The new Ram Lalla idol was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple on Monday, an event watched by lakhs of people on television at their homes and in temples across the country.

Army helicopters showered flower petals on the newly constructed Janmabhoomi temple as the consecration took place.

The consecrarted 'Ram lalla' idol PTI

"The extraordinary moment of the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla's life in Ayodhya Dham is going to leave everyone emotional. It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme. Hail Siya Ram!" Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Modi took part in the 'pran pratishtha' rituals in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, PTI reported as television news channels beamed the ceremony live.

Modi was scheduled to address the gathering after the ceremony. He was also slated to visit the Kuber Tila, and interact with workers associated with the construction of the temple.

Prime Minister Modi offers 'dandavat pranam' to Lord Ram TT Online

Senior BJP leaders including party chief J P Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah watched the live streaming of the "pran pratishtha" ceremony.

Top Opposition leaders chose to skip the ceremony.

The invitees to the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple began arriving at the temple town from early Monday morning with locals and devotees gathering on both sides of the road waving saffron flags and dancing to the tunes of songs dedicated to Lord Ram.

Religious fervour gripped Ayodhya with biting cold failing to dampen the spirits of those who have flocked here to witness the historic moment. The holy town is all set to welcome Lord Ram with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to participate in the consecration ceremony.

Flower petals being showered at the Ram Mandir during the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, in Ayodhya, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 PTI

The invitees who arrived early this morning included RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Anupam Kher, Kailash Kher, Jubin Nautiyal, Prasson Joshi, Manoj Joshi, Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ravishankar Prasad and Anil Ambani, reports PTI.

Hema Malini, Kangana Ranaut, Sr Sri Ravishankar, Morari Bapu, Rajnikant, Pavan Kalyan. Madhur Bhandarkar, Subhash Ghai, Shefali Shah and Sonu Nigam arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday.

'Ram dhun' played in the streets from early morning, as security personnel kept a tight vigil across the Ayodhya districts.