The News Freedom
Ayodhya, January 23
Thousands of devotees thronged the newly consecrated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Tuesday morning, eager for their first glimpse of the new Ram Lalla idol after a historic “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony held the day before.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led the elaborate rituals on Monday, marking the culmination of a decades-long campaign for the temple’s construction. Celebrations swept Ayodhya, with devotees gathering near the temple complex throughout the night, hoping for an early darshan.
Authorities managed the surging crowds, directing them to the main gateway decorated for the occasion. While eager anticipation filled the air, police reassured devotees that the temple would officially open for darshan on Tuesday morning.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra website has announced specific darshan time slots – mornings from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and afternoons from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Special “aarti” timings – including a dawn ceremony and an evening prayer – have also been established, with passes available both online and at the temple office.
As the doors opened on Tuesday, a wave of emotion washed over the first devotees to enter the sanctum sanctorum. Tears of joy and whispered prayers filled the air as they beheld the new idol of Lord Ram Lalla, finally enshrined in his long-awaited temple. The Ram Mandir, a symbol of faith and perseverance for millions, has entered a new era, welcoming devotees to seek blessings and celebrate the culmination of a historic journey.
A significant deployment of security forces is in place to manage the large gathering of devotees in Ayodhya. The UP Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, also conducted an aerial survey of the Ayodhya temple to assess the arrangements.