The doors of the recently consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya been opened to the public today, January 23, marking a momentous moment for believers around the country. Tuesday morning saw a massive influx of devotees at the temple, following an elaborate ‘Pran Pratishtha’ event on the previous day that was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent individuals.
Nearly 3 lakh devotees visited the Ram Mandir this morning, according to the news agency. Additionally, it’s reported that a comparable amount of devotees have been waiting for darshan, and all the arrangements are being handled by the local government.
Visitors can visit the Ayodhya Ram temple between the hours of 7 AM and 11:30 AM and 2 PM and 7 PM every day. The main event of Monday’s celebrations was the installation of the 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla statue, which was created by sculptor Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru.
On this cold winter’s day, a sea of devotees poured out of the temple complex; many having been waiting in queue since three in the morning to enter the temple, see Ram Lalla, and give prayers.
For a moment Darshan stopped since there was an excessive number of worshippers. The administration of the temple decided to control the large throng and guarantee everyone’s safety in conjunction with the police.
Darshan is currently only granted to devotees who are present within the temple complex. Reopening for new guests will begin at 2:00 PM, according to a formal notice.
By snapping pictures and sharing them on social media, visitors can prevent needless delays, according to ADG Piyush Mordia of Lucknow Zone. He urged the populace to comply with crowd control procedures and police directives.
Furthermore, traffic has been temporarily stopped close to the Panch Kosi Parikrama path.
Yesterday, Ayodhya was engulfed in a spiritual atmosphere, with the cold weather not depressing the fervent devotion of its followers. Chants of “Jai Shri Ram” and Ram bhajans filled the air, while a religious group from Bhopal, along with traditional dancers, contributed to the lively atmosphere with a “palki yatra.”
The band from the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) enhanced the festive atmosphere by performing patriotic music in Ayodhya’s streets. As evening approached, locals lighted diyas outside their houses in remembrance of the Diwali celebration, which celebrates Lord Ram’s return, and fireworks lit up the night sky.
In the upcoming days, lakhs of pilgrims and visitors are anticipated at the temple, anxious to see the heavenly construction and give their prayers.
Following his participation in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, Prime Minister Modi declared that the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya heralds the beginning of a new era and issued a challenge to the populace to go beyond the construction of the Ram temple in order to lay the groundwork for a powerful, magnificent, and divine India spanning the next 1,000 years.
In an address to his detractors, he mentioned that there were once many who believed that the building of the Ram Mandir would ignite a national firestorm and urged them to change their minds. He continued, saying that Ram is not only ours but also everyone’s; that Ram is not just fire but energy; that Ram is not only the present but also everlasting; and that the temple is a representation of peace, patience, harmony, and amity in Indian society.
He also thanked the Supreme Court for upholding justice and clearing the legal path for the temple’s construction at the previously contentious location.
With his speech being heard across the country, the Prime Minister sought to strike an emotional chord with the masses saying “our Ram” has arrived after wait, patience and sacrifices of centuries.
“Our Ram Lalla will no longer live in a tent. Our Ram Lalla will stay in a magnificent temple,” PM Modi said in his address.
