PM’s message on Pran-Pratishtha of Shri Ram in Ayodhya
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 12 Jan, 2024

Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai! My dear countrymen, Ram Ram! Some moments of life change for the better due to divine blessings. Today is a sacred occasion for all the Indians and for the devotees of Lord Ram spread across the world! Everywhere, there is an enchanting atmosphere of devotion to Lord Ram! The melodious chants of Ram, the exquisite beauty of Ram bhajans in all directions! Everyone is eagerly waiting for January 22, that historic sacred moment. And now, there are only 11 days left for the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. I consider myself fortunate to witness this auspicious occasion. It is a time for me to experience moments beyond imagination. I am emotional, overwhelmed with feelings! I am experiencing a unique sense of emotion and devotion for the first time in my life. This emotional journey within me is not an expression but an opportunity for experience. Despite my desire, I am unable to encapsulate its depth, expansiveness, and intensity in words. I believe you can understand my situation. The dream that many generations have cherished in their hearts for years as a resolution, I am fortunate to be present at its fulfilment. God has made me a representative of all Indians. “निमित्त मात्रम् भव सव्य-साचिन्”। This is a great responsibility. As stated in our scriptures, we are required to awaken divine consciousness within ourselves for the ‘yagna’ and worship of God. For this purpose, the scriptures prescribe vows and strict rules that must be followed before the consecration of the idol. Therefore, based on the guidance I have received from some ascetic souls and great beings on this spiritual journey… those who have suggested ‘Yama-Niyama’ (principles of moral and ethical conduct) … I am beginning a special observance of 11 days from today. On this sacred occasion, I pray at the feet of God… I remember the virtue of sages, ascetics, and contemplative souls… and I pray to the people, who are the form of God, to bless me so that there is no deficiency in my thoughts, words, and actions. Friends, It is my privilege to begin my 11-day observance from the sacred place of Nasik Dham-Panchavati. Panchavati is the holy land where Lord Ram spent a significant amount of time. Today is also a happy coincidence for me as it marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda was the one who revitalized the soul of Bharat, long oppressed for centuries. Today, the same self-confidence is before everyone as the grand Ram Temple, representing our identity. Adding to this auspicious day is the birth anniversary of Mata Jijabai who gave birth to a great human in the form of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The indomitable form in which we see our Bharat today is significantly influenced by the immense contribution of Mata Jijabai. And friends, When I am recalling the virtuous memory of Mata Jijabai, it naturally brings back memories of my own mother. My mother used to chant the name of Sita-Ram until the end of her life. Friends, प्राण प्रतिष्ठा की मंगल-घड़ी… चराचर सृष्टि का वो चैतन्य पल… आध्यात्मिक अनुभूति का वो अवसर… गर्भगृह में उस पल क्या कुछ नहीं होगा… !!! (The auspicious moment of consecration… That conscious moment of animate and inanimate creation… The opportunity for spiritual experience… In the sanctum, what wonders await in that moment…!!!) Friends, I will indeed be a witness to that sacred moment in the form of the body, but 1.4 billion Indians will be with me in my mind and in my every heartbeat. You will be with me… Every devotee of Ram will be with me. And that conscious moment will be a shared experience for all of us. I will go there drawing inspiration from the countless personalities dedicating their lives to the Ram Temple. त्याग-तपस्या की वो मूर्तियां… 500 साल का धैर्य… दीर्घ धैर्य का वो काल… अनगिनत त्याग और तपस्या की घटनाएं… दानियों की…बलिदानियों की…गाथाएं… (The icons of sacrifice and penance… 500 years of patience… An era of enduring patience… Countless instances of sacrifice and penance… Stories of donors… stories of sacrifices…) There are many people whose names are unknown, yet their lives have had one singular goal—the magnificent construction of the Ram Temple. The memories of countless individuals will be with me. When 1.4 billion countrymen will connect with me from their hearts in that moment, and when I enter the sanctum carrying your energy, I will feel that I am not alone, but you all are with me too. Friends, these 11 days will be a personal observance for me, but my emotions are with the entire world. I pray that you also stay connected with me from your hearts. I will offer your emotions with the same devotion that resonates within me at the feet of Ram Lalla. Friends, We all know the truth that God is formless. However, God, even in his physical form,  empowers our spiritual journey. I have personally witnessed and felt the presence of God in the form of the people. When the same people in the form of God manifest emotions and shower blessings, I also experience a new surge of energy. Today, I seek your blessings. Therefore, I pray that you express your feelings in words, in writing, and bless me. Each word of your blessing is not just a word for me but a mantra. It will certainly work as the power of a mantra. You can directly reach me with your words and emotions through the NaMo app. Let’s all immerse ourselves in devotion to Lord Ram. With this sentiment, I greet all the devotees of Ram. Jai Siya Ram Jai Siya Ram Jai Siya Ram