All you need to know about ‘Surya Stambh’ installed in Ayodhya ahead of Ram Mandir inauguration

Ram Mandir inauguration, Ayodhya: Ahead of the consecration ceremony of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya city of Uttar Pradesh, ‘Surya Stambh’ are being installed. First visuals of stambhs (or pillars) came on December 9 as ‘Surya Stambh’ was installed on the Dharma Path. 

The pillar is 6 ft high and 5 ft in diameter and a 10mm circular glass light has been installed atop each pillar. The pillars have intricate carvings and reflect similar designs as installed in the Ram Mandir. The decision to install such pillars was taken in order to showcase the rich cultural heritage and history of Ayodhya city. 

Earlier, the authorities had decided to set up 25 such pillars on the 13-km stretch from Sahadatganj to Naya Ghat and 4 kilometre long Dharma Path leading to Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

Significance of Stambhs 

As per Hindu traditions, Sun is revered as life-giving deity and therefore such stambhs/pillars were installed in front of major temples in the Indian subcontinent. These pillars signify strength and are worshipped by devotees as in the case of Shree jagannath Mandir situated in Puri. Further, kings after winning battles used to install ‘Vijay Stambhs’ to mark sovereignty. 

Ram Mandir to open for devotees in January next year 

Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is likely to open for devotees on January 24 next year after the consecration of Ram Lalla idol which will be a 10-day ritual starting January 14, as per chairman of temple construction committee Nripendra Mishra. 

Authorities of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the consecration ceremony during which the idol of Ram Lalla will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. 

Trustees share images from sanctum sanctorum

Officials from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust shared an update on Saturday, December 9, suggesting that the construction work is nearing its completion. 

"The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shri Ramlala is almost ready. Recently, the lighting-fitting work has also been completed. I am sharing some photographs with you," Trust General Secretary Champat Rai said in a post on X as he shared the images of the same. 

(With agency inputs)