The Aryavarth Express
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh):
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday offered prayers at the revered Hanumangarhi Temple in Ayodhya, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, ahead of attending the Pratishtha Dwadashi celebrations marking the second anniversary of the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
Rajnath Singh arrived in Ayodhya to take part in the commemorative events and was received by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport. The occasion marks two years since the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the grand temple.
The Ram Lalla idol was unveiled on January 22, 2024, during the historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony, which featured elaborate rituals led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of saints, dignitaries, and devotees from across the country.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended greetings to the people, underscoring the spiritual and historical significance of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and the long struggle that preceded its construction. In a post on X, he said the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha symbolised the culmination of centuries of devotion, sacrifice, and perseverance.
“Today, in the holy city of Shri Ayodhya, which reflects the pinnacle of India’s consciousness, we mark the second anniversary of the Prana Pratishtha of Lord Shri Ram Lala. This consecration signifies the end of centuries of struggle and the easing of long-standing pain,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the moment represents the collective faith of 140 crore Indians and the blessings of saints and sages, bringing contentment to every devotee of Lord Ram.
Meanwhile, Ayodhya witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees as thousands from across the country gathered to mark the occasion. The temple town resonated with chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” with pilgrims thronging the Ram Janmabhoomi complex and surrounding areas to seek blessings.
Many devotees shared that beginning the New Year with the darshan of Lord Ram holds deep spiritual meaning, bringing peace, positivity, and divine grace. In view of the massive turnout, security arrangements were tightened across the temple complex and adjoining areas to ensure smooth crowd movement and maintain law and order.
The second anniversary celebrations have further reinforced Ayodhya’s stature as a major spiritual and cultural centre, with the holy city continuing to draw devotees as the New Year begins.
