Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Kumar Sigdel is scheduled to visit the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on Saturday, concluding his four-day official tour of India. This marks his first visit to the temple since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January 2024.

General Sigdel’s visit highlights the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between Nepal and Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Ram. His tribute to Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple also symbolises the shared spiritual heritage of the two nations, bound by centuries of devotion and mythology.

AYODHYA’S LINK TO NEPAL

The bond between Ayodhya and Nepal is steeped in ancient history. As per legend, Lord Ram’s wife, Sita, was from Janakpur, Nepal, a connection that has nurtured centuries of pilgrimage and cultural exchange between the two regions.

In a symbolic gesture of this enduring relationship, a sacred stone from Nepal’s Gandaki River was sent to Ayodhya to craft the idol of Ram Lalla. Revered for its sanctity and association with Lord Vishnu, this stone became the centrepiece of devotion.

The idol was consecrated on January 22 in a grand ceremony that drew thousands of devotees from both India and Nepal, celebrating the shared spiritual heritage of the two nations.

DEVOTEES AND GIFTS FROM NEPAL

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony in January drew thousands of devotees from Nepal to Ayodhya, eager to participate in the sacred event. The occasion featured a vibrant exchange of cultural gifts from Nepal to Ayodhya, including traditional artifacts, offerings, and symbols of devotion to Lord Ram.

Nepalese devotees also presented handcrafted ornaments and attire for the deity, symbolising their deep faith and reverence. This heartfelt gesture further strengthened the bond between Ayodhya and Nepal as spiritual centres.