"Day of cultural independence...": Mahant Raju Das on 'Pran Pratishtha' at Ayodhya's Ram Temple

Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 21 : With just a day left for the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's temple, Mahant Raju Das, Hanuman Garhi temple priest, said on Sunday that tomorrow (Monday) will be the day of cultural independence.
"I would congratulate all the 'Ram Bhakts' across the globe. The moment will not come again. The way the people of Ayodhya celebrated the return of Lord Rama after the completion of his exile, we should also hold celebrations the same way across the world. This is the day of cultural independence," Das said while speaking to ANI.
The 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla at Ayodhya's Ram Temple will be held tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.
Mahant Raju Das further said, "Barely 24 hours have left. The entire Ayodhya has been decked up. It enriches me with great joy. After 500 years of struggle, we can now witness our dreams being fulfilled. At one point, it seemed impossible because some people from our community kept questioning it."
He added that the entire Ayodhya has gone 'Ram-Maya' (immersed in devotion towards Ram Lalla).
"I saw that the entire Ayodhya has turned 'Ram-maya'. Several dignitaries will participate in the event," Das said.
Earlier, the new idol, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, was placed inside the sanctum santorum of the temple. The idol is 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The idol portrays Lord Ram as a five-year-old child standing on a lotus also crafted from the same stone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform rituals marking the 'Pran Pratishtha'. A team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit will lead the main rituals.
Several celebrities and noted personalities have been invited to the ceremony.