Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 11: The Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya continues to attract a large number of devotees as the city witnesses an influx of tourists. The surge comes after the first anniversary of the temple’s inauguration, which was celebrated on January 11 according to the Hindu calendar, coinciding with Kurma Dwadashi of Shukla Paksha.
The heavy flow of tourists to Ayodhya is primarily due to the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a significant event taking place after 144 years. Devotees from across India and around the world have gathered to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam. Following their visit to Prayagraj, many pilgrims travel to Ayodhya to visit the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
On January 22, the Pran Patishtha ceremony of the temple was conducted, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing the main rituals. The idol of Ram Lalla, which stands 51 inches tall and weighs 1.5 tonnes, was crafted by renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka. The idol represents Shree Ram as a five-year-old child, standing on a lotus made of the same stone.
However, on January 28, Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, appealed to devotees to postpone their visits to Ayodhya due to the large number of tourists already present in the city. This request was made to ensure easier access for pilgrims traveling from distant areas.
A large number of tourists returning from Prayagraj have opted to stay in Ayodhya, where they have been accommodated in Green Basera. This initiative, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides free accommodation to all pilgrims. Visitors have expressed their appreciation for the well-organized system and the cleanliness maintained around the accommodation areas.
- Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir – Continues to draw a large number of devotees, especially after its first anniversary and the inauguration of the idol of Ram Lalla.
- Mahakumbh Mela, Prayagraj – The mega event led to a surge of pilgrims, many of whom visited Ayodhya afterward.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi – Performed the Pran Patishtha ceremony of the temple in January 2022, marking a significant moment in the temple’s history.
- Arun Yogiraj – The Karnataka-based sculptor who crafted the Ram Lalla idol, standing 51 inches tall and weighing 1.5 tonnes.
- Champat Rai – General Secretary of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, who urged devotees to postpone visits to ease access to the temple during the high influx of tourists.
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath – Played a key role in implementing the Green Basera accommodation initiative, offering free lodging for pilgrims visiting Ayodhya.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi – Also contributed to the Green Basera project, aimed at providing pilgrims with free shelter.