Champat Rai Appeals to Devotees to Plan Visits After 15–20 Days
Ayodhya Witnesses Unprecedented Surge of Devotees Amid Mauni Amavasya Snan at Prayagraj
Ayodhya: With the holy occasion of Mauni Amavasya drawing over 10 crore devotees to Prayagraj for the sacred dip in the Ganga, Ayodhya has also been witnessing an extraordinary influx of pilgrims. Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has issued an appeal to devotees to consider visiting Ayodhya after 15–20 days to manage the growing crowd and facilitate a smoother darshan experience for all.
Unprecedented Crowds in Ayodhya
The past three days have seen an unparalleled rise in the number of visitors to Ayodhya, with thousands arriving daily via trains and roadways from Prayagraj after participating in the Mauni Amavasya Snan. The influx has placed significant pressure on the town’s infrastructure, which is already limited in size and capacity.
Champat Rai stated, “Considering the population and scale of Ayodhya, it has become increasingly challenging to facilitate darshan for such a large number of devotees in a single day. This is causing inconvenience to both devotees and management authorities.”
Challenges in Managing the Crowd
The surge in visitors has led to a logistical challenge in accommodating everyone at the Ram Lalla temple. Devotees are required to walk long distances to reach the temple premises due to crowd control measures, causing inconvenience, particularly for the elderly and children. Authorities are concerned that the overwhelming rush could lead to accidents or other untoward incidents.
In response, the temple trust and local administration have urged nearby devotees to postpone their visits to Ayodhya for 15–20 days. This step would allow devotees traveling from far-off locations to have a more manageable and peaceful darshan experience.
Relief Expected After Vasant Panchami
Champat Rai emphasized that after Vasant Panchami, falling in early February, the crowd pressure is expected to subside significantly. He assured devotees that visiting Ayodhya after this period would provide them with a smoother experience without the current challenges posed by the overwhelming crowds.
He added, “We request devotees from nearby areas to plan their visits after February to ensure convenience for everyone. This will allow those traveling long distances to complete their darshan without facing significant difficulties.”
Spiritual Significance of Ayodhya’s Ram Lalla Temple
The Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya holds profound spiritual significance for millions of devotees across the world. As the birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, attracting visitors throughout the year. With the temple’s development nearing completion, the number of pilgrims has seen a steady rise, particularly during significant festivals and events like Mauni Amavasya.
Administration’s Efforts to Manage Crowds
Local authorities and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of devotees. Additional arrangements, including extended darshan hours, crowd control measures, and enhanced security protocols, have been put in place to manage the surge.
This appeal from Champat Rai highlights the importance of cooperation among devotees to ensure a peaceful and fulfilling experience during their spiritual journey to Ayodhya.