On Saturday, a significant milestone was reached as Chhattisgarh, recognized as the 'nanihal' (the place of maternal grandparents) of Lord Ram, dispatched a total of 300 metric tonnes of aromatic rice to Ayodhya. This ceremonial offering is intended for the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram temple scheduled for January 22.

In a symbolic gesture, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai personally flagged off 11 trucks carrying the rice consignment, dedicated to the "Ramji Bhog and Bhandara" at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Mr. Sai remarked, "Chhattisgarh is known as the ‘nanihal’ of Lord Ram. We feel blessed to play our part in the consecration ceremony in the Ayodhya Ram temple by sending the rice consignment."

The rice millers association of Chhattisgarh played an instrumental role, organizing a special function at Sri Ram Mandir to mark the dispatch of this significant rice consignment destined for the Ayodhya Ram temple.

The dispatched aromatic rice holds special significance, as it is intended to be utilized in the preparation of 'Prasad' for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, according to a spokesperson for the Chhattisgarh government.

The rice millers association of Chhattisgarh purposefully procured the aromatic rice, particularly the esteemed variety known as RB Gold, from Chhattisgarh, often referred to as the rice bowl. Yogesh Agrawal, the president of the association, emphasized, "We have procured the best variety of aromatic rice, RB Gold, produced in Chhattisgarh to offer for the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya. This is an offer from ‘nanihal’ of Lord Ram."

Chhattisgarh's connection to the mythology of Lord Ram is deeply rooted. Chandkhuri, situated on the outskirts of Raipur, is believed to be the birthplace of Kaushalya Devi, Lord Ram's mother. Notably, there is a unique temple dedicated to Kaushalya Devi, making it the only shrine of its kind in the world.

The state of Chhattisgarh is actively developing its association with the narrative of Lord Ram. Chandkhuri, considered the birthplace of Kaushalya Devi, is part of the larger "Ram Gaman Path" project undertaken by the state government. This project identifies and develops 248 places across Chhattisgarh associated with the locations where Lord Ram, his wife Devi Sita, and brother Laxman spent time during their 14-year exile period. The project, known as 'Ram Gaman Path,' seeks to enhance the cultural and historical significance of these sites.

Chhattisgarh, aptly known as the 'rice bowl,' holds a significant place in the narrative of Lord Ram, being considered his 'nanihal' or the place of maternal grandparents. Scholars posit that during his 14-year exile from Ayodhya, Lord Ram journeyed through various locations in present-day Chhattisgarh.

Notably, Chandkhuri, a village located around 27 km from the capital Raipur, is esteemed as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya, the mother of Lord Ram. The ancient Mata Kaushalya temple in this village underwent a restoration process during the tenure of the previous Congress government in the state.

The eagerly awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is set to take place on January 22. During this significant event, the idol of Ram Lalla will be formally installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. According to sources, only five individuals will be present in the sanctum sanctorum at the time of the consecration ceremony. Prime Minister Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and the Chief Acharya will grace the sanctum sanctorum during this auspicious occasion. The curtain will remain closed during the consecration ceremony.

According to sources, only five individuals will be present in the sanctum sanctorum at the time of the consecration ceremony. Prime Minister Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and the Chief Acharya will grace the sanctum sanctorum during this auspicious occasion. The curtain will remain closed during the consecration ceremony.

The Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya are scheduled to commence on January 16, a week before the main ceremony. Varanasi-based Vedic priest, Lakshmi Kant Dixit, will officiate the main rituals of the consecration ceremony on January 22. The period from January 14 to January 22 in Ayodhya will be celebrated as Amrit Mahautsav. To mark the occasion, a grand 1008 Hundi Mahayagya will be organized, feeding thousands of devotees. Numerous tent cities are being erected in Ayodhya to accommodate the expected influx of devotees arriving for the grand consecration of the Ram Temple.

The Sri Ram Janambhoomi Trust has made arrangements for 10,000-15,000 people, and the idol of Lord Ram is scheduled to be enthroned at the sanctum sanctorum between noon and 12:45 pm on January 22. Vedic priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit will lead the main rituals of the consecration ceremony on that day.

On Saturday, a shipment comprising 300 metric tonnes of aromatic rice from Chhattisgarh was dispatched for the scheduled consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram temple on January 22. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai officially flagged off the rice consignment, overseeing the departure of 11 trucks, at a ceremony held at Shri Ram Mandir on VIP Road in Raipur. The saffron flag was waved during the flag-off, as per an official statement.

Organized by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Rice Millers Association, the event was titled 'Sughandit Chawal Arpan Samaroh' (aromatic rice offering ceremony). The association has contributed the aromatic rice to be utilized as "prasad" during the consecration ceremony of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

The flag-off ceremony witnessed the presence of state ministers such as Brijmohan Agrawal, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Dayaldas Baghel, Laxmi Rajwade, along with BJP MP Sunil Soni and office-bearers of the association. During the event, the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues offered prayers at the temple, extending wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the state.