As the pran-pratishtha ceremony for the Lord Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya approaches, devotees from various states and even different countries are contributing unique gifts to the Ram temple as an expression of their devotion.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar recently handed over a diverse array of gifts received from Afghanistan, Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and more to the 'Yajman' of Shri Ram temple, Anil Mishra.
Here's a breakdown of who gifted what to the Ram temple:
Kashmiri Muslims
Expressing their happiness for the construction of the Ram temple, Kashmiri Muslims presented 2kg of organically produced pure saffron. VHP president Alok Kumar conveyed that the Muslim community from Kashmir, despite religious differences, considers Lord Ram as one of their revered ancestors.
Rajasthan
Shri Mehndipur Balaji Mandir Nyas generously donated 1,51,000 boxes of laddoo prasad and 7,000 blankets for distribution among the devotees.
Gujarat
A devoted individual from Vadodara, Gujarat, crafted a remarkable 108-foot-long incense stick, weighing 3,610 kg and almost 3.5 feet wide. The incense stick, created over six months, has been offered to the temple.
Uttar Pradesh
From Etah's Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh, a bell made of 'ashtadhatu' (an alloy of eight metals) and weighing 2,100 kg was contributed to the Ram temple.
Tamil Nadu
Silk manufacturers from Tamil Nadu sent a beautiful silk bedsheet depicting the Shri Ram temple.
Gifts from Other Countries
Afghanistan
Water from Afghanistan's Kubha (Kabul) river has been sent as a gift to the Ram temple.
Nepal
The birthplace of Lord Ram's wife Sita, Janakpur in Nepal, contributed over 3,000 gifts, including silver shoes, ornaments, and clothes, to Ayodhya's Ram temple.
Other Unique Contributions
Devotees showcased their creativity with offerings such as the world's largest lock, weighing 400 kg, and 1265 kg of laddoo prasad. The laddoo prasad was specially crafted by Sri Ram Catering Services in Hyderabad, while an elderly couple from Gujarat, Satya Prakash Sharma and Rukmini Sharma, created the massive lock.
A diamond merchant from Surat, Gujarat, gifted a unique necklace adorned with 5,000 American diamonds and 2 kg of silver, inspired by the theme of the Ram temple.
Notably, Lord Ram's reverence extends beyond India, with countries like Thailand and Indonesia organizing Ramlila in his honor. Even in Muslim-majority Indonesia, Ramlila events are a part of the cultural fabric.
Preparations are underway to welcome devotees, pilgrims, sages, and dignitaries to Ayodhya for the pran pratishtha ceremony on January 22, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to be present alongside the priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit.
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