January 18, 2024: Ayodhya is gearing up for the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, and amidst the excitement, numerous captivating events are unfolding. From distinctive gifts to intricate structures, every aspect of the Ram Mandir is creating ripples and securing its spot in the news headlines.
In a culturally significant gesture, Thailand has announced its contribution to the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla, scheduled for January 22, 2024. This act underscores the universal resonance of Lord Ram’s legacy, transcending geographical boundaries. Thailand’s participation in such ceremonies is not unprecedented, as it follows a previous gesture of sending water from two rivers in Thailand to Lord Ram’s temple.
The historical ties between Ayodhya and Thailand add a compelling layer to this narrative. Ayutthaya, a renowned Thai city, had its kings bestowed with the title ‘Ramatibodhi’ (Lord Rama), establishing a connection with Ayodhya mentioned as the capital of Lord Rama in the Ramayana. The Thai religious text, Ramkeen, holds a comparable status to the Thai Ramayana, with similarities drawn to Valmiki’s Ramayana in Ramanujan’s work, ‘300 Ramayana.’ Composed by King Rama I in the 18th century, Ramkeen features Thotsakan as its primary antagonist, resembling Ravana in the Hindu text. Thai Ayodhya’s remnants are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Swami Vigyanananand, the founder and global chairman of the World Hindu Foundation, emphasized the aim of strengthening cultural ties between Thailand and India through this unique connection. He highlighted that the collaboration goes beyond soil, pointing to a strong cultural and historical bond. In Thailand, kings belonging to Lord Rama’s descendants continue the tradition of carrying the title of Ram in their names.
Expressing joy over the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration, Swami Vigyanananand revealed plans to broadcast the ceremony live in Bangkok. Hindus from around the world are expected to gather, participating in spiritual activities such as kirtans, bhajans, puja, and recitations. As part of the preparations, prasad has been ordered from Ayodhya, and a replica of the Ayodhya temple now stands in Bangkok. An image of Ram Lalla’s birthplace, brought from Ayodhya, has been shared among conference delegates, further solidifying the cultural bridge between India and Thailand.