Ayodhya is all set to witness a historic Ram Navami on Wednesday, the first since the consecration of the Ram temple earlier in January this year, as elaborate arrangements and security measures have been put in place by the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities.

A groundbreaking highlight of this year’s celebrations is the ‘Surya Abhishek,’ where the Sun’s rays will illuminate the idol of Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya temple, merging spirituality with scientific innovation. To accommodate the large crowds, the Ram temple opened its doors early and has extended visiting hours till late at night. Devotees will also have the opportunity to partake in the revered ’56 Bhog’ offerings to Ram Lalla.

On Tuesday, senior officials conducted thorough inspections at the key locations for devotee visits, ensuring that special arrangements are in place for their convenience.

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Ayodhya is witnessing a vibrant display of faith as a massive crowd of devotees thronged the newly inaugurated Ram Temple on Wednesday morning. Many devotees started their pilgrimage with a dip in the holy Saryu River before heading for darshan, which began in the early hours. To handle the large influx, authorities have implemented meticulous plans. The district administration, police force, and Municipal Corporation have collaborated to ensure crowd control.

The large area has been divided into zones for effective crowd control. This historic celebration will be aired live on a network of around 100 large LED screens across the city. Additionally, the temple trust will facilitate live streaming on their social media accounts, allowing devotees everywhere to participate in the momentous occasion.

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Ram idol’s ‘Surya Abhishek’

Ram Lalla, the king of Ayodhya from the Suryavanshi dynasty, is expected to undergo ‘Surya Abhishek’ at noon, a ceremony in which Sun rays are captured and redirected using a series of optical apparatus.

During the event, Sun rays will illuminate Ram Lalla’s forehead in a circular pattern spanning 75 millimeters for approximately four minutes. Dr. S K Panigrahi, a scientist at CSIR-CBRI Roorkee involved in the project, stated that the ’tilak’ on the forehead center is anticipated to last about three to three-and-a-half minutes, with two minutes of full illumination.

PM Modi extends his wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking to his official handle on X, expressed joy on the occasion of Ram Navami, particularly significant this year due to the recent inauguration of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.

“Best wishes to my family members across the country on the occasion of Lord Shri Ram’s birth anniversary, Ram Navami! On this auspicious occasion, my heart is overwhelmed and fulfilled. It is the supreme grace of Shri Ram that this year, along with millions of my countrymen, I became a witness to the Pran-Pratishtha in Ayodhya. The memories of that moment in Awadhpuri still pulsate in my mind with the same energy,” he wrote on X.

“I have full faith that the life of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram and his ideals will become a strong basis for the creation of a developed India. His blessings will provide new energy to the resolve of a self-reliant India,” PM Modi added.