The consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to begin between 12:05 pm and 1 pm, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi overseeing the rituals. This highly anticipated event signifies the initiation of the temple's pran-pratishtha ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to virtually partake in the ceremony on Monday, January 22. The occasion also serves as a virtual launch for his candidacy in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Tens of thousands of enthusiastic devotees have gathered in Ayodhya, chanting, dancing, waving flags, and creating a festive atmosphere. The 160-foot-tall Ram Lalla temple, built on the site where the Babri Masjid stood until its demolition in 1992, is drawing immense crowds, causing congestion on roads and crowded trains. The pran-pratishtha ceremony, set to commence around 12:20 pm, is expected to host nearly 7,000 invitees, including politicians, industrialists, celebrities and sportspersons.

Schedule of Events on January 22:

10:25 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Ayodhya and travels to the venue by helicopter.
10:55 am: Modi reaches the Ram temple premises.
11 am - 12 pm: Prime Minister Modi may tour the Ram Mandir premises.
12:05 pm - 1 pm: The pran-pratishtha or consecration ceremony begins with Modi overseeing the rituals.
1 pm: Modi leaves the temple premises to address a public meeting of around 7,000.
2:10 pm: Modi visits Kuber ka Tila, where the ancient temple of Bhagwan Shiv has been restored.

Key Features of Ram Temple in Ayodhya:

The Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, spans 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. Supported by 392 pillars, the temple has 44 doors and is adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities. The main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor houses the idol of Ram Lalla.

Fourteen couples from various regions will act as hosts for the 'Pran-Pratishtha' ceremony, supervising the 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla crafted by Arun Yogiraj. The temple is adorned with plentiful flowers and special lighting, fostering a profoundly religious atmosphere across the city.

The consecration rituals commenced on January 16 from the Saryu river and are set to conclude on Monday afternoon during the 'Abhijeet muhurta,' according to the temple trust. A significant audience, possibly in the lakhs, is expected to witness the event through live broadcasts on television and online platforms, aided by the government's half-day holiday on January 22, adopted by several states. Temples across the nation are also celebrating this momentous occasion with special festivities.