Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): Arun Yogiraj, the artisan behind the sacred effigy of Ram Lalla, graced the Ram Temple in Ayodhya alongside his family to participate in the revelries of Ram Navami on Wednesday. In conversation with ANI, Arun shared his elation and anticipation for the festival.

“We are experiencing this for the first time since the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ritual. My family’s spirits soared witnessing my craftsmanship. We arrived yesterday and had an audience with Ram Lalla. We are grateful to have been summoned to this remarkable event. Our anticipation for the Ram Navami celebration is boundless, and we wish for his grace to envelop all of the nation,” he articulated.

Following the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ritual, the sacred grounds of Ram Janmabhoomi witnessed a splendid gathering during the sacred occasion of Ram Navami. This auspicious day saw the Ram Mandir adorned in festivity, with offerings of 56 varieties of delicacies, prasad, and ‘panjiri.’

Acharya Satyendra Das, the principal priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, explained that the Trust meticulously orchestrated every detail for the celebration. “The Trust is overseeing all arrangements, including decorations. Ram Navami is being observed with exuberance,” he stated.

The chief priest further detailed that every element was embellished and Lord Ram’s effigy was specially adorned for the day. “He is clad in yellow robes and purified with Panchamrit. Four types of ‘panjiris’ are crafted, and 56 kinds of offerings are presented to the Lord.”

Acharya Satyendra Das added that the day of Ram Navami was extraordinary as sunlight would kiss Lord Rama’s forehead. He emphasized the day’s uniqueness due to the completion of the Ram Mandir.

“Today is an enchanting day for Ram Navami, as the sun will touch Lord Rama’s forehead. Devotees flock for darshan of Ramlala, and the arrangements are crafted with divine precision. It’s a remarkable occasion due to the establishment of the temple, with Ramlala’s spirit consecrated within, a deeply special day.”

Previously, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official X handle to extend his greetings for the festival.

The PM shared, “Countless blessings to my fellow citizens on the occasion of Lord Shri Ram’s birth anniversary, Ram Navami! This auspicious day fills my heart with joy and satisfaction. The divine grace of Shri Ram allowed me, alongside millions of my countrymen, to witness the Pran-Pratishtha in Ayodhya this year. The memories of Avadhpuri’s essence still resonate with me, echoing the same energy.”

“This marks the inaugural Ram Navami with our Ram Lalla gracing the majestic and divine Ram temple of Ayodhya. Today, Ayodhya is awash with unparalleled joy in this celebration of Ram Navami. After a five-century wait, we can now cherish this Ram Navami in Ayodhya with reverence. This is the fruit of centuries of penance, sacrifice, and devotion by our countrymen,” PM Modi expressed on Twitter.

In another post, the PM conveyed, “I have unwavering faith that the essence of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram and his principles will form a robust foundation for building a prosperous India. His blessings will invigorate the pursuit of a self-reliant India. Profound respects and salutations to Lord Shri Ram!”

An influx of devotees flocked to Ram Mandir on Wednesday morning in a vibrant testament to their faith and celebration. Before entering the temple, the faithful immersed themselves in the sacred waters of the Saryu River. Darshan at the temple commenced at 3:30 am. The celebration was broadcast on around 100 LED screens across the city and on the trust’s social media platforms.