Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya temple to be known as ‘Balak Ram’

PTI

Ayodhya, January 23

The new Ram Lalla idol consecrated at the grand temple here on January 22 will be known as ‘Balak Ram’ as it depicts the deity as a five-year-old boy in a standing posture.

“The idol of Lord Ram, whose consecration was done on January 22, has been named as ‘Balak Ram’. The reason for naming the idol as ‘Balak Ram’ is that he resembles a child, whose age is five years,” Arun Dixit, a priest associated with the consecration ceremony, said.

“The first time I saw the idol, I was thrilled and tears started rolling down my face. I cannot explain the feeling I experienced then,” he added.

The Varanasi-based priest, who has conducted nearly 50-60 consecrations, said, “Of all the consecrations I have performed so far, this is the most alaukik (divine) and sarvoch (supreme) for me.”     

Dixit said he had the first glimpse of the idol on January 18.

The idol was consecrated in a grand ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said it marked the advent of a new era. The old idol of Ram Lalla, which was kept in a makeshift shrine, has been placed in front of the new idol.

Lakhs of people watched the pran pratishtha ceremony on television in their homes and neighbourhood temples, becoming part of the historic event.