Ram Mandir 1st Anniversary 2025: Why is it celebrated on 11 January instead of 22 January? Know Reason Here

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, stands as a symbol of faith, devotion, and perseverance for millions of Hindus. 

The temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, in a grand ceremony attended by devotees and dignitaries. This marked the culmination of decades of legal and political battles over the site.

Interestingly, the anniversary of the Ram Mandir is celebrated on January 11 each year, not January 22. The reason lies in the auspicious Hindu calendar. 

The Pratishtha Mahotsav, or the consecration ceremony, which officially marked the temple's sanctity, was performed on January 11, 2024, according to the Hindu almanac. 

This day holds spiritual significance, as per Hindu traditions, rather than the Gregorian date of the temple’s inauguration.

This practice reflects the deep connection of the temple’s celebration with Hindu culture and astrology, emphasising the importance of tradition over modern-day calendar systems.

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Why is Ram Mandir's 1st Anniversary on January 11?

Source: Times Now

The anniversary of the Ram Mandir's Pran Pratishtha (consecration) is celebrated on January 11, 2025, rather than January 22, due to the alignment with the Hindu lunar calendar. The original consecration took place on January 22, 2024, which was designated as Kurma Dwadashi according to the Hindu Panchang (calendar).

For the anniversary, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has opted to celebrate on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, which falls on January 11 this year. This decision reflects a traditional practice in Hinduism where festivals are observed based on specific lunar dates rather than fixed Gregorian dates.

The celebrations will occur from January 11 to 13, 2025, featuring various rituals, prayers, and cultural events, allowing devotees and saints to participate in honouring Lord Ram. The change in date emphasises the importance of aligning with auspicious tithis (dates) within the Hindu calendar, which can vary each year.

Why is Dwadashi Chosen for Lord Ram's Anniversary?

Paush Shukla Dwadashi is also known as Kurma Dwadashi, commemorating Lord Vishnu's Kurma (tortoise) avatar during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). Dwadashi is traditionally associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity.

This year, the Kurma Dwadashi, also known as Paush Shukla Dwadashi, falls on January 11, 2025. Last year, it occurred on January 22, 2024.

Lord Ram is considered the seventh avatar of Vishnu, and celebrating the anniversary on this day invokes divine blessings and aligns with the spiritual essence of Lord Ram's worship.

The day falls during Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase of the moon, which symbolises growth, prosperity, and positive energy. This lunar phase is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings and important ceremonies in Hindu tradition.

According to Hindu tradition, King Dasharatha performed rituals on Dwadashi to seek blessings for a son, who was ultimately Lord Ram. This historical connection adds to the significance of observing events related to Lord Ram on this lunar day.

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What is the Significance of Paush Shukla Dwadashi in the First Pran Pratishtha Anniversary of Ram Lalla?

Paush Shukla Dwadashi, celebrated on January 11, 2025, holds significant importance for the first anniversary of the Ram Mandir's Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony. This day is particularly auspicious for several reasons:

1. Alignment with Hindu Traditions

Lunar Calendar Significance: The anniversary is observed on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, which corresponds to the eleventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Pausha according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This alignment is crucial, as Hindu festivals and rituals are often based on lunar dates rather than fixed Gregorian dates.

2. Connection to the Original Ceremony

Same Auspicious Day: The original Pran Pratishtha ceremony took place on January 22, 2024, which also fell on Dwadashi. By celebrating the anniversary on Paush Shukla Dwadashi, the event maintains continuity with its roots and underscores its spiritual significance.

3. Spiritual Opportunities

Fulfilment of Devotees' Wishes: It is believed that worshipping Lord Rama on this day can fulfil devotees' deepest desires, making it a spiritually enriching occasion. The day presents a rare opportunity for devotees to perform puja and seek blessings from Lord Ram Lalla.

4. Cultural and Community Engagement

Grand Celebrations: The celebrations from January 11 to 13 will include various rituals, cultural performances, and communal gatherings, inviting participation from saints, dignitaries, and thousands of devotees. This fosters a sense of unity and devotion among participants.

What Special Events are Planned for the Ram Mandir Anniversary?

The first anniversary celebrations of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, taking place from January 11 to 13, 2025, are set to be grand and inclusive. Here are the key events planned for this significant occasion:

Key Events Schedule

The key events for the Ram Mandir's 1st anniversary are as follows:

January 11, 2025

• Inauguration: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the event by performing the Abhishek (ritual anointing) of the Ram Lalla idol at 10 AM. This will involve anointing with Panchamrit and Saryu water.
• Maha Aarti: Following the Abhishek, a grand Maha Aarti will be conducted at 12:20 PM, marking a significant moment for devotees.
• Cultural Programs: The day will feature various cultural performances and devotional rituals, including a Ram Katha session starting at 2 PM.
• Prasad Distribution: Devotees will receive Prasad each morning throughout the celebrations.

Subsequent Days (January 12-13)

• Daily rituals and cultural events will continue, including more sessions of Ram Katha and spiritual discourses on the Ramcharitmanas.
• The celebrations will include chanting of six lakh Shri Ram mantras, recitations of sacred texts like the Hanuman Chalisa, and performances at designated venues such as the Yagna Mandap and Angad Tila.

Venue and Participation

• A special German hangar tent has been erected at Angad Tila, accommodating up to 5,000 people, allowing common devotees to participate in the festivities. This inclusivity aims to engage those who could not attend last year's consecration ceremony.
• Approximately 110 VIPs have been invited, alongside thousands of common people who can witness the events at Angad Tila.

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What is the Role of Paush Shukla Dwadashi in Hindu Traditions?

Paush Shukla Dwadashi holds significant religious importance in Hindu traditions, particularly for devotees of Lord Vishnu. Here are the key aspects of its significance:

1. Religious Observance

• Fasting and Worship: Paush Shukla Dwadashi is observed as a day of fasting, during which devotees seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that observing this fast brings comfort and satisfaction in life, alleviating various sufferings.
• End of Ekadashi Fast: This day marks the conclusion of the three-day Ekadashi fast, which begins on Dashami (the tenth lunar day). Dwadashi is regarded as an auspicious time for the veneration of the sacred tulsi tree and worshipping Vishnu.

2. Cultural Significance

• Mythological Background: The observance is rooted in mythological stories, such as that of King Suketuman and Queen Shaivya, who were blessed with a child after observing this fast. Such narratives highlight the day’s importance for couples desiring children.

3. Timing and Calendar Context

• Lunar Calendar Alignment: Paush Shukla Dwadashi falls on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Pausha in the Hindu lunar calendar, which corresponds to December-January in the Gregorian calendar.

4. Panchang Details for January 11, 2025

1. Tithi (Lunar Day):

• Dwadashi (11th day of the bright fortnight) until 8:22 AM.
• Trayodashi (12th day) starts thereafter and lasts until 6:34 AM on January 12, 2025.
• Day: Saturday
• Month: Paush (Pausha), Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight)

2. Nakshtatra:

• Rohini until 12:29 PM, then transitions to Mrigashira.
• Sunrise and Sunset:
• Sunrise: 7:14 AM
• Sunset: 5:43 PM

3. Yoga:

• Shukla Yoga until 11:48 AM, then transitions to another yoga.
• Karana:
• Balav until 8:22 AM, then transitions to Kaulav.

Auspicious Times

• Abhijit Muhurat: 12:08 PM to 12:49 PM
• Vijay Muhurat: 2:24 PM to 3:27 PM
• Ghodhuli Muhurat: 6:21 PM to 7:25 PM
• Brahma Muhurat: 4:06 AM to 5:09 AM
• Amrit Kal: 6:04 AM to 7:47 AM

Inauspicious Time

Rahu Kaal:

• Varies by location; for example:
• Delhi: 9:52 AM to 11:11 AM
• Mumbai: 10:00 AM to 11:23 AM

Special Observances

This day marks the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Additionally, it is also the day for the observance of the Putrada Ekadashi fast, with its parana (breaking of the fast) occurring from 7:15 AM to 8:22 AM.

What Were the Key Highlights of the Ram Mandir's 1st Anniversary Events?

The first anniversary of the Ram Mandir's Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya was celebrated with grandeur and devotion. Here are the key highlights of the events:

Dates and Duration:

The celebrations took place from January 11 to January 13, 2025, spanning three days.

Religious Ceremonies:

• The event began with an Agnihotra ceremony, performed twice daily, accompanied by Vedic chants from the Shukla Yajurveda. This took place from 8 AM to 11 AM and again from 2 PM to 5 PM.
• Devotees participated in chanting six lakh Shri Ram Mantras, alongside recitations of the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa.
• A special Maha Abhishek (grand anointment) ritual was conducted on January 11, followed by a Mangal Darshan of Lord Ram.

Cultural Programs:

Various spiritual and cultural events were organized, including devotional music performances and storytelling sessions about Lord Ram’s life.

Special arrangements were made to accommodate thousands of devotees, ensuring their participation in the celebrations.

Community Involvement:

The celebrations aimed to include devotees who could not attend the original consecration ceremony in 2024, fostering a sense of unity and devotion.

Significance:

The anniversary marked a year since the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol, symbolizing faith, perseverance, and cultural heritage.

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