A massive surge of devotees descended upon the sacred Ram Temple in Ayodhya on Wednesday, marking the dual occasions of Pratistha Dwadashi and New Year's Eve. The temple town witnessed an extraordinary footfall as pilgrims braved harsh weather conditions to offer their prayers, leading to significant crowding.
Temple Trust Appeals to Manage Overwhelming Crowds
Faced with an unmanageable influx, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust took the unusual step of issuing a public appeal. The trust urged local residents of Ayodhya to consider visiting the temple complex a few days later to help ease the severe congestion. This appeal was aimed at ensuring a smoother and safer experience for the thousands of out-of-town devotees who had traveled long distances.
In a further move to handle the anticipated huge rush on both Wednesday and Thursday, the temple administration took the decisive step of cancelling all previously issued VIP passes. This action underscored the commitment to managing the crowd in a fair manner for all visitors.
High-Profile Visits and Day-Long Rituals
The day was also marked by the presence of prominent political figures. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Ayodhya and immersed themselves in religious observances for over four hours.
Their spiritual journey began at the renowned Hanuman Garhi temple, which they visited immediately upon arrival. Following this, both leaders participated in the special Dwadashi puja ceremonies at the Ram Temple. Defence Minister Singh also performed the ritual of hoisting the flag atop the Annapurna temple.
Insight into the Grand Temple Complex
During the visit, the General Secretary of the temple trust, Champat Rai, provided a detailed explanation to Rajnath Singh about the master plan and layout envisioned for the sprawling 70-acre temple complex. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied the Defence Minister throughout the day-long engagement, highlighting the event's significance.
The convergence of a major religious date like Pratistha Dwadashi with the global celebration of New Year's Eve created a unique and historic moment for Ayodhya. The scenes from the temple town underscore its central role in India's cultural and spiritual landscape, while also presenting ongoing challenges in pilgrimage management for authorities.
