Goddess Sita’s Giant ‘Kangan’ Adorns Ayodhya in Anticipation of Ram Mandir Event

Ayodhya, the sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, is abuzz with excitement as preparations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple reach their zenith. Scheduled for January 22, the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony is a historic moment following the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict over the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute.

Historical Background of the Ayodhya Dispute: The Supreme Court’s landmark 2019 verdict brought an end to a prolonged temple-mosque dispute that had spanned over 500 years. The decision supported the construction of the Ram Mandir at the contested site and mandated the allocation of an alternative five-acre plot for a mosque.

Completion of the First Phase and Prime Minister’s Participation: The first phase of the temple’s construction is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the consecration ceremony on January 22, underscoring the national importance of the event.

Significant Gifts for the Grand Temple: The atmosphere in Ayodhya is charged with religious fervor as unique gifts from various parts of India and even abroad pour in for Lord Ram. Among these special offerings is a massive ‘Kangan’ (bangle) of goddess Sita installed in Ayodhya’s Mohbara Bazaar. Additionally, a 108-foot-long incense stick, a 2,100-kg bell, a giant lamp weighing 1,100 kg, gold footwear, a 10-foot-high lock and key, and a clock indicating time in eight countries are among the extraordinary gifts sent for the temple’s consecration.

Diverse Origins of Gifts: The gifts are not only coming from within the country but also from Nepal, the birthplace of Sita. Over 3,000 gifts, including silver shoes, ornaments, and clothes, have arrived in Ayodhya from Janakpur in Nepal. Furthermore, a Sri Lankan delegation visited Ayodhya, presenting a rock from the Ashok Vatika, a garden mentioned in the epic Ramayana where Sita was held captive by Ravan.

Gifts from Gujarat: Gujarat, known for its vibrant culture, has contributed significantly to the grandeur of the ceremony. A 108-foot-long incense stick weighing 3,610 kg and crafted over six months in Vadodara is set to spread its fragrance over several kilometers during the event. Additionally, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged off a 44-foot-long brass flag pole and smaller flag poles for the “pran pratistha” ceremony.

Nagaru from Gujarat: A nagaru (temple drum) made of gold foil by the All India Dabgar Samaj in Dariyapur, Gujarat, is another unique gift. The 56-inch nagaru will find its place in the temple’s courtyard, adding to the musical elements of the ceremony.

Symbolic Lock and Key: A locksmith from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, has crafted the world’s largest lock and key, weighing 400 kg with a height of 10 feet, a width of 4.6 feet, and a thickness of 9.5 inches. The artisan, Satya Prakash Sharma, hopes that this symbolic lock will hold significance at the grand temple.

Bell from Etah, Uttar Pradesh: A bell weighing 2,100 kg, made of ‘ashtadhatu’ (an alloy of eight metals), has been prepared in Etah’s Jalesar. Taking two years to craft, the bell will be sent to Ayodhya after completing all rituals, adding a melodious touch to the consecration ceremony.

Innovative Clock from Lucknow: A clock designed by a Lucknow-based vegetable vendor, Anil Kumar Sahu, is set to denote the time in eight countries simultaneously. The clock, measuring 75 cm in diameter, was gifted to Champat Rai, the general secretary of the temple trust. It features the time of India, Tokyo (Japan), Moscow (Russia), Dubai (UAE), Beijing (China), Singapore, Mexico City (Mexico), Washington DC, and New York (US).

Culinary Contributions: Chef Vishnu Manohar from Nagpur has pledged to prepare 7,000 kg of “Ram Halwa,” a traditional sweet dish, for the devotees attending the consecration ceremony. This culinary contribution adds a delightful touch to the festivities.

Sweets from Mathura and Tirupati: The Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan in Mathura is preparing to send 200 kilograms of laddu to Ayodhya as an offering for a ‘yagya.’ The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), custodians of the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, will send one lakh laddu for distribution to devotees on the auspicious day.

Special Saree from Surat: A special saree from Surat, a major textile hub in Gujarat, will be sent to the temple authorities. This exquisite gift reflects the cultural diversity and craftsmanship that contribute to the grandeur of the consecration ceremony.

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