The Barhi Devkaali temple in Ayodhya, dedicated to the ‘Kul devi’ of Lord Ram, has emerged as a prominent attraction in the temple town following the consecration of Ram Lalla’s idol at the newly-constructed grand temple on January 22.
It is believed that after the birth of Lord Ram, his mother Kaushalya visited the Barhi Devkaali temple with her entire family. Although the temple has been in existence for several decades, it did not gain the popularity enjoyed by temples like Hanuman Garhi among devotees. However, the dynamics have shifted since the consecration ceremony, resulting in a surge in the number of devotees.
According to Sunil Pathak, the chief priest of the Barhi Devkaali temple, the average number of daily visitors was around 50-60 before November 9, 2019. After the Supreme Court’s decision paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple, this number rose to 500 per day. The recent consecration ceremony further increased the influx of devotees, prompting the need for enhanced arrangements to accommodate the growing crowds.
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The Barhi Devkaali temple holds significance as it combines the worship of three goddesses – Mahakaali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. Raja Raghu, an ancestor of Lord Ram, received instructions from the goddesses in a dream to conduct a ‘yajna’ for victory in battle. After emerging victorious, he installed the statue of Barhi Devkaali at the temple.
Mahant Raju Das of Hanuman Garhi temple emphasized the importance of Barhi Devkaali as the ‘Kul devi’ of Lord Ram, stating that no work is possible without offering prayers to the Mother Goddess.
Devotees like Mitthu Lal and Himanshu Varma expressed their deep connection to the temple, citing the satisfaction, inner peace, and strength they derive from their visits. Lal specifically mentioned planning to visit the temple again in November.
As the temple gains prominence, travel inquiries about Barhi Devkaali have increased, reflecting a growing curiosity among people about places associated with Lord Ram. The historic verdict on November 9, 2019, allowing the construction of the Ram temple, has not only settled a longstanding issue but has also sparked renewed interest in the religious and cultural heritage of Ayodhya.
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The consecration of the new idol of Ram Lalla on January 22 marked a significant event, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who urged the nation to move beyond the temple’s construction and work towards building a “strong, capable, and divine” India for the next 1,000 years.