In a move that reflects both deep personal faith and a significant cultural moment for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiation of an 11-day spiritual journey, beginning today and culminating on January 22. This period, known as an ‘anushthan’ (ritual), is in anticipation of the much-awaited Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the new idol of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple. This event marks a pivotal point in the nation's cultural and spiritual landscape.

In a heartfelt audio message, PM Modi expressed his profound sense of privilege and responsibility. He stated, “There are only 11 days left for the pran prathishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. I am fortunate that I too will witness this auspicious occasion. The Lord has made me a medium to represent all Indians during the consecration. Keeping this in mind, I am starting a special ritual of 11 days from today. I seek blessings from all of you,” thereby articulating his role as not just a political leader but a spiritual representative of the Indian populace.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony is a cornerstone event in Hindu rituals, signifying the infusion of life into a deity's idol. Set for January 22, this ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple is expected to draw not only national but global attention. PM Modi, who will be performing the ceremony, symbolizes the intertwining of India's rich spiritual heritage with its contemporary narrative.

This period of ritual and the subsequent ceremony are not just religious formalities but are imbued with deep symbolic significance. They represent a collective cultural and spiritual awakening, a moment of unity and reverence shared by millions of Indians. For many, it is a time of reflection, joy, and a reaffirmation of faith. As the country prepares for this historical event, PM Modi's personal participation and his call for blessings resonate with a sense of shared national identity and spiritual solidarity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a continuation of his earlier message, expressed a profound personal commitment to his spiritual journey. Despite the demands of his role as the nation's leader, he has chosen to immerse himself fully in an 11-day 'anushthan', a ritualistic observance leading up to the sacred ceremony.

PM Modi shared further insights into his emotional and spiritual state during this significant period. He remarked, “I am going through this feeling for the first time in my life. I am experiencing a different kind of devotion. For me, this emotive journey (bhav yatra) is a moment of realization, not expression. I am unable to express its depth, prevalence, and intensity in words. You are able enough to understand my situation. The dream with which several generations lived, I have got the opportunity to attain this,” thus highlighting the depth of his spiritual engagement and the historical importance of the moment.

This statement reflects a deep personal connection to the ceremony and its significance. For PM Modi, this is not merely an official duty but a deeply personal and emotive journey. His words convey a sense of humility and honor in being part of a process that is much larger than himself – a dream cherished by generations of Indians.

The significance of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Hindu traditions cannot be overstated. According to the scriptures, the consecration of a deity's idol is a profound and meticulous process, governed by detailed rules and practices. These rituals, steeped in ancient traditions, require adherence for several days before the actual consecration, underscoring their spiritual depth and importance.

For the Prime Minister, adhering to these rituals, especially amid his hectic schedule and the immense responsibilities of his office, demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to his faith and the cultural traditions of India. It also symbolizes the unity of personal faith and public duty, highlighting the unique role that spirituality plays in the lives of Indian leaders and the broader narrative of the nation.

The Prime Minister highlights the essence of 'Dev Pratishtha', which is described as the act of infusing divine consciousness into an earthly idol. This sacred process is guided by specific rules and practices, particularly fasting, as prescribed in the ancient scriptures.

Reflecting on his personal involvement in this sacred process, PM Modi stated, "It is my good fortune that I am starting my 11-day ritual from Nashik Dham-Panchavati. Panchavati is the sacred land where Lord Shri Ram spent a lot of time." His choice of location for beginning the ritual is symbolic and deeply meaningful. Panchavati, associated with Lord Ram, a central figure in Hindu mythology, adds a layer of historical and spiritual significance to the Prime Minister's ritualistic journey.

Delving deeper into the requirements of the ritual, he continued, "As it is also mentioned in our scriptures, we have to awaken divine consciousness in ourselves for the Yagya and worship of God. For this, fasts and strict rules have been prescribed in the scriptures, which have to be followed before consecration. Therefore, according to the guidance I have received from some ascetic souls and great men of the spiritual journey and the Yama-Niyams suggested by them, I am starting a special ritual of 11 days from today." This statement reveals PM Modi's commitment to following the ancient traditions and practices with utmost sincerity and respect, guided by spiritual leaders and the principles laid down in holy texts.

In a humble and reverent tone, PM Modi concludes, "On this holy occasion, I pray at the feet of God… I remember the virtues of the sages and ascetics and I pray to the people, who are the form of God, to bless me. So that there is no lack from my side in mind, words and deeds," expressing his devotion and seeking blessings for the fulfillment of his duties in the right spirit. His words reflect a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to honor the sacred traditions with complete integrity and devotion.

Political Maneuvering: Yogi, Modi, and BJP Claim Credit for Ram Temple Amidst Opposition Rhetoric

The ongoing discourse around the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been marred by baseless allegations from the INDI coalition spokespeople in TV debates. These spokespeople have consistently pushed two misleading narratives:

1. "The temple is being built with government funds. Why not build hospitals and colleges with that money?" This claim is a blatant falsehood. The temple's construction is entirely funded by donations from devotees, showcasing the people's commitment to this sacred cause. The suggestion that government funds are being used is a desperate attempt by the opposition to mislead the public.

2. "Who invited the BJP? They are playing politics." This accusation is also unfounded. The invitation to participate in the temple's events comes directly from the temple trust, not the BJP. This includes Prime Minister Modi's involvement, who graciously accepted an invitation from the trust, contrary to claims that he invited himself.

   VIDEO | "It is absolutely wrong to do politics in religious works. When have we said that we won't go (to Ayodhya)? Our president has said that we are not going to the event being held in the presence of PM Modi and RSS. Even our Shankaracharyas are not going. We don't want to be… pic.twitter.com/2t6UNwf6Kr — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 12, 2024

The opposition's narrative that the BJP is hijacking the program and Lord Ram for political gain is a clear reflection of their own failures. The BJP, as a political entity, is effectively championing a cause close to the hearts of millions of Indians. The opposition, with its 27 parties, has been unable to resonate with the public on this issue. If they could build credibility among the people, perhaps they too could be positively associated with Lord Ram.

Regarding the concern that Modi and the BJP will take credit for the temple and influence voters – it's a well-deserved credit. While the journey of the Ram Temple spans over 500 years with countless individuals contributing to its realization, the decisive actions in the last decade, including court decisions, the laying of the foundation, and the upcoming consecration, have been significantly influenced by Modi and Yogi Adityanath. They have played pivotal roles in turning a centuries-old dream into reality, and it is only fitting that they receive recognition for their efforts.

The Determining Role of Modi, Yogi, and BJP in the Ram Temple Construction

The journey to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been a complex and multifaceted process, influenced significantly by the political landscape. A key factor in this process has been the involvement of the BJP, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

A critical aspect of the legal proceedings surrounding the Ram Temple was the translation of millions of pages of documentation in various languages, including Urdu, Persian, Hindi, and Sanskrit. This monumental task was diligently undertaken during Yogi Adityanath’s tenure. Baba conducted the translations diligently with the provided resources, day and night. It just highlights the commitment and efficiency of his administration in ensuring that the legal process was not hindered by linguistic barriers. Without this effort, the court's decision, crucial to the temple's construction, could have been delayed indefinitely.

Furthermore, the handling of law and order and fostering mutual harmony post the court’s decision was pivotal. If the judges were to be changed at a later stage, the case might have languished in the legal system for another twenty to fifty years. This concern is rooted in the historical context of such cases in India, where legal proceedings can be protracted.

The statement also touches upon the potential hindrances in land acquisition for the temple, which could have been a significant obstacle. The current government's ability to navigate these challenges is contrasted with the hypothetical scenario of opposition parties in power, suggesting that such progress would not have been possible under their leadership.

Finally, the statement underscores the BJP's commitment to the cause, as reflected in their manifesto. The inclusion of the Ram temple construction in the BJP’s manifesto is highlighted as a testament to their dedication to this issue. The narrative suggests that the BJP is not merely claiming credit, but rather, they have shown a consistent and genuine commitment to the temple's construction, a promise they have fulfilled.

In summary, the political will and administrative efficiency of the Modi government and Yogi Adityanath's leadership have been crucial in overcoming the numerous challenges that could have derailed the Ram Temple project. Their efforts are portrayed as deserving of recognition and credit, distinguishing them from other political entities in the country. The statement concludes that, despite any criticism, the credit for the political success of the Ram Temple construction rightfully belongs to Yogi, Modi, and the BJP.