‘Unveiling Ram Lalla’s eyes, placing both idols in Grabha Grah’: What are the rituals happening today in Ayodhya?

The rituals are set to end with “Shayandhivas”, a ceremony symbolising putting the idol to 'sleep' after 6 days of rituals.

Devotees during the performance of daily puja, 'havan' and 'parayana' in the pavilion ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple, in Ayodhya.

From unveiling the eyes of the Ram Lalla idol to placing both the new and old idols inside the Grabha Grah (sanctum sanctorium) of the newly built temple — with only a day to go for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya, major part of the rituals or “Adhivas” are set to end today.

The rituals started with “Madhvadhivas”, during which 51-inch idol of Ram will be covered in honey. Following this, the idol will be bathed in medicinal water from a 114 Kalash or Urns referred to as “Snapan”. The old idol or “Utsav” murti will then be taken for a tour of the new temple premises on a “Palki” decorated with flowers and kept at the “Grabha Grah” in the afternoon, priests involved with the consecration rituals told The Indian Express.

(Photo: Ram Janmabhoomi Trust)

The eyes of 51-inch idol of Ram, which are covered with a cloth since the first day of rituals, are also set to open today after it is bathed with water from the 114 Kalash. After the cloth is removed, the idol will face a mirror “to absorb the energy created through chanting of mantra and the rituals of the past 6 days”.

Also read | Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Highlights: Temple town set for consecration ceremony tomorrow; PM Modi to attend rituals

Along with the new idol, the old idol will also be placed inside the Grabha Grah and bather, the sources in the temple added.

The rituals are set to end with “Shayandhivas”, a ceremony symbolising putting the idol to ‘sleep’ after 6 days of rituals.

(Photo: Ram Janmabhoomi Trust)

On Saturday, the new idol’s eyes, still covered with cloth, underwent different rituals, which involved draping the entire frame in a variety of flowers brought from locations across the country including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kolkata, sources involved in the rituals told The Indian Express.

Ayodhya: The idol of Ram Lalla at the ‘Garbhagriha’ of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, ahead of the temples consecration ceremony, in Ayodhya. (PTI Photo)

These flowers, an estimated 50 kg, include: lotus, rose, jasmine and chrysanthemum.

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Setting the stage for Monday, viewing or darshan of “Ram Lalla Virajman”, i.e. the old idol at the makeshift temple, was stopped. It will be moved to the sanctum sanctorum Sunday evening and its darshan is likely to be resumed from January 23 along with that of the new idol, said Satyendra Das, priest of the Ram Lalla at the makeshift temple.

Maulshree Seth

Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development. Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity. Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More

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