We walked barefoot, passed the tree that has stood there since HE was in a tent… then to the police checkpost, where we had turned back in May 2018 because the Supreme Court had given an order that visitors could not come during 11 am to 2 pm.
After the security check, we walked into the magnificent temple where Ram Lalla resides …. walked up the steps into the Garba Griha. We had the pass for the 6.30 am Shringar Arti darshan. Only 150 devotees are allowed during this time. As we tried to make our way near the centre point, one of the Panditji’s told us to stand just left of the pillar, saying we would get a clear view and we stood there…..
A few minutes after we stood there, around 6.30 am, the curtain was pushed aside and there HE was !! Ram Lalla was resplendent… the pictures and videos don’t do justice. That moment the world stood still and our eyes were filled with tears. It felt as though HE would just walk out and wipe our tears away with that smile of his. I have tears in my eyes as I write this. It is emotional, to just think that HE was made to stay in a tent for 400 years.
The photographs don’t capture the aura, nor the fact that after the Pran Pratishta, the Murti is alive. HE is right there and you can sense it when you are in HIS presence. No words can describe it, no photographs can capture it and watching any number of videos won’t do. Stand in reverence in HIS presence and you will feel it.
We stood there for nearly 30 minutes right through the Shringar Arti and all that I remember is Ram Lalla’s smile.
Why Nov 9th ?
During our visit in June this year to Coimbatore, Narayanan and I were talking and he mentioned that all the brothers wanted to visit Ayodhya. I suggested that Oct-Nov and Feb-Mar would be a good time to visit since the weather would be pleasant. Dec and Jan would be very cold for them. And for some strange reason, I also added, “We will go and see Ram Lalla with you all, not before”.
Yesterday it all came together. All my eight brothers and their wives (minus one Bhabhi, who is taking care of Mama and Mami) came to Ayodhya and we all had Ram Lalla’s darshan together. Very very special indeed. All the brothers are pandits at different temples. The reason they are my brothers is because their parents and Amma are friends since birth and the families have known each other for generations. Seshi Mami and Amma are school friends as well.
Here we are, after the Shringar Arti darshan –
We took Hanuman Ji’s permission from the entrance to Hanuman Garhi on Nov 8th as we just could not enter the temple. Huge traffic jam from the back entrance and no way for us to get in. Sharing a pic that we had taken in 2018.
Will share a detailed post on how Ayodhya Ji has transformed since 2018.
Jai Sri Ram. Jai Jai Sri Ram.