Srinagar, Jan 22:
Festivities and special prayers marked the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, coinciding with the celebration of the installation ceremony of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple. Despite the biting cold, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, and both local Hindus and tourists gathered to participate in the auspicious occasion.
The event at Yatri Niwas in Lal Chowk saw a congregation of devotees who enthusiastically engaged in special prayers and lit illuminated dias, adding to the festive atmosphere. The significance of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony goes beyond religious boundaries, serving as a moment of cultural unity and shared heritage.
A tourist from Maharashtra, Manoj Dubey, expressed his joy at witnessing Lord Ram’s return to his birthplace after 500 years. He described the occasion as remarkable and mentioned that being present filled him with immense happiness and reverence.
The ceremony was not only marked by rituals but also resonated with the chants and hymns that created an atmosphere of deep spiritual significance. Another devotee emphasized that the Pran Pratishtha ceremony is more than just a religious event; it is a celebration that unites people of all faiths. The return of Lord Ram to his birthplace, according to the devotee, is a profound moment that brings individuals together, transcending religious boundaries.
Meanwhile, temples across Kashmir resonated with special prayers, echoing the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Monday. Devotees, including the minuscule Hindu population and visiting tourists, congregated at various temples, with the revered Shankaracharya temple on the Zabarwan hills in Srinagar witnessing organized prayers.
The atmosphere was filled with spirituality as devotees participated in the prayers at the Shankaracharya temple, followed by a langar providing sustenance for the attendees. The Hanuman temple on the banks of the Jhelum river in Amirakadal and Ragunath Mandir in Srinagar also hosted special prayers, adorned to mark this significant event.
Expressing joy, the event organizer extended congratulations to the nation on the occasion of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. “Today, Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla is done in Ayodhya, so this is a big thing for us, and we can say that it is a proud feeling,” he remarked.
In Anantnag district, a havan was organized at the Sun temple in Mattan, where devotees prayed for the return of complete normalcy in Kashmir. The organizers expressed hope for Lord Ram’s blessings in promoting unity and communal harmony among diverse communities, reminiscent of the prevailing harmony prior to 1990.
As part of the commemorations, thousands of lamps illuminated the temples across Kashmir, symbolizing the joy and significance attached to the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. These ceremonies not only attracted the local Hindu population but also drew in tourists, contributing to the cultural diversity and communal harmony that characterizes Kashmir. The celebrations showcased the spirit of unity and reverence transcending religious boundaries, echoing the ethos of the region.
