The Gossip

The public was granted access to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as its doors were opened today. Devotees have eagerly gathered at the temple premises, hoping to catch a glimpse of the recently placed idol of Ram Lalla.

Today, on January 23, the doors of the recently consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya were opened to the public, marking a significant moment for devotees nationwide. Following an elaborate ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, which was attended by prominent figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, nearly five lakh devotees visited the temple on Tuesday.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be open to visitors at two designated time slots each day. The first slot will be from 7 am to 11.30 am, followed by the second slot from 2 pm to 7 pm. The main highlight of the celebrations on Monday was the installation of the Ram Lalla idol. This intricately crafted idol, standing at a height of 51 inches, was created by the talented sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru.

A vast crowd of worshippers gathered outside the temple premises on this cold winter day, with numerous individuals having lined up since 3 AM to enter the temple, catch a glimpse of Ram Lalla, and offer their prayers.

The overwhelming number of devotees led to a temporary pause in Darshan. In order to manage the large crowd and ensure the safety of everyone, the temple administration collaborated with the police to make necessary arrangements.

Currently, only those devotees who are already inside the temple complex are allowed to have Darshan. New visitors will be permitted entry again at 2 PM, as officially announced.

ADG Piyush Mordia from Lucknow Zone advised visitors to avoid unnecessary delays caused by taking photos and sharing them on social media. He requested the public to adhere to the guidelines provided by the police and cooperate with the crowd control measures.

Furthermore, the movement of vehicles near the Panch Kosi Parikrama path has been temporarily suspended.

Yesterday, Ayodhya was immersed in a spiritual atmosphere despite the cold weather, as the enthusiasm of devotees remained undeterred. The air was filled with the chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and Ram bhajans, while folk dancers and a religious troupe from Bhopal enhanced the vibrant ambiance with a ‘palki yatra’.

Adding to the joyous occasion, the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) band played patriotic tunes along the streets of Ayodhya. As night fell, residents illuminated diyas outside their homes, reminiscent of the Diwali festival celebrating Lord Ram’s homecoming. The night sky sparkled with the glow of fireworks.

In the days to come, the temple is expected to attract a large number of pilgrims and tourists who are eager to witness the divine structure and offer their prayers.

After participating in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, Prime Minister Modi stated that the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya signifies the beginning of a new era. He called upon the people to not only focus on the construction of the Ram temple, but also to lay the foundation of a strong, grand, and divine India for the next 1,000 years.

In a direct response to his critics, he emphasized that some individuals previously claimed that the construction of the Ram Mandir would ignite conflict within the country. He urged them to reconsider their perspectives by highlighting that Ram represents energy, a solution rather than a dispute, and belongs not only to a select few but to everyone. Furthermore, he emphasized that Ram is not only a present figure but also eternal, and the temple symbolizes peace, patience, harmony, and unity within Indian society.

Additionally, he expressed his gratitude towards the Supreme Court for ensuring justice and facilitating the construction of the temple at the once disputed site through legal means.

With his speech resonating throughout the nation, the Prime Minister aimed to strike an emotional chord with the masses, emphasizing that “our Ram” has finally arrived after centuries of waiting, patience, and sacrifices.

“Our Ram Lalla will no longer reside in a tent. Instead, our Ram Lalla will find a home in a magnificent temple,” stated PM Modi during his address.