Ayodhya Ram Mandir 'bhoomi pujan' live updates: Ayodhya decked up for Ram temple's grand 'bhoomi pujan'

Hope temple ritual marks nat’l unity: Priyanka

Priyanka’s message, coming at a time when the event is seen by some quarters as being “usurped” by the BJP-RSS to the exclusion of all other political parties, was seen as Congress’s effort not only to show support for construction of the Ram temple but also claim its own part in it.

Dream close to my heart being fulfilled: Advani on eve of pujan

“PM Narendra Modi is laying the foundation for construction of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shri Ram. It is indeed a historical and emotional day not only for me, but for all Indians. A grand mandir for Shri Ram at Ram Janmabhoomi has been a desire and mission for BJP,” Advani said in a statement.

Read: Back in Ayodhya after 29 years, PM Modi to lay first Ram temple brick today

Tamil Nadu CM K Palaniswami extends greetings to Modi on the eve of 'bhumi pujan'

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Tuesday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be laying the foundation stone for the Ram temple in Ayodhya during the grand 'bhumi pujan on Wednesday.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar not invited to Ram Temple's bhumi puja, reports IANS

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who had mediated in the Ram Janmaboomi - Babri Masjid dispute, did not receive an invitation to attend the Ram Temple bhumi puja in Ayodhya on Wednesday, an official said on Tuesday. "Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji has not been invited to the programme and we don't know the reason why," told a spokesperson to IANS.

In pictures: Pictures of Yogi Adityanath lighting up his house with diyas ahead of 'bhoomi pujan'

Tribal priests from Jharkhand leave for Ayodhya, to participate in Ram Temple bhoomi pujan, reports PTI.

No monkey business allowed in Ayodhya (PTI).

Devotees going for a darshan of Ram Lalla at the makeshift temple are used to making their way to the deity through a caged gangway, partly because of the monkey menace. An official from the government's Information department told PTI that municipal authorities and the animal husbandry department have been asked to “keep the premises safe from monkeys". They will use catapults and wooden batons to shoo away any monkey spotted in the neighbourhood. But the most effective weapon will be gram and fruit, he said.

Read: Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple to hold prayers for grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

"Lord Rudra will be prayed through special Rudrabhishek and Shodashopachara Pooja for the construction of the grand temple of Lord Shri Rama," read the trust's statement released Tuesday. Explaining the relevance of Lord Ram and Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology, the chief priest said that a person need to understand Shiva to understand Lord Ram.

It is my belief that this temple will inspire all Indians to imbibe his virtues: LK Advani

Shri Ram occupies an esteemed place in India’s cultural and civilizational heritage and is an embodiment of grace, dignity and decorum, says the veteran BJP leader.

One such dream, close to my heart is getting fulfilled. PM is laying the foundation of Ram Mandir. It's a historic & emotional day not only for me but all Indians: LK Advani