Lucknow: Ayodhya is set to get a world-class Temple Museum spread across 52.102 acres, marking a significant step towards establishing the temple town as a global cultural capital. The Yogi Adityanath government’s approval to allocate additional land for the ambitious project has been widely welcomed by saints, traders and residents of Ayodhya, who hailed the decision as historic.
The proposal was cleared during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Temple Museum—earlier planned on 25 acres—will now be developed nearly double in size. The construction and operation of the state-of-the-art museum will be undertaken by Tata Sons through its CSR initiative.
A Major Step Towards a Global-Standard Cultural Complex
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said that Tata Sons had expressed interest in developing the museum under a non-profit model. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 will be established, with representation from the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government, and Tata Sons. A tripartite MoU for the project was signed on September 3, 2024.
Initially, the state had earmarked 25 acres of nazul land in Manjha Jamthara village, Ayodhya. However, considering the scale and future expansion needs, Tata Sons requested additional land. The government has now approved the transfer of 27.102 acres more from the Housing and Urban Planning Department to the Tourism Department.
Ayodhya Saints Applaud the Move
The decision has been met with enthusiasm by the saint community. Saint Diwakaracharya praised the government, stating that the project reflects the commitment of the Yogi administration to restoring the glory of Ayodhya. He added that the rise in tourism has already boosted employment, improving the economic prospects of residents.
A New Cultural Landmark for Ayodhya
The government believes the museum will serve as a major cultural identity marker for Ayodhya. With daily footfall rising to 2–4 lakh visitors after the Ram Temple’s Pran Pratishtha and Dhwajarohan ceremonies, the museum is expected to become a key attraction for youth, foreign tourists and heritage enthusiasts alike. It is also projected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Local Traders Welcome the Decision
Ayodhya Vyapar Mandal president Pankaj Gupta expressed gratitude to the Yogi government, calling the plan a “huge blessing” for the city. He said the proposed museum—showcasing the life and legacy of Bhagwan Shri Ram—will draw large numbers of tourists and bolster livelihoods for local residents. He added that the people of Ayodhya are “deeply excited and hopeful” about the transformational development.
With the expanded land allotment, the forthcoming Temple Museum is poised to become one of the most significant cultural hubs in the country, further elevating Ayodhya’s stature on the global map.
