PM Modi Will Be Chief ‘Yajman’ for Ram Temple Consecration, Confirms Top Priest

Ayodhya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to play a central role as the primary “yajman” at the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, according to Laxmikant Dixit, the main priest overseeing the ritual. Dismissing earlier reports, Dixit clarified that Anil Mishra, a member of the Ram temple trust, would not be the yajman on the consecration day.

“There is no doubt, Prime Minister Modi will be the main yajman for the ‘pran pratishtha’ rituals,” Dixit asserted to reporters before heading to Ayodhya. He clarified the yajman being the key sponsor and beneficiary of the puja, with prayers offered on their behalf.

Dixit, a seasoned ‘archak’ (priest) with experience in temple consecrations like Ram temple in Laxmangarh and Odisha, put to rest any speculation about Mishra’s involvement in the main ceremony.

Preparations for the historic event kicked off on Tuesday with a series of rituals led by Mishra and his wife. These pre-consecration ceremonies culminate in the ‘pran pratishtha’ of the Ram Lalla idol on the 22nd.

“Eleven priests are invoking all deities through daily rituals until the consecration day,” stated Ram temple chief priest Satyendra Das.