Ram Mandir Ceremony: Why Did Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Miss Out?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the Pran Prathihtha at Ayodhya’s Lord Ram Temple inauguration on January 22. Bollywood legends and cricket icons, including Sachin Tendulkar, mark the momentous event.

Inauguration of Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya

On Monday, January 22, the Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya was inaugurated as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed the Pran Prathihtha in the presence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The grand event drew attendance from prominent figures across India, including Bollywood legends Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Superstar Rajinikanth. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar also flew from Mumbai to Ayodhya to participate in the Udghatan ceremony of Ram Lalla’s idol.

Among other sports personalities present were India’s badminton superstar Saina Nehwal, spin-bowling legend and former captain Anil Kumble, and former fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad. Notably, modern-day cricket greats like captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were invited but did not attend, possibly due to the upcoming India vs England Test series.

Also Read: South African Cricketer Maharaj Wishes “Jai Shri Ram” for Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir Inauguration

Rohit Sharma was spotted practising in Mumbai, while the rest of the squad, including Virat Kohli, is reported to be in Hyderabad training at the Hyderabad stadium. Former India captain MS Dhoni was also invited but did not attend, and the reason for his absence remains unknown.

Shifting back to cricket, the India vs England Test series kicks off on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The subsequent Tests are scheduled for Visakhapatnam, Rajkot (two matches), and Dharamsala. India aims for a strong performance in the series to bolster their position in the World Test Championships (WTC) table.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Equals Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI Century Record with Unbeaten 101

Regarding the Ayodhya temple, its construction follows the traditional Nagara style, boasting dimensions of 380 feet length (east-west), 250 feet width, and 161 feet height. Supported by 392 pillars and featuring 44 doors, the temple showcases intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities on its pillars and walls. The main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor houses the idol of Shri Ramlalla, depicting the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram. The main entrance, located on the eastern side, can be accessed by ascending 32 stairs through the Singh Dwar. The temple comprises five Mandaps (halls): Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. It is expected to open soon for public visits.

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