Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 11 December 2023
In a momentous stride toward the consecration of the Shree Ram Temple scheduled for January 22nd, 2023, in Ayodhya, a vibrant ceremony named “Akshat Swagat Yathra” kickstarted the proceedings in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The “Pujit Akshat” arrived at Port Blair on Saturday.
A resplendent gathering of fervent Ram devotees from across the archipelago eagerly awaited the arrival of the revered Pujit Akshat at the Veer Savarkar International Airport. The air resonated with jubilant chants of “Jai Shree Ram!! Jai Shree Ram!!” as devotees fervently welcomed the sacred urn.
The Pujit Akshat, ensconced in a brass kalash (urn), was received by Mr. Swami Suddhananda Saraswati Maharaj, Adhyaksh of Sri Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta Abhiyan Samiti, A & N Islands. With traditional fervour, the ceremonial coconut breaking marked the commencement of the grand procession of the “PUJIT AKSHAT,” jubilantly celebrating its arrival.
The procession, an exuberant display of devotion, traversed through Junglighat, Goal Ghar, Aberdeen Bazar, Clock Tower, and Secretariat, culminating at Chinmaya Mission, Police Line. At Chinmaya Mission, a collective recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa reverberated through the air as a mark of veneration. Mr. Swami Suddhananda Saraswati Maharaj graced the gathering with his address, and the event concluded with the distribution of Bhog prasad to all attendees.
Mr. Anoop Gopinathan, General Secretary of Sri Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta Abhiyan Samiti, A & N Islands, revealed that a comprehensive drive is scheduled within Andaman & Nicobar Islands from December 15th to January 15th. This initiative aims to distribute the sanctified ‘Pujit Akshat’—yellow rice blessed in rituals—among families, urging them to extend the sacred rice to their acquaintances and to celebrate the festival of Consecration of Shree Ram Temple at Ayodhya in monasteries and temples across various regions.
Moreover, temple committees have been urged to install television screens in temples at all villages and towns to facilitate devotees’ participation in the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple through live feeds. Arrangements have been meticulously orchestrated for devotees across the islands to engage in bhajan-kirtan at temples in their respective villages.
The impending grand consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya stands as an epochal moment for the Hindu community. The Samiti’s elaborate arrangements underscore their dedication to ensuring a widespread and inclusive participation of devotees from every corner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the jubilant festivities.