Ram Mandir opening on January 22, 2024 will be ‘The Event of the Millennium’
Venkat Raman
Auckland, January 2, 2024
Hindu Council of New Zealand President Professor Guna Magesan will be the sole invitee from this country to attend the inaugural ceremony of Maryada Purshottam Lord Ram Temple in the Uttar Pradesh city of Ayodhya on Monday, January 22, 2024.
He will be among 7000 people invited from all over the world to attend what has been described as the ‘Event of the Millennium.’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Chairman Nritya Gopal Das, Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra, Varanasi Vedic Priest Lakshmikant Dixit and a few others will be at the sanctum sanctorum to participate in the Prana Pratishta ceremony shortly after midday on January 22, 2024.
Professor Magesan said that about 7000 guests including 4000 seers from various parts of the world will be present at the ceremony and tour the Temple that has been built after undergoing a series of soil, rock and other tests since 2020.
Refreshers
New Zealand Hindus to commemorate Ayodhya Temple opening
A Billion Rama Nama to commemorate Ayodhya Temple opening
Ram Mandir Facts
According to Mr Mishra, about 500,000 bricks collected from people living in more than 300,000 Panchayats and villages across India were placed into the foundation.
“Mr Modi was very keen that the Temple should have the involvement of people from all over India and hence we sought their participation in the collection of bricks, funds and other materials. All the funds collected (so far more than Rs 3500 Crore- about $680 million) have come from people across the country. While the construction contract has been awarded to Larsen & Toubro, many companies and institutions including the Tata Consultancy Services, Institutes of Technology (Chennai and Kharagpur) and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics have been involved in various stages of consultancy, quality assurance and construction,” he said.
Mr Mishra said that the new Temple is being built to withstand earthquakes 50 times the size of the most devastating tremor experienced thus far in the plains from Nepal to the Ayodhya belt and withstand any floodwater (rain or from the Sarayu River).
“No steel has been used in the construction of the Temple since only stone can endure up to 1000 years, which was our goal,” he said.
Architectural Grandeur
Professor Magesan that the significance of the Shri Ram Mandir extends beyond its architectural grandeur.
“it holds deep spiritual, cultural, religious and civilisational importance for millions of Hindus worldwide. This Temple signifies the realisation of a longstanding dream, embodying the timeless values and ideals of Bhagwan Ram. The Pran-Pratishtha rituals will commence on January 16, culminating in the main ceremony conducted by Vedic priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit on January 22, with Mr Modi as the Chief Guest at the sanctum sanctorum ritual,” he said.
He said that the special guests will include spiritual leaders from various faiths, eminent personalities from diverse fields such as industry, sports, arts, academia and family members of the people who sacrificed during the Ram Temple Movement.
“Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust Secretary General Champat Rai has invited one representative from 50 countries. I am privileged and honoured to represent New Zealand and join devout followers and global leaders at the auspicious inauguration ceremony. The Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Hindus worldwide,” he said.
Dr Magesan said that he was told of the invitation when he attended the World Hindu Congress held in Bangkok Thailand from November 24 to November 26, 2023.
“Being among the selected 7000 invitees out of 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide is an incredible honour, a true blessing. Moreover, the opportunity to represent New Zealand on this occasion is a momentous achievement. The building of this Mandir in our lifetime is a tremendous blessing. Witnessing this historic occasion invokes emotions beyond words, resonating with every Hindu devotee worldwide,” he said.
Religious Tour of Uttar Pradesh
Former New Zealand Hindu Council President Vinod Kumar, who was among those who initiated the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Prana Pratishtha Mahotsav Committee New Zealand, agreed that the Consecration Ceremony in Ayodhya will be a historical celebration.
“While access to the consecration ceremony is limited, the Hindu Council of New Zealand, in partnership with the Hindu Organisations, Temples, and Associations (HOTA) Forum, announces a two-week pilgrimage in April 2024, allowing devotees to visit sacred cities like Ayodhya, Mathura, and Kashi. This two-week pilgrimage will offer a rich and diverse range of experiences deeply intertwined with spirituality, culture, history, and religious significance. We urge Hindu Temples and Organisations to send at least one representative on this special pilgrimage tour, ensuring the spirit of inclusion,” he said.
Further details can be obtained from Professor Guna Magesan on 021-0345621. Email: hindu.nz@gmail.com
