Ayodhya: The sacred city of Ayodhya is set to witness a historic religious ceremony on March 19, when the Shri Ram Yantra will be formally installed at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. President Droupadi Murmu will attend the ceremony as the chief guest.
The installation will take place during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat at 11:55 a.m., accompanied by Vedic chants and rituals performed by scholars and priests from across the country. Around 7,000 invited guests, including saints, scholars, and individuals associated with the temple’s construction, are expected to attend the ceremony.
Sacred Ritual at Ram Temple
According to Champat Rai, the Shri Ram Yantra was sent to Ayodhya two years ago in a ceremonial procession by Vijayendra Saraswati. Based on principles of Vedic mathematics and geometric symbolism, the yantra is believed to represent divine energies and is regarded as a sacred spiritual instrument.
The yantra is currently being worshipped before the idol of Raja Ram, and by March 19 it will be placed on the second floor of the temple structure. A nine-day Vedic ritual has already begun, involving priests and scholars from South India, Kashi, and Ayodhya.
Presidential Visit and Programme Schedule
President Murmu is expected to arrive in Ayodhya around 11 a.m., where she will be welcomed by Anandiben Patel and Yogi Adityanath. After entering the temple complex, the President will participate in the worship ceremony of the Shri Ram Yantra and witness the installation ritual amid Vedic chanting.
Following the ceremony, the President will receive prasad, partake in a ceremonial meal, and later depart from the city.
Saints and Devotees to Join Ceremony
The event will see participation from around 300 saints and distinguished guests from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi is also expected to arrive in Ayodhya by train along with nearly 1,000 devotees.
Individuals and organisations associated with the temple construction have also been invited, including representatives from Larsen & Toubro and Tata Group, as well as the family of architect Chandrakant Sompura. About 1,800 artisans and workers involved in carving stone, wood, and marble, sculpting pillars, crafting idols, and preparing temple garments have also been invited to the ceremony.
Security and Arrangements
Authorities have implemented strict security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Entry to the temple complex will be permitted only through special QR-coded passes, and mobile phones, weapons, or personal security personnel will not be allowed inside the premises. Only invited members of the Sikh community will be permitted to carry kirpans.
As the event coincides with the first day of Chaitra Navratri, fruit-based meals will be arranged for guests observing religious fasting. Regular darshan of Ram Lalla will continue for devotees, though the schedule may be temporarily adjusted.
Cultural Welcome for the President
Preparations for the President’s visit have intensified under the direction of the Uttar Pradesh government. The city will host a grand cultural welcome featuring Ramayana-themed performances along the route from the airport to the temple.
According to officials, nearly 20 cultural stages will be set up where about 250 artists will present devotional songs, bhajans, Awadhi folk music, folk dances, and traditional performances such as Ramleela excerpts, conch blowing, and Vedic chanting.
The cultural programme aims to showcase the spiritual and cultural heritage of Ayodhya, creating a festive atmosphere as the city prepares to host one of the most significant religious ceremonies since the temple’s construction.
