Ram Mandir: Man uses savings; designs 196-foot saree for idol
Jujaru Nagaraju, a weaver from Dharmavaram, Andhra Pradesh, has used his life savings of Rs. 3.5 lakh to create an enormous 196-foot saree as a gift for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The saree, intended for an idol of Goddess Sita, features the chant "Jai Shri Ram" embroidered 32,200 times in 13 languages! Nagaraju hopes to present this beautiful saree at the temple's consecration ceremony on January 22.
Saree features pictorial depictions from Ramayana
The unique saree is made from a special fabric called "Rama Koti Vastram" and includes chants in languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu, Malayalam, and Odiya. Additionally, it showcases 168 images from Lord Ram's life in the Ramayana, a major Hindu epic. Weighing 16 kg, this saree is nearly 11 times longer than a traditional saree. Reportedly, Nagaraju spent six months working on it, dedicating around 10 hours daily to the project.
Weaver awaits green signal to present saree at consecration ceremony
Nagaraju is currently in talks with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust about handing over the saree. During an interview with Times Now, the man stated, "Once I receive the green signal from the Trust members, I will proceed to Ayodhya to personally hand over the special saree." If unable to present the gift on January 22, Nagaraju plans to try again on another "auspicious" occasion. The saree was recently displayed, drawing around 500 visitors.
Arrangements for January 22 ceremony planned
An "extensive master plan" on rescue and medical services from Ayodhya to Lucknow has been devised as a part of the arrangements in place for the January 22 consecration ceremony. Per reports, these include 500 stationary temporary toilets, an additional 1,500 safai mitras, 30 mobile toilets, 50 mela sarthis (guides), 22 water kiosks, 50 water tanks, 16 primary health camps, two temporary hospitals, 62 ambulances —including 12 Advanced Life Support vehicles — and over 200 doctors.
Authorities to broadcast consecration ceremony live
According to sources, over 14,000 temples in Delhi will live-broadcast the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir on January 22. The consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22 will be broadcast live in all Uttar Pradesh jails so that prisoners can watch the event in real time. The famous Times Square in New York City, USA, will host live streaming of the ceremony as well.
