NEW DELHI: The chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Acharya Satyendra Das strongly responded to the leaked photos of the new Ram Lalla idol ahead of the consecration ceremony on Monday.
He expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the idol’s eyes should not be open until the consecration rituals are completed. Das called for an investigation into the premature revelation of the idol and emphasised the need to determine those responsible.
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Speaking on the issue of Ram temple ceremony, Acharya said, “The eyes of Lord Ram’s idol cannot be revealed before the consecration ceremony is completed. The idol where the eyes of Lord Ram can be seen is not the real idol. If the eyes can be seen, an investigation should be done on who revealed the eyes and how the pictures of the idol are going viral.”
Concerns have arisen among officials as the leaked photo of Ram Lalla circulated on social media before the temple consecration. The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is contemplating action against the individuals responsible for the photo leak, suspecting it to be the work of officials involved in temple construction.
The viral image revealed the 51-inch black stone idol of Ram Lalla, crafted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru in Karnataka. It displayed the idol adorned with a rose garland in a standing posture. The trust, considering action against the involved officers, is keen on maintaining the sanctity of the consecration process.
On Monday, the consecration ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Ram temple is set to open to the public on January 23. The ceremony, beginning at 12:20 pm, will conclude by 1 pm, followed by Modi addressing a large gathering at the venue, with millions expected to watch the event live on television.