The sacred city of Ayodhya is preparing for a momentous religious event as the second Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Darbar is set to take place on June 5, 2025, at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. This auspicious occasion will see the installation of the idols of Raja Ram, Mata Sita, Lord Hanuman, and Lakshman on the first floor of the temple complex. The three-day celebration, starting June 3, will culminate with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presiding over the key rituals on the day that also coincides with his 53rd birthday. The event promises to be a grand spiritual gathering with traditional ceremonies and meticulous arrangements ensuring the sanctity and security of the temple.
Elaborate Rituals and Devotional Ceremonies
The second Pran Pratishtha will follow the first, which was held in January 2024, when the ‘baal roop’ or child form of Lord Ram was consecrated. This time, the ceremony focuses on Raja Ram, marking the reinstallation of the divine king’s idols. The rituals are organized by the Anjaneya Sewa Trust and are scheduled to begin at 11 am. The event will feature Vedic chanting, havan (sacred fire ritual), and the ceremonial ‘uncovering of the eyes’ of the idols by CM Yogi Adityanath himself. The idols, carved from pristine white marble sourced from Jaipur, Rajasthan, will be seated on an intricately sculpted two-foot-high marble throne. Alongside Lord Ram and Mata Sita, idols of Hanuman and Lakshman will also be installed in a sitting posture. The idols will be dressed in finely crafted robes adorned with zari work, precious stones, and bejewelled crowns, designed by acclaimed costume designer Manish Tiwari.
Security and Arrangements for Devotees
Security at the temple is tight, with CRPF, SSF, and PAC personnel deployed, alongside a verification process for residents of nearby unauthorized settlements. Despite the heightened security, devotees are allowed routine darshan, although access to the first floor where the idols are placed will be limited to maintain sanctity. The temple architecture itself is a masterpiece, built in the traditional Nagara style, with walls displaying detailed sculptures of Hindu deities. On the second floor, visitors will find a multi-language display of the Ramayana, including the oldest known versions of the epic. To commemorate the occasion, over 62,000 boxes of specially prepared prasad, featuring unique sweets like chickpea and moong dal barfi, are being dispatched from Lucknow.
This sacred event in Ayodhya continues to deepen the spiritual and cultural significance of the Ram Mandir, attracting devotees and dignitaries alike to partake in the reverence and celebration of Lord Ram’s divine presence.
