Health, age concerns keep BJP veterans Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi away from Ram Mandir consecration

BJP veterans L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who played key roles in the Ram temple agitation in Ayodhya, are unlikely to attend the consecration ceremony next month due to health and age concerns, according to the temple trust.

General secretary of the Ram Temple Trust Champat Rai mentioned that both elders were urged not to come considering their age, and they agreed.

Preparations for the ceremony on January 22, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are underway and expected to be completed by January 15.


The 'praan pratistha' puja will commence on January 16 and continue until January 22. Rai provided a detailed list of invitees, noting that Advani and Joshi might not attend due to health reasons. Advani is 96, and Joshi will turn 90 next month.

The ceremony will be attended by six Shankaracharyas, around 150 saints and sages, and other prominent figures. Heads of major temples, spiritual leaders, cine stars, and industrialists have also been invited.

After the consecration, 'mandal puja' will be held for 48 days, and the temple will open for devotees on January 23. Proper arrangements have been made for guest accommodations, with more than three places available in Ayodhya, along with 600 rooms provided by various establishments.

Authorities are also preparing for the event by installing fibre toilets and setting up changing rooms for women at designated locations. The 'Ram Katha Kunj' corridor will showcase tableaux depicting 108 events from Lord Ram's life in the Ram Janmabhoomi complex.

Inputs from PTI