In a significant development for the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Pune’s renowned astrologer, Gaurav Deshpande, has played a pivotal role in suggesting the auspicious date for the enshrinement of Shri Ram’s deity. The installation is scheduled to take place on Monday, 22nd January 2024, a date recommended by a select group of esteemed astrologers, including Deshpande.
Gaurav Deshpande, a software engineer by profession, gained prominence as the creator of the Deshpande Almanac. His expertise in traditional Hindu astral calculations and meticulous adherence to ‘Muhurta Shastra’ and ‘Dharma Shashtra’ caught the attention of Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj, Treasurer of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, during a visit to Alandi in April 2023.
Speaking about his involvement in this historic event, Gaurav Deshpande stated, “I was honored when Swami Govind Dev Giri Maharaj approached me to find the auspicious time for enshrining the deity of Shri Ram. The condition was that the revered time had to fall between 15th and 25th January 2024.”
After meticulous calculations and consideration of various factors, Deshpande suggested the auspicious date of Monday, 22nd January 2024. He explained, “Post 15th January 2024, the Sun enters Capricorn, marking the beginning of ‘Uttarayan,’ considered the most suitable time for deities’ enshrinement. Despite initial doubts due to the ongoing Hindu month of ‘Paush’ until the 25th of January, my studies, based on ancient scriptures, confirmed the auspiciousness of this time for the holy installation of Shri Ram’s idol in Ayodhya.”
Deshpande further elaborated on the astrological considerations, stating, “Shri Ram’s ‘Tithi’ is ‘Dwadashi,’ and according to the ‘Muhurta Chintamani Granth,’ the installation time was suggested as ‘Dwadashi.’ Additionally, ‘Mriga Nakshatra’ was chosen as the optimum ‘Nakshatra’ for all Gods, as per ‘Muhurta Chintamani Piyushadhara.’ Thus, Monday, 22nd January 2024, ‘Paush Shuddha Dwadashi,’ in ‘Mrig Nakshatra,’ was finalized as the most sacred time for enshrining Shri Ram’s Deity in Ayodhya.”
Gaurav Deshpande’s contribution adds a unique dimension to the historic and culturally significant event in Ayodhya.
