Mithali Raj, the revered former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team known for her extraordinary contributions to the sport, has been bestowed with a prestigious and sacred invitation to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the highly revered Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Scheduled to occur on January 22, this ceremonious event holds immense significance. Graciously accepting the invitation on her behalf, Mithali Raj’s mother will represent the cricket icon at this auspicious gathering.
Mithali Raj hailed as one of the greatest women’s cricketers of all time, will join a distinguished cohort of invitees, including luminaries from the Bollywood industry such as Akshay Kumar, Kangana Ranaut, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff, Hariharan, Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Randeep Hooda. The current India Women’s Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur also received an invitation to the prestigious Ram Mandir Ceremony.
Understanding the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ Ceremony
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony serves as an initiation of Vedic rituals aimed at consecrating Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Commencing a week ahead of the main event, Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, sheds light on the proceedings. Post the conclusion of the ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ the Ram Mandir will be open for public ‘darshan’ starting from January 23.
Meticulous Details of the Ceremony
“The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ is anticipated to conclude by 1 pm. Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries present will convey their thoughts following the ceremony. A unique tradition involves the arrival of 1000 baskets filled with gifts from Nepal’s Janakpur and Mithila regions. On January 20 and 21, the public will not have access to darshan,” shares Champat Rai.
An Illustrious Journey: Mithali Raj’s Career Highlights
As Mithali Raj graces the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony with her presence, let us reflect upon her esteemed cricketing career. Notably, she achieved the rare feat of scoring a century on her One Day International (ODI) debut, solidifying her place in cricket history. Mithali Raj has earned the distinction of being the highest run-scorer in Women’s ODIs, along with an impressive tally of 17 half-centuries in T20 Internationals, establishing an indomitable legacy within the cricketing world.
Mithali Raj’s remarkable journey encompasses ODI cricket, where she amassed an astounding 7,805 runs in 232 matches, at an impressive average of 50.68. She demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during the 2017 Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup, guiding the Indian team to the runner-up position. Furthermore, Mithali Raj played a crucial role in guiding the Indian team to the semi-finals of the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 held in the West Indies.
Mithali Raj’s versatility extended to the Test format, where she accumulated 699 runs in 12 matches, boasting an average of 43.68. Her impressive cricketing journey comprises seven majestic centuries and 64 well-crafted half-centuries in ODIs. Notably, her highest individual score in the format remains an unbeaten 125 runs.
The Revered Confluence of Sports and Spirituality
As Mithali Raj readies herself to attend the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir, her esteemed presence not only pays homage to her cricketing prowess but also adds an aura of grace and reverence to this sacred occasion. The amalgamation of sports and spirituality epitomizes the multifaceted nature of Mithali Raj’s life, making her an inspirational figure both on and off the cricket field.
In conclusion, Mithali Raj’s invitation to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Mandir stands as a testament to her iconic legacy, while also highlighting her incredible achievements within the world of cricket. A true trailblazer and an embodiment of grace, Mithali Raj continues to inspire generations with her unwavering dedication and resilience.