Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that he will perform a set of rituals before the consecration of the idols at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. He will pay a visit to Panchavati in Nashik, where Lord Ram spent much of his exile, and fast for 11 days before waking at Brahamamahurata (before dawn).
Modi said in an audio message that the consecration had evoked sentiments he had never felt before. “I am fortunate that I will also be a witness to this auspicious occasion. The Lord has made me an instrument to represent all the people of India during the consecration,” he said.
Modi stated that people had waited for many years for the temple’s construction. He sought their blessings ahead of the inauguration ceremony.
Despite his busy schedule and commitments, Modi stated that he will strictly follow all rules on the day of the inauguration and prior to it.
According to a source familiar with the matter, he has begun the 11-day ritual of following Yama-Niyam before consecration. “The Prime Minister continuously follows the rules like Brahmamuhurta Jagran, Sadhana, and Satvik diet in his daily routine”. The person added Modi will fast as a ritual for all 11 days.