Ram Temple Draws Massive Crowd On 24 Jan, 2.5 Lakh Devotees And Rs 3.17 Cr Donations
Ayodhya witnessed an overwhelming turnout of more than 2.5 lakh devotees at the revered Ram temple on Wednesday, marking the second day after the consecration ceremony. The occasion also saw donations amounting to Rs 3.17 crore recorded on the inaugural day of offerings.
The influx of visitors posed a significant challenge to the authorities, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to convene a meeting in Lucknow. During the meeting, officials reviewed crowd management measures and advised VIPs intending to visit the temple to notify authorities in advance.
District Magistrate Nitish Kumar, in a statement issued by the state government, reported that over 2.5 lakh devotees had paid their respects at the temple by 10 pm on Wednesday. The previous day had seen an even larger crowd, with more than 5 lakh people thronging the temple premises.
Donations totaling Rs 3.17 crore poured in on the first day, facilitated through ten counters opened after the consecration ceremony and online platforms, according to Anil Mishra, trustee of the Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Acknowledging the overwhelming response, the temple administration has extended the darshan timings to accommodate a maximum number of devotees. The revised schedule allows devotees to offer prayers between 6 am and 10 pm, expanded from the earlier timings of 7 am to 11.30 am and 2 pm to 7 pm.
Despite severe cold and fog, devotees patiently stood in long queues along Ram Path, the main thoroughfare, and the temple premises. In adherence to the chief minister's directives, the administration and police had made thorough preparations to ensure the security and convenience of the devotees, the statement affirmed.
Strict security measures were enforced with the deployment of teams from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) outside the temple premises. To regulate the influx of vehicles into Ayodhya, roads from nearby districts were blocked, and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses and trains coming into Ayodhya were cancelled.
Ayodhya Commissioner Gaurav Dayal mentioned ongoing efforts to ease the situation, allowing emergency vehicles and those transporting perishable items into Faizabad. However, entry into Ayodhya town remained restricted.
Chief Minister Adityanath, in a meeting with officials, stressed the need for VIPs to inform authorities a week in advance of their visits. He emphasised the responsibility of the state government to ensure the safety, convenience, and unhindered darshan for devotees, particularly during Republic Day celebrations.
The chief minister directed officials to take strict action against any disruptive elements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the temple town.
