Ayodhya is preparing for the installation of Lord Rama on January 22nd. The city is being decorated like a bride in anticipation of the event. Apart from Ayodhya, there are several other places in India associated with Lord Rama, including Gaya in Bihar. In Gaya, Lord Rama had performed the pind-daan (ritual for the departed souls) of his father King Dasharatha on the Ramshila mountain. Today, the footprints of Lord Rama are still present on this mountain, which is considered to be one of the 54 sacred pind vedis (pedestals) in Gaya.
The Ramshila mountain holds historical and cultural significance as it is believed to be named after Lord Rama. It is located 5 kilometers north of the Vishnupad Temple, along the banks of the Falgu River. During his exile, Lord Rama had performed a bath in the Ramkund Sarovar and then performed the pind-daan of his father at this location. The Ramshila mountain also has a Ramkund below it, where Lord Rama had bathed before performing the pind-daan. There are ancient stone statues present on this mountain, which can be seen in its surroundings. The temple located on the top of the mountain is called Rameshwar or Pataleshwar Temple.
Preparations are underway for the installation of the deity in Ayodhya, and a temple can be seen on the mountain where idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and devotee Hanuman are installed. It is believed that performing the pind-daan here directly takes the ancestors to heaven. The Ramkund in Gaya is known for granting salvation to ancestors through pind-daan. As the installation of Lord Rama is scheduled for January 22nd in Ayodhya, preparations are also in full swing at the Ramshila Temple. After the grand puja on January 22nd, 501 kilograms of laddus will be distributed at the Ramshila Temple. Additionally, more than 11,000 lamps will be lit.
According to the priests of the Ramshila Temple, among the 54 vedis (pedestals) for pind-daan in Gaya, Ramshila is also significant. Performing the pind-daan on this vedi grants heaven to the ancestors. The Ram Kund in Gaya is known for granting salvation. There is a historic Shiv temple located near the Ram Kund, which has a rare crystal Shivling. Devotees from all over the world come to see this rare Shivling. There is also an ancient Ram Temple located on the mountain, where the footprints of Lord Rama are present. On the top of the mountain, there is an ancient temple known as Rameshwar or Pataleshwar Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama had rested here with his younger brother Lakshmana and wife Sita.
22 जनवरी को अयोध्या में प्रभु श्रीराम की स्थापना होगी और इस मौके पर गया शहर में भी पीड़ितों को मोक्ष दिलाने के लिए रामशिला पर्वत पर पिंडदान किया जाएगा। यहां पर्वत पर रामकुंड सरोवर और रामशिला पर्वत में पिंडदान करने से पितरों को मोक्ष मिलता है। गया जगह में कुल 54 वेदियां हैं और रामशिला भी इनमें से एक महत्वपूर्ण वेदी है। इस तैयारी के बीच रामशिला मंदिर में भव्य पूजा, लड्डू वितरण और दीपक जलाने का आयोजन किया जाएगा।
