Vadodara, Gujarat: A man from Vadodara in Gujarat has been making a 108-feet-long incense stick (agarbati) for the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The incense stick, which weighs 3500 grams, is made of cow dung, ghee, wood and other materials of significance.
Vihabhai Bharwad, a resident of Tarsali in Vadodara, has dedicated the last six months to crafting this monumental incense stick single-handedly outside his home. He has successfully made a 111-feet-long incense stick in the past and is confident that this one will also be a success.
The incense stick will be transported to Ayodhya by a long trailer truck covering approximately 1800 km. The planned route includes Vadodara, Halol, Kalol, Godhra, Shahera, Arvalli, Modasa, Shamlaji, Kherwada, Udaipur, Malvada, Savariya Sheth Mandir, Chittor, Bhilwada, Dadiya, Kishangadh, Jaipur, Ghosa Mahendipur, Balaji Choraya, Bharatpur and Faterpur Sikri.
The incense stick will be lit during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22. The ceremony will mark the consecration of Lord Sri Rama’s idol in the temple after years of construction work. The temple is expected to attract lakhs of pilgrims and devotees from across the country and abroad.
The incense stick is not only a symbol of devotion but also a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of India. It reflects the ancient tradition of offering prayers to Lord Shiva with firewood and ghee. It also signifies the auspiciousness and prosperity that will follow after the opening of the Ram temple.
The incense stick is being supported by local Member of Parliament Ranjanben Bhatt and her team who are actively helping Vihabhai in his endeavour. They have also arranged for security arrangements and transportation facilities for him.
Vihabhai said that he is humbled by this opportunity and hopes that his work will be appreciated by everyone. He said that he is doing this as a service to Lord Sri Rama and his devotees who have been waiting for this moment for centuries.
He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their guidance and support in making this possible. He said that he is proud to be a part of this historic event that will bring peace and harmony to India.
