Ayodhya, January 25: Nearly three lakh devotees flocked to the newly opened Ram temple in Ayodhya on a chilly Wednesday morning, pushing the total number of visitors past the 8 lakh mark in just two days. Amid the massive influx, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed crowd management measures and urged VIPs to plan their visits in advance.
Devotees Brave Cold: Despite the cold weather, devotees bundled in warm clothes lined up patiently to offer prayers to Ram Lalla. The temple, which opened its doors on Tuesday after the grand consecration ceremony, has witnessed a steady stream of visitors since then.
Smooth Darshan, Improved Queuing: Authorities assured smooth darshan and improved queue management systems to handle the large crowds. Principal Secretary, Home, Sanjay Prasad stated, “Darshan is going on smoothly. We have established a public facilitation centre and a different exit route. There is no crowding now.”
VIP Visits to be Planned: To manage the surge, Chief Minister Adityanath advised VIPs planning a trip to inform the state government or the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust at least a week in advance. He emphasized, “Given the extraordinary influx, it would be appropriate for them to inform the local administration… a week in advance before scheduling their visit.”
Additional Buses Halted: To further control the crowd, authorities temporarily halted additional roadways buses from Sultanpur to Ayodhya.
Adityanath Takes Stock: Chief Minister Adityanath personally inspected the arrangements at the temple complex and deputed senior officials to ensure smooth darshan for devotees. He had earlier conducted an aerial survey on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Devotee Enthusiasm Remains High: The enthusiastic response from devotees across the country marks a significant moment for the Ram temple, fulfilling the long-held aspirations of millions. However, managing the large crowds and maintaining order will remain a key challenge for the coming weeks.