The idol of 'Ram Lalla' or infant Ram by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been selected for the Ram temple at Ayodhya after a panel voted on three choices.
The Ram Lalla in black stone, created by Mr Yogiraj, was unanimously picked by a panel from idols carved by three sculptors, the Ram Temple trust's general secretary Champat Rai said on Monday.
The new idol whose consecration ceremony will be done is made of stone and weighs "somewhere between 150-200 kgs", Mr Rai told reporters in Ayodhya.
The idol depicts the deity as a five-year-old boy in a standing posture.
The current idol of Ram Lalla, which has been worshipped for over 70 years, will also be kept in the sanctum sanctorum of the new temple.
Massive preps are on for the "pran pratishtha" (consecration ceremony) of the Ram temple on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top leaders will attend the event.
Over 7,000 people have been invited to the grand ceremony.
Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony Begins Today
The consecration rituals begin today at the temple. The event is scheduled to be held over seven days:
January 16 to 22
The rituals for the consecration ceremony will begin today. The host appointed by the temple trust -- Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra -- will conduct the atonement ceremony.
The 'Dashvidh' bath, Vishnu worship and offering of cow will be held on the banks of Saryu river.
January 17
A procession carrying the idol of Ram Lalla will reach Ayodhya. Devotees carrying Saryu water in Mangal Kalash will be reaching the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
January 18
The formal rituals will begin with the Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan and Vastu Puja.
January 19
The holy fire will be lit, followed by the establishment of 'Navagraha' and a 'havan' (holy ritual surrounding the fire).
January 20
The sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple will be washed with Saryu water on January 20, after which the Vaastu Shanti and 'Annadhivas' rituals will take place.
January 21
The Ram Lalla idol will be bathed in 125 urns and will finally be laid to rest.
January 22
The main "pran pratishtha" ceremony will begin at 12:30 pm on January 22 and the deity of Ram Lalla will be consecrated. Devotees from 150 countries are likely to attend the consecration ceremony on the final day.
The temple will remain closed for devotees on January 21 and 22 and will open for the public on January 23.
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