The consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22, 2024, has sparked a surge in demand for gold and silver memorabilia related to Lord Ram and the temple. Despite the high prices of the precious metals, devotees are purchasing these items to express their faith and devotion, as well as to bring fortune and prosperity to their families.
Gold and silver coins with Ram Mandir images
One of the most popular items among the devotees are gold and silver coins with images of the Ram Mandir embossed on them. These coins are available in various denominations, ranging from 1 gram to 100 grams. According to jewellers in Ayodhya, the daily sale of these coins has increased significantly in the past week. Rajan Jewellers, based in Ayodhya, has reported a five-fold increase in the sale of gold coins, from an average of five coins per day to 20-25 coins per day. Pannalal Soni, owner of Pannalal Jewellers in Ayodhya, has also witnessed a similar trend. He said that people are buying these coins as a souvenir of the historic occasion, as well as a symbol of their devotion.
Gold and silver statues of Lord Ram and Ram Darbar
Another item that is in high demand among the devotees are gold and silver statues of Lord Ram and Ram Darbar. These statues depict Lord Ram along with his consort Sita, his brother Lakshman, and his loyal devotee Hanuman. These statues are considered auspicious and sacred by the devotees, who place them in their homes or temples for worship. Vaibhav Saraf, director of Aisshpra Gems & Jewels, stated that the demand for these statues started around Diwali 2023 and is at its peak now. He said that the demand is coming from all segments of society, irrespective of their income levels. Saraf, who has ten stores in Uttar Pradesh, including one in Ayodhya, also noted that some devotees are buying these statues as gifts for their relatives and friends.
Other gold and silver items offered to Lord Ram
Apart from coins and statues, there are also other gold and silver items that are offered to Lord Ram by the devotees. These include silver charan paduka (footprints), turtle (a symbol of longevity), and baby kada (a bracelet for children). These items are believed to bring blessings and protection from Lord Ram to the devotees and their families. Pannalal Soni mentioned that sales of these items have also increased significantly in the past few days. He said that some devotees are buying these items to offer them to Lord Ram at the temple, while others are keeping them at their homes.
Gold prices remain high amid festive demand
The high demand for gold and silver memorabilia related to Lord Ram and the temple has not deterred the devotees from buying them, despite the high prices of the precious metals. Gold prices are currently around Rs 63,000 per 10 gm, while silver is priced at Rs 71,500 per kg at the retail level. The prices have been influenced by various factors such as global market trends, currency fluctuations, import duties, GST, etc. However, jewellers expect that the festive demand will keep the prices high for some more time.
Jewellers launch special collections to commemorate Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha
Some jewellers have also launched special collections to commemorate the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony. For instance, Senco Gold & Diamonds recently launched a special collection called ‘SiyaRam Collection’ to pay tribute to the bond of devotion between Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. The collection features meenakari work and intricately set diamonds on various jewellery items such as necklaces, earrings, rings, etc. Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director of Kalyan Jewellers, expressed delight at the positive response to the newly launched gold coins that commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony is expected to be a grand event that will be attended by millions of devotees from across the country and the world. The ceremony will mark the culmination of a long and arduous legal and political battle over the disputed site, which was resolved by the Supreme Court verdict in 2019. The Ram Mandir will be a symbol of the faith and culture of millions of Hindus, who revere Lord Ram as their ideal king and hero. The gold and silver memorabilia related to Lord Ram and the temple are a way for the devotees to express their joy and gratitude for this historic occasion.