Unique things people have done for the Ram Temple inauguration

The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, is a historic and auspicious occasion for millions of Hindus across the world. The temple, which is being built at the site where Lord Ram is believed to have been born, is the culmination of a long and contentious legal and political battle that spanned decades. The temple will also mark the return of Ram Lalla, the idol of infant Lord Ram, to its original place after 500 years.

The inauguration of the Ram Temple has evoked a wave of devotion and enthusiasm among the faithful, who have expressed their joy and gratitude in various ways. Some of these ways are weird and wonderful, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the Hindu culture. Here are some of the examples of the things that people have done for the Ram Temple inauguration.

A devotee from Vadodara, Gujarat, Arvindbhai Mangalbhai Patel has crafted a giant lamp weighing 1100 kg for the Ram Temple inauguration. The lamp, which is made of brass and copper, is 9.25 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and can hold 851kg of ghee. The lamp is made from Panchadhatu which is an amalgamation of 5 metals - gold, silver, copper, zinc and iron. The lamp took months to perfect and the 5th attempt was the one that struck gold. The devotee, who is a farmer, said he wanted to offer the lamp as a token of his love and respect for Lord Ram. He said that the lamp has been dispatched to Ayodhya by road, and that it will reach the temple in 5-6 days.

Challa Srinivas Sastry from Hyderabad, Telangana, has undertaken a remarkable padyatra, or foot pilgrimage, to deliver a pair of golden padukas, or sandals, to the Ram Temple. The padukas, which weigh 9 kg and are worth Rs 65 lakh, are a symbol of reverence and service to Lord Ram. Sastry said he started his journey on August 5, 2020, the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the temple. He said he has covered 8000 km so far, walking through 11 states and 108 cities, and collecting donations and blessings from people along the way. He said he will reach Ayodhya on January 21, 2024, a day before the inauguration, and offer the padukas to Ram Lalla.

Some pregnant women in Uttar Pradesh have requested their doctors to perform C-section deliveries on January 22, 2024, to coincide with the arrival of Ram Lalla at the Ram Temple. The women, who are due to deliver around that date, said they want their children to be born on the same day as Lord Ram, and share his blessings and virtues. The women said they have faith that their children will be healthy and happy, and will grow up to be good citizens and devotees of Lord Ram. The doctors, however, have advised the women to consult their gynaecologists and follow the medical guidelines, and not to take any risks with their health and safety.

Chef Vishnu Manohar, who is based in Nagpur, has announced that he will prepare 7000 kg of ‘Ram Halwa’, a traditional sweet dish, for the devotees who will attend the Ram Temple inauguration. The chef, who is a World Record holder for the longest stretch of cooking for 52 hours, said he will use 900 kg of rava, 1000 kg of ghee, 1000 kg of sugar, 2000 litres of milk, 2500 litres of water, 300 kg of dry fruits, and 75 kg of cardamom powder to make the halwa. He said he will cook the halwa in a giant kadhai, which weighs around 1300-1400 kgs. The halwa will be distributed to devotees as prasad.

Over 3000 gifts have arrived from Janakpur, Nepal, the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Ram, to Ayodhya for the Ram Temple inauguration. The gifts which were brought by 500 devotees include money, clothes, fruit, gold, silver and sweets. The gifts have been sent by the Janakpur Dham Ram Janaki Temple and individuals from Nepal, who consider Ayodhya as their sister city. The gifts also reflect the cultural and religious ties between the two countries, and the reverence for Lord Ram and Sita in both the nations. The gifts will be displayed at a special exhibition in Ayodhya, and will also be offered to Ram Lalla and the temple.