Choice of Balarama Idol Not Final, Pejawara Sri

Udupi

It is not yet final which is the idol of Balarama that will be consecrated on 22nd in Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji of Pagewara Math, who is the trustee of Ramjanmabhoomi Theertha Kshetra Trust, has clarified that it will be announced on January 17.

Speaking to media persons at the Math, Shri said that on January 17, before the Prana Pratistha, Balarama's idol will be taken in a procession to the Sarayu river and water bath will be performed, then it will be revealed which idol it is among the 3 idols that have already been prepared. All the trustees   saw the idols and informed us of their choice. All three idols are very good. Two are carved in charcoal, one in marble. A final decision has to be made, he said. 

Responding to the confusion of the invitation to Ram Mandir Lokarpane, Pranapritishte, there are many devotees, saints and mahants of Rama in the country, all devotees are invited. Pranapratistha programme cannot be done in open field, there is lack of space inside the temple. So it is difficult for everyone to participate. Invitation given on representation, unless otherwise justified. Sri said that no one should mistake it. After the installation, crores of devotees have a chance to see Balaram. All the devotees should come to Ayodhya in the next day. Arrangements have been made for that too. Tents and sheds are ready for stay. He said that there should be no confusion about this.  

In Udupi, on 18th January, Puttige Mutt's Paryaya Utsavam will be held. But on 17th there are Ram Mandir programmes in Ayodhya, so we have to be there. Therefore, he said that we will leave after the Churnotsava held at Krishna Math on January 15.