Ram Mandir Crowds Persist Authorities Suggest Delaying Visit

On the second day, a steady stream of people continued to form queues at the recently consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Images depicted a sizable crowd gathered at Rampath, eager to offer prayers to Ram Lalla. The unveiling of Ram Lalla’s face took place on Monday (January 22) following the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the temple.

On Tuesday, almost five lakh devotees flocked to the temple as it opened its doors to the public. In the early hours, a massive surge of devotees gathered outside the temple complex, braving the severe cold to catch a glimpse of Ram Lalla. Devotees commenced queuing as early as 3 am on Tuesday, aiming for a smooth entry into the Ram Mandir.

The Inspector General (IG) Range of Ayodhya, Praveen Kumar, emphasized the importance of devotees planning their visits to the temple thoughtfully. He urged individuals not to rush and take their time, ensuring a smooth and organized experience. Despite the continuous influx of crowds, Kumar assured that all preparations were in place to manage the situation effectively.

In a statement to the news agency ANI, he stated, “The crowd is nonstop, but preparations are complete. We want to ensure a safe and secure environment for all visitors. Therefore, we appeal to the elderly and differently-abled individuals to consider scheduling their visit after the initial two weeks. This will help in better crowd management and ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone.” The authorities are actively working to facilitate a conducive atmosphere for devotees, encouraging a phased and well-organized pilgrimage to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

In the early hours of the morning, visual scenes depicted devotees adorned in heavy winter attire, congregating to enter the temple complex and extend their prayers to Ram Lalla. Notably, security officers were observed maintaining stringent vigilance before the devotees proceeded to enter.

Prashant Kumar, the Director General (DG) of Law and Order in Uttar Pradesh, provided reassurance regarding the improved queue system implemented for efficient crowd management. Speaking to the news agency PTI, he stated, “The ‘darshan’ (visit) process is progressing seamlessly.

Both the Principal Secretary Home and I are present here to personally oversee the management efforts, ensuring a smooth and secure environment for all devotees.” The active supervision by top officials aims to enhance the overall experience and safety measures for those partaking in the religious pilgrimage at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Footage circulating on social media captured devotees braving the biting cold and dense fog in North India as they immersed themselves in a sacred dip in the Sarayu River in Ayodhya.

Devotees now have the opportunity to visit the Ram Mandir during two daily time slots: from 7 am to 11:30 am and later from 2 pm to 7 pm. These designated hours allow pilgrims to catch a glimpse of the remarkable 51-inch Ram Lalla idol, crafted by the skilled Mysuru-based sculptor, Arun Yogiraj.

However, ‘Darshan’ was momentarily halted due to the overwhelming surge of devotees. The temple administration, in collaboration with the police, took a precautionary decision to manage the substantial crowd and ensure the safety of all visitors.

In the midst of these developments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the nation to look beyond the physical construction of the Ram Mandir. Emphasizing a broader perspective, he urged people to lay the foundation for a robust, magnificent, and spiritually vibrant India that stands strong for the next thousand years. The Prime Minister’s vision extends beyond the architectural achievement, emphasizing the enduring spiritual and cultural legacy that the Ram Mandir symbolizes for the nation.

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