Sabke Ram: What is Pran Pratishtha? Unlocking the grand ritual set to take place at Ram Mandir Ayodhya

What is Pran Pratishtha: As the auspicious day of January 22 approaches, the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya gears up for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, where Ramlala's life will be consecrated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to grace the occasion, generating excitement across the nation and beyond.

Let's delve into the profound significance of Pran Pratishtha, the sacred ritual that breathes life into divine idols.

Decoding Pran Pratistha: Breathing Life into the Divine

In Hindu tradition, Pran Pratishtha is a sacred ceremony, infusing life into idols by invoking the deity they represent. The term 'Prana' signifies life, while 'Pratishtha' means establishment. Pran Pratishtha, therefore, translates to 'establishment of life force' or 'awakening the deity.' This ceremony is central to consecrating the idol of Ramlala in the grand Ram temple.

Scriptures and Traditions: The Roots of Pran Pratishtha

Mentioned in Vedas and expounded in Puranas like Mastya Purana, Vamana Purana, and Narad Purana, Pran Pratishtha follows a rich tradition. According to scriptures, once consecrated, an idol transforms into a deity capable of bestowing blessings upon worshippers. The ceremony involves chanting of mantras, rituals, and religious procedures.

The Ritual Before Consecration: An Elaborate Prelude

Consecrating an idol involves a series of rituals, the grandeur of which depends on the ceremony's significance. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, overseeing the Ram temple, has planned a seven-day ritual preceding Pran Pratishtha. This comprehensive process includes various legislations.

Seven Days of Sacred Rituals: A Glimpse into the Ceremony

Starting from January 16, the seven-day rituals include the consecration ceremony, 'Vishnu Puja' by the Saryu River embankment, and 'cow donation' on the first day. Subsequent days feature a procession of the Ramlala idol, 'Nav Griha Shanti Havan' to appease all planets, washing the sanctum sanctorum with Saryu river water, and cleansing Ramlala's throne.

Adhivasas: The Purification Rites Before Pran Pratishtha

Before Pran Pratishtha, several adhivasas (purification rituals) take place. These include 'Jaladhivas' (keeping the idol in water) and 'Dhanyadhivas' (immersing it in grains). The belief is that any defects in the idol surface during this period. A ritual bath with 108 ingredients, such as Panchamrit, fragrant flower juice, and cow-horn-poured water, follows.

Awakening the Deity: The Culmination of Pran Pratishtha

The final stage involves waking up the idol with chants, invoking deities to animate various parts. The Sun God awakens the eyes, Air God rouses the ears, and Moon God stirs the mind. The crowning moment is the opening of the idol's eyes, where Anjana is applied with a gold needle, completing the consecration.

As the nation awaits this momentous occasion, the Pran Pratishtha at Ram Mandir stands as a testament to tradition, spirituality, and the divine connection between the deity and its worshippers.