Mandi: Consecration ceremony celebrated with fervour

Mandi, January 22

On the occasion of the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya today, Sunderkand path was recited by devotees of Lord Rama on the premises of Lord Raghunath temple situated at Sultanpur in Kullu district. A large number of men, women and children gathered on temple premises to celebrate this event.

After Sunderkand path, the devotees chanted religious songs related to Lord Rama throughout the day and atmosphere was joyous. The event of consecration ceremony at Ayodhya was seen by the people on LED screen.

Danvender Singh, Kardar of Lord Raghunath temple, said, “It is a matter of happiness for the entire country. A long wait has come to an end and Lord Rama idol occupied the throne at the land of his birthplace after 500 years. The Chief Kardar of this temple Maheshwar Singh is in Ayodhya to witness this event.”

“The idol of Lord Rama had been stolen from this temple in December 2014 and after a gap of 45 days on January 22, 2015, the idol was recovered. It is a coincidence that on January 22, 2015, Ram Lalla returned to his abode at this temple on January 22 and similarly Ram Lalla returned to his abode in Ayodhya on the same day today,” he remarked.

The event was celebrations in other parts of the district. Community feasts were offered to mark the event. In Mandi district this event was celebrated with great fervour. People were seen chanting Lord Rama bhajans and congratulating each other. Stalls were set up in the town to offer prasad to the people.

In the evening, Kullu and Mandi district glittered with the lights of diyas. People were seen bursting crackers to celebrate the event.

Lord Raghunath temple Kullu has a deep association with Ayodhya. Its history dates back to the 17th century when local King Jagat Singh installed an idol of Raghunath on his throne as a mark of penance. The idol was brought from Ayodhya. Since then week-long Desehra festival is observed in Kullu district every year.