The first phase of construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya has begun with the creation of a new place where the idol of lord Ram will be kept. The idol has to be shifted from the tent to a new place before actual construction could start.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad vice president and general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, Champat Rai, said the consecration of the new place for the Ram idol began at 7am on Monday, and would continue for one more day in the presence of two temple trust members, district collector and local MLA. The idol will be shifted to a new place on March 25. After the formal foundation stone is laid, construction would start.
While the government was expecting heavy rush of devotees during Ram Navmi festival, which marks the birth of Ram, entry of outsiders to Ayodhya has been restricted due to outbreak of coronavirus.