On January 22, the much-anticipated consecration of the newly constructed Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya will take place. Ahead of this auspicious event, the Ayodhya Bhagyanagar Sita Ram Foundation in Telangana has presented Shri Ram Charan Padukas valued at Rs 1.03 crore to Lord Ram.
The Hyderabad-based foundation has chosen this symbolic moment to offer the Charan Padukas, coinciding with the initiation of the consecration ritual at the Ram temple. The consecration ceremony, also known as ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ involves infusing life into the deity, making it a pivotal occasion for devotees.
The Shri Ram Charan Padukas, crafted by Chilla Srinivas Shastri, the founder-director of the Ayodhya Bhagyanagar Sita Ram Foundation, have already begun their journey to Ayodhya. One pair has reached its destination, while the second pair is set to be carried by devotees in a foot march to the sacred site. These meticulously crafted Charan Padukas are 12.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 1 inch thick, constructed with 12.5 kilograms of gold, silver, copper, brass, and white lead metal.
Renowned metal sculptor Pittampalli Ramalinga Chari, creator of Kalakutir, was entrusted with this significant task by Srinivas Shastri. Collaborating with six other sculptors, Ramalinga Chari employed a unique approach by researching ancient Padukas and other designs found in sculptural studies books.
The Charan Padukas showcase various symbolic elements, including the Conch, Chakra, Mother Cow, Elephant, Flag, Om, Swastika, Sun, Moon, two Kalpavriksha (divine wish-fulfilling trees), sword, elephant’s gourd, sacred pitcher, and two lotus flowers. Additionally, a necklace of tamarind leaves, representing Goddess Sita’s favourite Chintaku Pathakam, featuring two emeralds from Chennai, adorns the padukas.
Srinivas Shastri mentioned that the meticulous construction of the padukas took 25 days, and they are scheduled to be officially handed over to Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi between January 10 and 15. The significance of Lord Ram’s charan padukas holds deep roots in the epic Ramayana, symbolising the moment Bharat, Lord Ram’s brother, ruled Ayodhya on his behalf by placing Ram’s padukas near the throne during his exile.
As the nation eagerly awaits this historic consecration, the presentation of the Shri Ram Charan Padukas adds a symbolic and artistic touch to the grandeur of the Ayodhya temple.
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