In a significant event poised to resonate deeply within the global Hindu community, the Ram Pran Pratishtha Stapana (Installation of Shree Ram Murthi) at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh, India, is scheduled for 22 January, this ceremonial milestone holds immense cultural and religious significance, marking an unprecedented moment for Hindus worldwide.
By Pandita Lucy Sigaban – SA Hindus
To encourage widespread participation in this auspicious celebration, it is recommended to observe this day as Diwali. The act of illuminating homes with lamps starting from 6pm on 22 January, symbolizing unity and shared joy in this historic occasion. Discussions with various organisations across South Africa reveal an overwhelming sense of anticipation and enthusiasm among SA Hindus.
“Respecting everyone, turning dreams into reality, ending long-standing conflicts happily, and maintaining harmony in society – we must all move together towards these goals,” remarked Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of Art of Living SA. Let us each radiate our inner light on this iconic day.
Various Hindu organisations including BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha South Africa, Bhakti Marga SA, Shree Sanathan Dharma Sabha of South Africa, and others have extended warm regards and support for the pran pratishtha at Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. They encourage Hindu families to mark the day by initiating special Pooja dedicated to Shri Rama in their homes, adorned with saffron-colored flags, and observing a strict satvik lifestyle in thought, word, and deed.
On the evening of 22 January, all Hindus are urged to assemble at their local temples to continue the celebrations. Temples are advised to conduct special sathsangh, including prayers and recitations in honor of Shri Ganesh-Gauri, Hanuman, Shiva, Sita Rama, Ram Janma from Ramcharitmanas: Bal Kaand, along with Arti and Visarjan ceremonies.
Preceding the event, on 21 January, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, Shree Sanathan Dharma Sabha of South Africa, and the Durban Hindu Temple are organising a public Ramayana Recital Programme at the Durban Hindu Temple (DHT) in Somsteu Road, Durban, with a promise of spiritual enlightenment and Bhojan Prasadh.
Additionally, various temples like Shri Luxmi Narayan Temple in Mobeni Heights and Shri Vishnu Temple in Pietermaritzburg are hosting special programs and events to mark this momentous occasion, inviting the public to partake in the celebrations.
The forthcoming Installation of Shree Ram’s Murti transcends geographical boundaries, unifying Hindus worldwide in a celebration reminiscent of Diwali. The lighting of lamps signifies the triumph of good over evil and underscores the unity within the global Hindu community.
