Renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan has reportedly acquired a plot in a prestigious seven-star enclave in Ayodhya, the sacred town in Uttar Pradesh, where the grand Ram temple is scheduled to open later this month.
The Mumbai-based developer, The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), has not disclosed the specific dimensions or value of the plot. However, insider information suggests it spans around 10,000 sqft and is estimated to be valued at ₹14.5 crore, as per Hindustan Times.
Situated just 15 minutes away from the temple and a half-hour drive from the airport, The Sarayu, spreading over 51 acres, is set to be formally inaugurated on January 22, coinciding with the grand consecration ceremony of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
The project, expected to be completed by March 2028, is designed to include a five-star palace hotel, providing a luxurious and spiritually rich experience.
Expressing his anticipation for this venture, Amitabh Bachchan stated at an event, “I am looking forward to embarking on this journey with The House of Abhinandan Lodha for The Sarayu in Ayodhya, a city that holds a special place in my heart.”
He further elaborated, “The timeless spirituality and cultural richness of Ayodhya have forged an emotional connection that transcends geographical boundaries. This is the beginning of a heartfelt journey into the soul of Ayodhya, where tradition and modernity seamlessly coexist, creating an emotional tapestry that resonates with me deeply. I am looking forward to building my home in the global spiritual capital.”
Notably, Ayodhya holds a particular significance for Amitabh Bachchan, as his birthplace, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), is just a four-hour drive away.
Abhinandan Lodha, the chairman of HoABL, emphasized that Amitabh Bachchan’s investment in the Ayodhya project positions him as the “first citizen” of The Sarayu, transforming the development into a “symbol of Ayodhya’s global spiritual significance.”
Lodha expressed confidence in Bachchan’s investment, stating, “His investment reflects confidence in the city’s economic potential and a deep appreciation for its spiritual heritage.”
In another development, Actress Hema Malini announced her first visit to Ayodhya during the historic ‘pranpratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Temple, eagerly anticipated by the public for years. The 75-year-old actress is scheduled to present a dance drama based on the Ramayana in Ayodhya on January 17.
The consecration ceremony, set to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has drawn invitations for various dignitaries, VVIPs, and international guests. Rituals for the ‘pranpratishtha’ of ‘Ram Lalla’ will commence on January 16, with Varanasi-based priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit overseeing the main rituals on January 22. The city will celebrate Amrit Mahotsav from January 14 to 22.
To cater to the influx of devotees, a 1008 Hundi Mahayagya has been organized, aiming to provide meals for the thousands expected to attend the event. Tent cities are being set up in Ayodhya to accommodate the visiting devotees, and enhanced security measures are in place to ensure a smooth and secure event.
The political landscape surrounding the event includes the notable absence of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who have respectfully declined their invitations. Meanwhile, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed joy at the realization of the long-cherished dream of the Ram temple and referred to the demolished Babri mosque as a ‘symbol of slavery.’
Lauding Prime Minister Modi, BJP leader L K Advani, credited with galvanizing Hindu factions through his Rath Yatra, remarked that the construction of the Ram temple was a matter of destiny, and Modi had been chosen to fulfil this significant task. Hema Malini, representing the Mathura constituency, officially joined the BJP in 2004.