Soil from Thailand’s Ayutthaya to be Presented at Ayodhya Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony

Ayodhya is gearing up for the much-anticipated grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, and various fascinating aspects surrounding this event are capturing headlines. From unique gifts to intricate structures, every detail about the Ram Mandir is creating a buzz.

In a culturally significant gesture, it has been reported that Thailand will contribute soil for the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla, scheduled for January 22, 2024. This act reinforces the universal resonance of Lord Ram’s legacy beyond geographical boundaries. Thailand’s involvement in the consecration ceremony is not new; it follows a previous gesture of sending water from two rivers in Thailand to the temple dedicated to Lord Ram.

The historical connection between Ayodhya and Thailand is noteworthy. Ayutthaya, a prominent Thai city, witnessed its kings being titled ‘Ramatibodhi’ (Lord Rama), establishing a link with Ayodhya mentioned as the capital of Lord Rama in the Ramayana. The Thai religious text, known as Ramkeen, holds a comparable status to the Thai Ramayana and is believed to have been freshly composed by King Rama I in the 18th century. Ramkeen features Thotsakan as its primary antagonist, mirroring Ravana in the Hindu text, with the protagonist, Phra Ram, embodying the ideal of Ram. The remnants of Thai Ayodhya, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, span a considerable area.

Swami Vigyanananand, the founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation, highlighted this unique connection between India and Thailand, emphasizing its role in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. He pointed out that the collaboration goes beyond the exchange of soil, highlighting the strong cultural and historical bond between India and Thailand. The tradition of kings in Thailand belonging to Lord Rama’s descendants and carrying the title of Ram reflects this age-old connection.

Expressing joy over the upcoming consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Swami Vigyanananand revealed plans to telecast the ceremony live in Bangkok. The event is expected to attract Hindus from around the world who will participate in spiritual activities such as kirtans, bhajans, puja, and recitations.

As part of the preparations for the grand ceremony, prasad (food offered to the deity) has been ordered from Ayodhya. Additionally, a replica of the Ayodhya temple has been constructed in Bangkok. An image of the birthplace of Ram Lalla has been brought from Ayodhya, with copies shared among conference delegates.

This convergence of cultures and shared reverence for Lord Ram highlights the transcendent nature of religious and cultural bonds that endure across borders. The collaboration between Ayodhya and Thailand not only underscores the significance of the Ram Mandir but also exemplifies the deep-rooted connections that exist between diverse civilizations, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. As the world witnesses this historic moment in Ayodhya, it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and universal appeal of Lord Ram’s story.