Image Credits - News18
Ram Navami, the auspicious celebration marking the birth of Lord Ram, holds extraordinary significance this year as devotees witness the first grand festivities at the newly inaugurated Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. After a wait of over five centuries, the sacred Ram Lalla idol was finally installed and consecrated at the grand temple in January, and this Ram Navami became a landmark occasion for devotees across India and the world.
The atmosphere in Ayodhya is jubilant, with streets adorned in vibrant decorations and the air filled with chants of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ as devotees thronged the temple town since early morning. Massive crowds gathered at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex and the sacred ghats of River Saryu before the crack of dawn, eagerly awaiting the first ‘darshan’ of Ram Lalla on this auspicious day.
The Celebrations
The day’s festivities commenced with the mesmeric ‘Divya Abhishek’ of the Ram Lalla idol, where the deity was ceremoniously bathed and adorned with ornate robes and garlands. The ‘Chappan Bhog,’ an offering of 56 exquisite delicacies, was presented to the Lord amidst the resonating chants of Vedic hymns by priests.
However, the most awaited moment was the ‘Surya Tilak’ at noon, where for the first time, the sun’s rays directly illuminated Ram Lalla’s forehead through an intricate arrangement of mirrors and lenses. As the solar beam fell on the deity’s forehead, the devotees erupted in thunderous cheers of pure devotion and reverence. Many had tears of joy rolling down their cheeks during this historic moment.
“This is an indescribably emotional occasion for me and millions of devotees across the world. After ages of prayers and hopes, we have finally witnessed Lord Ram receive the Surya Tilak at his sacred birthplace,” said Ram Lalla’s sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who was present at the temple with his family.
Prime Minister’s Sentiments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the Ram Mandir in January, wrote in a tweet, “After my Nalbari rally, I watched the Surya Tilak on Ram Lalla. Like crores of Indians, this is a very emotional moment for me. The grand Ram Navami in Ayodhya is historic. May this Surya Tilak bring energy to our lives and may it inspire our nation to scale new heights of glory.”
The Grand Preparations
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has made elaborate preparations to ensure a memorable Ram Navami for the countless devotees who have converged in Ayodhya. Over 1,11,111 kilograms of laddoos have been prepared as ‘prasad’ for distribution. Timings for devotee visits have been extended till late evening to accommodate the massive crowds.
“Lakhs of people have come for the darshan of Lord Ram. With his blessings, even I could visit and offer prayers with my family. I never want to forget today’s Surya Tilak,” Arun Yogiraj added.
Cultural Programs and Festivities
Apart from the sacred rituals, Ayodhya is witnessing a multitude of cultural programs and festivities throughout the day. Worshippers took holy dips in the Saryu River, and folk dance and music performances enthralled the crowds.
As Ram Navami celebrations turned into night, the historic town of Ayodhya is glimmering with the spiritual fervour and devotion of millions witnessing Lord Ram’s divine grandeur at his sacred birthplace after centuries of waiting. This Ram Navami will undoubtedly be etched in the annals of history as an event of unparalleled devotional and cultural significance for the ages to come.