Shaligram stones from Nepal reach Ram Janmabhoomi; see pics

Two massive Shaligram (non-anthropomorphic representations of Lord Vishnu) stones from Nepal reached the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The two rocks which were found in the Gandaki river in Nepal will be used to carve idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki to be installed in the main temple complex of the under-construction Ram Mandir and is expected to be ready by Makar Sankranti festival 2024.

Two Shaligram stones from which the idol of Lord Ram will be carved out and placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple reached Ayodhya from Nepal on February 2. Credit: PTI Photo

The holy stones were welcomed by priests and locals who decorated the boulders with garlands and offered prayers before handing them over to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Credit: PTI Photo

These Shaligram rocks, that are 60 million-years-old, reached Ayodhya from Nepal on two different trucks. Credit: PTI Photo

One rock weighs 26 tonnes and the other weighs 14 tonnes. Credit: PTI Photo

The idol of Lord Rama in his child form, carved from this stone, will be placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple, which is expected to be ready by Makar Sankranti festival in January next year. Credit: PTI Photo

Shaligram rocks being dispatched to Ayodhya from Janakpur in Nepal. Credit: PTI Photo

Shaligram rocks, which will be used to carve idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki to be installed in the main temple complex of the under-construction Ram Mandir, being dispatched from Gorakhnath Temple to Ayodhya, in Gorakhpur. Credit: PTI Photo

Shaligram rock being carried to Ayodhya from Vikramjot, Basti in Uttar Pradesh. Credit: PTI Photo

Volunteers and devotees wave India and Nepal's flags at Ramsevak Puram in Ayodhya. Credit: PTI Photo