Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Saturday ordered for prayers and ‘Mahamangalarathi’ (special aarthi) in temples across state under Muzrai department on the occassion of Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22. 

Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy have issued an order for special prayers on January 22 across the state to commemorate the grand ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

According to the official statement, all the temples under the Muzrai department will conduct ‘special aarthi’ for Lord Ram from 12:29:08 PM to 12:30:32 PM (HH:MM:SS format).

Speaking to Republic, Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, "I have asked all muzrai temples in the state to perform special pujas while installing Lord Ram at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Special pujas will not only be performed in temples of Lord Ram but all the temples across the state. I have instructed the departmental officials to issue a separate order in this regard."

Congress divided over Ram Mandir

Congress Minister Reddy ordered for special prayers across temples on January 22, while the other leaders of the party have faced heat over controversial remarks on the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. 

Ahead of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya this month, Congress leader B K Hariprasad claimed that there is a possibility of a 'Godhra-like incident' in Karnataka. 

Another Congress leader and former Karnataka minister, Holalkere Anjaneya, compared Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Lord Ram, triggering a slew of enraged responses from BJP leaders.

Stating that idol which will be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya Temple would be 'BJP's Ram,' Anjaneya said CM Siddaramaiah will most likely not be attending the Januray 22 even in Ayodhya.