The idol of Lord Ram, standing at 51 inches tall and weighing 1.5 tonnes, radiates the innocence of a child, as announced by Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust.
The Ram Lalla idol is slated for worship from January 16 and will be placed in the sanctum sanctorum on January 18.
The idol of Lord Ram, standing at 51 inches tall and weighing 1.5 tonnes, radiates the innocence of a child, as announced by Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust.
Scheduled to be worshipped from January 16, the idol will find its place in the sanctum sanctorum on January 18.
Rai emphasized the unique ritual reportedly stating, “Every year on Ramnavmi, sunrays will illuminate the idol’s forehead at 12 noon.”
“The length of Lord Shri Ram’s idol and the height of its installation have been designed in such a way on the advice of eminent space scientists of India that every year on Ram Navami, the ninth date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month, Lord Surya himself will anoint Shri Ram as sunrays will directly fall on his forehead at 12 noon making it shine,” Rai further explained.
Crafted by three sculptors, the selected idol, weighing 1.5 tonnes and measuring 51 inches from foot to forehead, embodies the divinity of Lord Vishnu and the innocence of a five-year-old child.
According to a News 18 report, Rai highlighted the softness of the face, the look in the eyes, the smile, and the overall craftsmanship of the head, crown, and aura while describing the meticulous detailing of the idol.
The consecration ritual is set to commence on January 16, with Lord Ram taking his place on the throne in the sanctum sanctorum on January 18. The ground floor of the temple will house only this specific idol, unveiling on January 22.
Idols of Lord Ram’s brothers, Sita, and Hanuman will be placed on the first floor of the temple after eight months, once it is ready.
One of the distinctive features of the Lord Ram idol is its resilience to water and milk, as Rai assured that neither would have any adverse effects on the stone, even if consumed.
Highlighting additional elements of the Ram Temple complex, Rai reportedly mentioned the forthcoming construction of temples dedicated to various revered figures, including Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashishtha, and Devi Ahilya.
The temple's architecture, inspired by South Indian temples, marks a departure from the construction norms observed in North India over the past three centuries. Rai emphasized the longevity of the temple’s materials, employing granite to resist moisture absorption and avoiding the use of iron to prevent weakening.
Expressing personal significance, Rai declared January 22, 2024, as crucial as August 15, 1947. He urged the nation to celebrate with grand pujas in five lakh temples and encouraged the lighting of at least five lamps outside every Sanatani’s house in the evening.
Rai assured that the temple doors would remain open until all visitors have had darshan, even extending into midnight.