Ayodhya: The sacred idol of Ram Lalla made its way to the Ayodhya temple during the late hours of Wednesday evening. Using a crane, the intricately carved black stone idol, crafted by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj and weighing approximately 150-200 kg, was carefully lifted from the truck that accompanied a procession to the temple. The procession, which included a symbolic pause at the Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya, marked a moment of significance.

Subsequently, an image captured the poignant moment as the idol was gently placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, with attentive workers overseeing the ritual. Prior to the idol’s placement, a special puja was conducted in the sanctum sanctorum, adding an extra layer of sanctity to the proceedings. This symbolic journey culminated in preparation for the upcoming ‘Pran Pratistha‘ ceremony.

Shri Ram Mandir Construction Committee chairperson Nripendra Mishra stated that the installation of the idol in the sanctum sanctorum is anticipated on Thursday. The idol was introduced inside the temple for the first time on Wednesday, signifying the second day of the weeklong rituals leading up to Monday’s Pran Pratishtha ceremony.

In anticipation of this significant event, preparations for transporting the idol to the new Ram temple complex had been underway since the previous night. Late at night, the idol was carefully placed on a truck adorned with flowers, and with the assistance of a crane, it commenced its ceremonial procession towards the awaited destination.

Simultaneously, a silver idol of Ram Lalla, distinct from the one designated for installation in the sanctum sanctorum, adorned with garlands of roses and marigolds, graced the precincts of the Ram temple this evening. As part of the ongoing rituals leading up to the January 22 event, a “Kalash Pujan” was conducted today, adding to the ceremonial preparations surrounding this auspicious occasion.