Mangaluru: In preparation for the Prana Pratista of Rama Lalla at Ayodhya on Jan 22, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and affiliated organizations are set to distribute 'Mantrakshata' (Holy Rice) to every household.
“Treating it as a campaign, the VHP would distribute the ‘Mantrakshata,’ invitation, and also a photograph of Ayodhya Temple from January 1 to 15. We will reach every house,” VHP Karnataka South Region working president MB Puranik told reporters.
Puranik, an invitee from the state for the Jan 22 event, stated “Only 8,000 people have been invited for the Prana Pratista celebration, of which 4,000 are seers. We want people to celebrate the event in the temples and religious places in their village on that day. Special trains will be arranged for the people to go to Ayodhay from all the states in the later days. ”
Sharan Pumpwell, Regional Convener of Sri Rama Mandira Abhiyan, stated that a team of 10 activists will oversee the process in each village.
“On January 7, we will hold a ‘Maha Sampark Abhiyan.’ This being a Sunday, we want to contact more people for which we have invited volunteers to participate in our campaign.”
VHP aims to reach 8 lakh houses in Mangaluru region comprising Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts. In Karnataka it is likely to reach over 80 lakh houses.
To enhance accessibility, the Ayodhya event will be live-streamed on television, with provisions made for display at religious venues conducting special programs such as Bhajan, Pooja, Sankeerthan, and Rama Taraka Mantra on the occasion, according to Sharan.
He urged people to illuminate Diyas on January 22, suggesting a celebration akin to Diwali with the lighting of at least five lamps in each household.
“We also request every house to offer ‘Maha Mangalarathi,’ by facing Northwards- towards Ayodhya- on the occasion," he added.
Caption: MB Puranik speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Wednesday.
