Ayodhya celebrates one year of Ram Mandir Grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony

The city of Ayodhya has been bustling with activity as it celebrates the first anniversary of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram Mandir. The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra hosted the 'Pratishtha Dwadashi Mahotsav' on January 11, 2025, marking one year since Ram Lalla was placed on His rightful seat. The occasion has drawn large crowds of devotees and tourists, reflecting a significant surge in footfall since the temple’s opening on January 22, 2024.

Spiritual rituals mark the anniversary

The day’s events began with an Agnihotra ceremony, conducted twice—from 8 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm—with mantras from the Shukla Yajurveda. Devotees participated in chanting six lakh Shri Ram Mantras and recitations of the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa. “On the occasion of Pratishtha Dwadashi, the Maha Abhishek of Prabhu was performed, followed by His Mangal Darshan,” Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra shared in a post on X, accompanied by photos of the Maha Abhishek ceremony.

Grand opening revisited

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presided over the main rituals during the temple’s grand opening ceremony in 2024. The event, aligning with the Hindu calendar’s Kurma Dwadashi, was celebrated with significant participation from prominent personalities across various fields. This year, the Shukla Paksha of Paush month fell on January 11, prompting a series of spiritual and cultural programs to commemorate the anniversary.

Cultural programs and celebrations

The celebrations extended beyond rituals, with a range of spiritual events and cultural activities organized at the temple premises. These programs aimed to engage devotees and visitors, enhancing the spiritual and cultural significance of the occasion.

As Ayodhya continues to witness growing interest from devotees and tourists alike, the anniversary of Ram Mandir’s 'Pran Pratishtha' stands as a testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural heritage of the city.