Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the latest sportsperson who has been invited for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha in Ayodhya on January 22.
Dhoni joins Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Harbhajan Singh as the only cricketers to be invited for the auspicious ceremony so far.
The 42-year-old was "elated" to receive the invitation card from the Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the consecration ceremony which is set to be attended by 6,000 high-profile guests.
The list of VVIPs also includes RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Yoga guru Ramdev, and industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, and Gautam Adani among others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be headlining the event next Monday.
Dhoni recently returned home to Ranchi after ringing in the New Year with his family, friends and India cricketer Rishabh Pant in Dubai where they also celebrated Christmas last month.
Dhoni has also resumed his training for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he will be leading the Chennai Super Kings in a bid to defend and clinch their sixth title this year.
Ram Mandir's significance in Hinduism
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a monumental Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram. Its construction has been a central point of religious and cultural significance in India.
The site gained prominence due to a historical and legal dispute over the land, which was claimed by both Hindus and Muslims. The controversy culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, leading to years of legal battles.
On August 5, 2020, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of the Ram Mandir, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone.
This event was a landmark moment for millions of Hindus, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration to build a grand temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram.
