Two huge Shaligram rocks brought from the Kali Gandaki river of Nepal were dedicated for the making of the idol of Ramlala and Janki here after a religious ceremony on Thursday.
These two huge rocks were delivered from Nepal to Ramsevakpuram on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, these were formally presented by Ram Tapeshwar Das, Mahant of Janaki Temple of Janaki Temple, capital of ancient Mithila, Nepal, and Vimalendra Nidhi, former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, through a letter of dedication to Champat Rai, General Secretary of Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust.
Before this, 51 Vedic Acharyas worshiped the rock according to religious customs. The stone dedication ceremony was also presented in the form of a short meeting and the speakers described this occasion as providing a new attitude and style to the ancient relations between Nepal and Ayodhya.
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Nidhi said that earlier he wanted to present a bow to Ramlala in line with the legacy of Shri Ram’s association with Janakpur but after two years of dialogue with the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, it was decided that the holy rock from Nepal’s Gandaki river should be offered for the making of idol of Ramlala.
Champat Rai expressed his gratitude to the Janakpur temple, the Government of Nepal and the people there for dedicating the stone. A large number of saints and Ayodhya residents gathered to welcome the Shilas.
These Shaligram rocks — which are said to be 60 million-year-old — were brought to Ayodhya from Nepal on two different trucks. While one rock reportedly weighs 26 tonnes, and the other weighs 14 tonnes. The two rocks were found in the Gandaki river at a place close to Saligrama or Muktinath, place of salvation, in Nepal’s Mustang district.