‘Jai Siya Ram’ Echoes In Ayodhya As PM Modi Performs Rajyabhishek Of Shri Ram At Sixth Deepotsav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the sixth edition of the famed Deepotsav celebrations at Ayodhya today (23 October).

PM Modi who is participating in the festivities for the first time took darshan of Bhagwan Shree Ramlala Virajman, followed by inspection of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra site. He then performed the Rajyabhishek of symbolic Bhagwan Shree Ram at the Deepotsav stage at Ram katha park welcomed by loud cheering of his name.

Addressing the audience at the Deepotsav, he said the opportunity to do the ‘Rajyabhishek’ happens only with the grace of Ram Lalla.

“The values that Bhagwan Ram sowed through his vow, words, rule and administration are the foundation of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. The principles of Shri Ram are the lamp posts that will enable us to achieve the most difficult of goals,” said PM Modi in his address.

There were times that questioned the existence of Ram. And the result was a cultural decline of our country, said the PM, talking of how Ayodhya, Kashi and such centres of religious and cultural importance were subject to neglect. ”Efforts for the development of Ayodhya worth thousands of crores are being done today. The entire region will benefit from the various infrastructural development work being done in Ayodhya” said PM Modi.

Stressing on the employment opportunities that will be generated through the various efforts being undertaken, especially through development of tourism. “Your responsibility is doubled, dear citizens of Ayodhya“ said PM Modi, asking citizens to welcome people visiting the city, just like Shri Ram welcomed whoever came to him and ensure the image of the city as one of ‘kartavya nagari’.

“Bolo siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai” chanted PM Modi thrice, with the crowd chanting after him. He then headed to Ram ki Paidi to participate in the aarti at New Ghat, Saryu river.

He then lit a symbolic large earthen lamp marking the commencement of the grand Deepotsav celebrations in the city. Addressing the people at the Ram ki paidi, he said ”though we haven't seen the city of the treta yug, we in this amrit kaal we are being witness to Amar Ayodhya.”

“ Prabhu Shri Ram had defeated Ravan thousands of years ago. But the message of that victory is lit in the form of lamps today. The lamps of Diwali for us are not objects but living testimonies of the energy of India…and loudly proclaim ‘satyamev jayate,” he added.

A visual spectacle unfolded at the banks of river Sarayu. Around 17 lakhs of oil lamps that have been procured from potters across the state were lit by volunteers from Awadh university. This includes over 1.25 lakh made of cow dung that illuminated 9Ayodhya, setting a new world record.