In a momentous occasion that stirred the hearts of devotees nationwide, the newly consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya opened its doors to the public on January 23. This historic event unfolded a day after the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other eminent figures.
Reports from news agency ANI indicate that nearly 3 lakh devotees flocked to the Ram Mandir this morning, with an equivalent number eagerly awaiting their turn for darshan, prompting local authorities to make necessary arrangements.
The Ram temple is now accessible to visitors during two designated time slots each day: from 7 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2 PM to 7 PM. The central focus of Monday's festivities was the installation of the Ram Lalla idol, a 51-inch tall masterpiece crafted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru.
On this brisk winter day, a significant congregation of devotees gathered outside the temple complex, with many queuing up since 3 AM to catch a glimpse of Ram Lalla and offer their prayers. Due to the overwhelming surge, darshan was briefly halted, prompting the temple administration, in collaboration with the police, to manage the crowd effectively and ensure everyone's safety.
Presently, only devotees within the temple complex are allowed darshan, with entry for new visitors resuming at 2 PM, according to an official announcement. ADG Piyush Mordia of Lucknow Zone appealed to visitors to avoid unnecessary delays by refraining from taking photos and posting them on social media. He urged the public to adhere to police guidelines and cooperate with crowd control measures.
Vehicular movement near the Panch Kosi Parikrama path has been temporarily suspended. The spiritual ambiance in Ayodhya was palpable on the preceding day, despite the cold weather, as chants of 'Jai Shri Ram,' Ram bhajans, and cultural performances added to the vibrancy. The Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) band and illuminated diyas outside homes further contributed to the festive atmosphere.
In the coming days, the temple is expected to attract lakhs of pilgrims and tourists seeking to witness the divine structure and offer their prayers. PM Modi, after participating in the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, emphasized that the consecration marks the beginning of a new era. He called upon the people to go beyond the temple's construction and contribute to building a strong, grand, and divine India for the next millennium.
In addressing critics, he underscored the symbolic significance of Ram as energy, solution, universality, and eternity, emphasizing that the temple represents peace, patience, harmony, and amity in Indian society. Expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court, he acknowledged the role it played in ensuring justice and facilitating the construction of the temple at the once-disputed site.
In a poignant conclusion, PM Modi emotionally conveyed that "our Ram" has arrived, marking the end of centuries of waiting, patience, and sacrifices, and announced that "Our Ram Lalla will no longer live in a tent but will reside in a magnificent temple."
