 square meters will be established near the Yatri Seva Kendra. Equipped with modern amenities, including ultrasound services, this center will cater to both pilgrims and local residents.
Progress on Mandir Construction: The Sapt Mandal Mandir, a key component of the mandir complex, is scheduled for completion by March 2025.
The Sheshavatar Mandir will follow by August 2025, with the Parakota set for completion in October 2025.
A rigorous six-month training program for Mandir pandits has concluded, ensuring they are well-versed in Vedic rituals and mandir protocols. Certified pandits will serve across 18 temples in a rotational system. Rules for pandit appointments, including guidelines for abstention during periods of ritual impurity, were also approved.
New Infrastructure Inaugurations: Mahant Nritya Gopal Das inaugurated the construction of a 500-capacity auditorium, guest house, and Trust office at the southern corner of the Mandir campus.
The Trust plans to organise a grand celebration on January 11, 2025, to mark the first anniversary of the Pran-Pratishtha. The day will feature elaborate Vedic rituals, cultural performances, and devotional activities to commemorate the sanctity of the occasion.
The shift from the Gregorian calendar date (January 22, 2024) to the Hindu calendar date (Paush Shukla Dwadashi) underscores the Trust’s effort to reconnect devotees with Bharat’s ancient cultural practices. This parallels Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, which are celebrated as per lunar calculations, fostering a deeper spiritual resonance.
The celebrations of Pratishtha Dwadashi are expected to further elevate Ayodhya’s status as a beacon of Hindu faith and tradition.
