Chief priest of the Ram Lalla temple, Satyendra Das, has sparked a controversy by raising concerns over the appearance of pictures depicting the idol of Ram Lalla with uncovered eyes. Das argues that this is a violation of Hindu rituals, emphasising the need for an inquiry to identify and penalise the individual responsible for unveiling the eyes of the idol. In explaining his stance, Satyendra Das outlined the customary procedure of installing an idol, which includes covering its eyes by putting a veil until the consecration ceremony, known as Pran Pratistha. The sanctum sanctorum is the designated space for this sacred installation. This is the only place where the eyes should be uncovered by removing the cloth, he said. While admitting uncertainty about the authenticity of the images circulating in newspapers and on TV channels, Das asserted that any depiction of the idol with open eyes before the Pran Pratistha ceremony was inaccurate, as the idol assumes that form only during the consecration ritual. Expressing concern over the situation, chief priest Das remarked, If someone has removed the cloth from the eyes, then it should be investigated. He referred to Hindu scriptures, which strictly prohibit the removal of the cloth covering the eyes of the idol before the consecration ceremony. The eyes must remain covered throughout other preparatory rituals, including bathing, adornment and offerings, he said. As part of the planned programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to unveil the eyes of the statue. A member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had earlier said that the eyes would be uncovered on January 22 during the Netronmelan ritual, involving the application of honey to a gold bar. The eyes of the idol will remain covered in whatever rituals are going on even now (before the consecration), chief priest Satyendra Das clarified. He said there were exceptions for rituals like Jaladhivas and Kesaradhivas, where the cloth may be removed from the body of the idol but not from the eyes. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad had released a picture of Ram Lalla adorned with a garland of roses and veiled with a yellow cloth covering its eyes. This newly sculpted idol of Lord Ram has been placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. However, another image of Ram Lalla idol emerged on social media, stirring a debate as its eyes are not covered with any cloth. The source of this image remains uncertain, with no claimant stepping forward. There are speculations that it could be of the time when the idol was being sculpted by Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious traditions and modern documentation, underscoring the significance of adhering to established rituals leading to the Pran Pratistha ceremony.

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