LUCKNOW: Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani will not participate in the Prana Pratishtha ceremony at the Ayodhya Sri Ram Temple on Monday. Advani was expected at the event but reversed his decision due to the extreme cold in Uttar Pradesh and Ayodhya.

The temple trust had earlier informed that senior leaders including LK Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi, who were at the forefront of the agitation for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, would not be able to participate in the dedication ceremony. Trust officials requested the senior leaders to avoid the event considering the depleting temperature in the region.

“Both of them are senior leaders and are over 90 years of age. We have curtly requested them to avoid the function minding their health condition” Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai told media.

Meanwhile, VHP leader Alok Kumar had said earlier this month that Advani would attend the function. Alok Kumar also stated that all the necessary facilities will be prepared for the senior leader to brace the event.

About six thousand distinguished guests have been invited to watch the ceremony. A green corridor has been opened to bring VIPs from Lucknow to the temple. Actor Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, cricketer Anil Kumble Sachin Tendulkar, Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Sonu Nigam, Katrina Kaif, and Shankar Mahadevan have already arrived at Ayodhya.

Mata Amritanandamayi won’t be attending the function but at her behest, Swami Amrita Swarupananda Puri will reach Ayodhya to attend the functions. Acharyas from more than 150 guru traditions in the country will grace for the ceremony.