The inauguration of the magnanimous Ayodhya Ram Mandir on 22nd January, 2024 was one of the most significant events India witnessed in recent years. The inauguration saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in the main rituals. From political leaders to film personalities, prominent Indian dignitaries attended the grand inauguration event. However, do you know that the temple celebrated its anniversary on the 11th of January instead of the 22nd? To know why, let’s know more about the historic event as it completes a year.
First Anniversary Of Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration On 22nd January, 2024
After years of legal and political battles over the land of Ayodhya, the Rama temple finally completed construction and subsequently got inaugurated on 22nd January, 2024. The event saw the Pran Pratishtha ceremony or the consecration of Lord Rama’s idol, following which the temple was open to the public. Ram Mandir Inauguration was celebrated on a large scale throughout India as well as Ayodhya, and many dignitaries from different fields attended the event.
Not just important dignitaries, but the temple also saw thousands of devotees visit Ayodhya. In fact, 11 crore tourists visited Ayodhya in the first 6 months of 2024, as per official data. The city has seen a surge in tourist footfall ever since the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, leading to a more developed tourist infrastructure in the religious city.
Why Ayodhya Ram Mandir Celebrated Its Anniversary On 11 January
Even though Ayodhya Ram Mandir was inaugurated on 22nd January last year, it celebrated its first anniversary on 11th January, 2025. The reason behind this date lies in the auspicious Hindu calendar.
The Pran Pratisthta Ceremony officially marked the temple’s sanctity and was planned on Kurma Dwadashi according to the Hindu Calendar. This Dwadashi is significant in the sense that it commemorates Lord Vishnu’s Kurma Avatar (tortoise) during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). In fact, Lord Rama is considered to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu, making it even more special. The day is also known by the name of Paush Shukla Dwadashi, and falls in the Shukla Paksh.
The Kurma Dwadashi was on 22nd January in 2024, however, in 2025, it fell on 11th January. This explains why the temple celebrated its inauguration anniversary on the 11th instead of 22nd January in 2025.
Significance Of Shukla Paksh And Kurma Dwadashi
Dwadashi falls during Shukla Paksha, which is the waxing phase of the moon. This phenomenon is fortnightly and is followed by the Krushna Paksh or the waning phase. The Shukla Paksh symbolises growth, prosperity, and positive energy. This lunar phase of the moon is considered auspicious in the Hindu calendar and is looked upon as an important phase for marking new beginnings.
This practice of following dates as per the Hindu lunar calendar instead of the conventional Gregorian calendar reflects the deep-rooted connection the temple establishment has with Hindu culture and astrology.
According to Hindu mythology, King Dasharatha, father of Lord Rama, performed rituals on this Dwadashi to seek blessings for a son, after being heirless for years. This mythological connection establishes the significance of observing the Pran Pratishtha Anniversary on this lunar day.
The Ram Mandir Of Ayodhya: An Architectural And Spiritual Marvel
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is not a religious landmark but also an architectural marvel. It is built in the Nagara style of architecture and also includes elements of the Dravidian style. This Dravidian style more prominent in South India. The former style of architecture is characterized by tall spires called shikharas and beehive-like or curvilinear temple shape.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has been ideated by architects Chandrakant Sompura and his son Ashish Sompura. It has been built in pink sandstone from Rajasthan and has a capacity of accommodating 40,000 devotees in the complex. This temple complex also houses a museum, a yagyashala, a library, and a few more important structures.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir is inarguably one of the most significant religious places of worship for Indians, especially Hindus. It will be interesting to see how the temple boosts tourism in Ayodhya and Uttar Pradesh in the coming years.
