AYODHYA: Vikramaditya Singh, a Congress leader and a minister in the Himachal Pradesh government, defied his party’s official stance on the Ram Temple inauguration and visited the holy city of Ayodhya to attend the auspicious ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol on Monday. Interestingly, Himachal Pradesh is the lone Congress-ruled state to have declared a half day for all state government workers.
Who is Vikramaditya Singh?
Vikramaditya Singh is the son of current Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh. Singh had reached Lucknow from Chandigarh on Sunday. The Himachal Congress leader was treated as the ‘state guest’ of BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government. Earlier on January 8, he said that visiting Ayodhya for the ceremony was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Congress turned down the invitation to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, calling it a ‘BJP/RSS event”. Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had declined the invitation for the grand event in Ayodhya.
“Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS and BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has obviously been brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgement and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS and BJP event,” the Congress had said in a statement.
Vikramaditya Singh: Family Background And Political Journey
Vikramaditya Singh, born in 1989, is an MLA from Shimla Rural constituency. He is the son of ex-CM late Virbhadra Singh. His mother, Pratibha Singh is the MP from Mandi. She is also the state Congress chief. He is the titular king of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr. He is a post-graduate in History from St Stephen’s College, Delhi.
Vikramaditya Singh was the chief of the State Youth Congress between 2013 and 2017. He is a two-time MLA. He won his first election in 2017. He repeated the performance in 2023.
PM Modi Leads Pran Pratishtha Rituals
The holy city of Ayodhya witnessed a moment of divine significance as the idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled at the Shri Ram Janmaboomi Temple, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the sacred Pran Pratishtha ceremony on Monday. In the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple, PM Modi conducted the rituals, creating an atmosphere infused with deep devotion. PM Modi performed the ‘aarti’ of the Ram Lalla idol at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. He also performed ‘parikrama’ of the deity and did ‘dandvat pranam’. He also took blessings from ‘sadhus’.
The childhood form of Lord Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed in the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor of the temple. The ceremony was marked by Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers showering flower petals over the temple premises during the unveiling of the idol.
Presence of Distinguished Dignitaries
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath graced the ceremony, chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ along with devotees. Over 8,000 guests attended the ceremony, representing various spiritual and religious sects, including tribal communities. Prime Minister Modi addressed the distinguished gathering and interacted with shramjeevis associated with the temple’s construction.
Architectural Marvel Of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in traditional Nagara style, stands magnificently with a length of 380 feet, width of 250 feet, and height of 161 feet. It boasts 392 pillars, 44 doors, and intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities.
The main entrance on the eastern side, accessed by ascending 32 stairs through Singh Dwar, leads to five Mandaps (Halls). Notable features include Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. The historic Well (Sita koop) and the restored ancient Mandir of Bhagwan Shiv at Kuber Tila add to the cultural richness.
Innovative Construction Methods
The Mandir’s foundation, crafted with a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete (RCC), gives it the appearance of artificial rock. The absence of iron and the use of traditional indigenous technology showcase the uniqueness of the construction. A 21-foot-high plinth of granite safeguards against ground moisture.
Modern Amenities In Traditional Ambiance
The Mandir complex boasts a sewage treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply for fire safety, and an independent power station, seamlessly blending modern amenities with traditional architecture. Vikramaditya Singh, Himachal Pradesh, Congress, Ram Temple Ayodhya, Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha, Ram Temple Inauguration, Ayodhya, Narendra Modi, Ram Temple, Ram Lalla