On the first day of Navratri, President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers to Ram Lalla and installed the Shri Ram Yantra in the Ram Darbar on the second floor of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Thursday.
Before the ceremony, she toured the Ram Mandir complex, receiving a briefing on the temple construction from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Addressing the workers and devotees, President Murmu said, “Lord Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya. It is a privilege to set foot on this sacred land. Lord Ram described his birthplace as greater than heaven. Ayodhya is dear to all Ram devotees. The artistic depiction of Lord Ram returning with Sita and his brothers is even reflected in the Constitution, which is truly remarkable.”
She recalled writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the Pran-Pratishtha, expressing that it is a matter of fortune for all to witness the construction of the Ram Temple. “We are steadily progressing toward building a developed nation and aim to achieve this goal by 2040 or sooner,” she added.
President Murmu further said, “The country is moving in the direction of Ram Rajya, as envisioned by Tulsidas in the Ramayana. With Lord Ram’s blessings, the popularity of the Ram Temple continues to grow. I pray for his blessings on all our countrymen.”
Governor Anandiben Patel described Ayodhya as a land of faith, culture, and heritage. She added, “Today will always remain memorable. On the first day of Navratri, installing the Shri Ram Yantra is a sacred occasion. Devotees from across India and abroad are coming in large numbers for darshan. India has shared the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ with the world and shown that truth always triumphs. This is the new India.”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, “Today, Ram Rajya exists in India. While many countries face turmoil and wars, India enjoys peace. We are peacefully installing the Shri Ram Yantra. This is a new and evolving India, setting an example for the world. I salute all devotees who have contributed to the construction of the Ram Temple.”
Spiritual leader Ma Amritanandamayi said, “Lord Ram’s life inspires us in fulfilling all duties as a son, brother, and husband. His life was full of sacrifice and ideals. The Ram Yantra symbolizes this wisdom. Lord Ram was both king and commander, and he carried out his responsibilities with excellence.”
President Murmu arrived at Maharishi Valmiki International Airport around 10:30 am and was welcomed by the Governor, Chief Minister, and other officials. After spending approximately five hours in Ayodhya, she departed for Mathura, where she will visit ISKCON and Prem Mandir.
This was her second visit to Ayodhya following the consecration of Ram Lalla; her first visit was on May 1, 2024, during which she visited Hanumangarhi and the Ram Temple.
