New Delhi: Today marks the start of the Pratishtha Dwadashi celebrations in Ayodhya, a momentous event to commemorate one year since the installation of Shri Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir. Running from January 11 to 13, the three-day festival will attract devotees, spiritual leaders and followers from across the country. The event will feature an array of religious and cultural programmes at the temple, reflecting the profound devotion and cultural pride tied to this sacred occasion.
The Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav of Shri Ram Lalla took place on January 22, 2024, a momentous day in Ayodhya’s history. However, why has January 11 been chosen to mark the first anniversary instead of the actual date of the consecration? The decision to observe the anniversary on January 11 is based on the lunar calendar, with Hindu rituals traditionally aligning with lunar dates that hold spiritual importance, News18 reported.
Historic Ram Mandir event
The consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir occurred on Paush Shukla Paksha Dwadashi, the 12th day of the full moon cycle in the month of Paush. In 2024, this day fell on January 22, marking the historic occasion. In 2025, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, Paush Shukla Paksha Dwadashi occurs on January 11, a date rich in spiritual meaning that aligns with traditional Hindu practices.
This day is also known as Kurma Dwadashi, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Kurma avatar during the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean. The connection between Lord Vishnu and this day makes it especially significant for the Ram Mandir celebrations, as Lord Ram is regarded as the seventh avatar of Vishnu.
Auspicious beginning for celebrations
That apart, the date falls within the Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase of the moon, symbolising growth, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. This phase is considered particularly favourable for important events. Hindu tradition also holds that King Dasharatha prayed on Dwadashi for a son who would be born as Lord Ram, making January 11 even more meaningful in the context of the celebrations.
The Ram Mandir, built in the traditional Nagara architectural style, measures 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and rises 161 feet in height. Inside the temple, the sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Shri Ram Lalla, representing his childhood form, while the first floor features the Shri Ram Darbar.
