On Wednesday, more than 250,000 devotees visited the Ram temple in Ayodhya, with donations reaching Rs 3.17 crore on the first day after the consecration ceremony, officials reported. In response to the overwhelming turnout, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a meeting in Lucknow to review crowd management measures and advised VIPs to inform authorities in advance of their temple visits.
According to a statement from the state government, District Magistrate Nitish Kumar confirmed that over 250,000 devotees visited the temple on the second day after the consecration ceremony, following a record-breaking 500,000 visitors on the first day, which presented a significant challenge to authorities.
Anil Mishra, trustee of Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, revealed that devotees contributed Rs 3.17 crore in donations within a day through 10 counters opened after the consecration ceremony and online modes.
To accommodate the large number of devotees, the temple administration extended the darshan timings from 6 am to 10 pm, compared to the previous schedule of 7 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 7 pm. Despite the severe cold and fog, people queued along the main thoroughfare, Ram Path, and the temple premises throughout the day.
In response to the Chief Minister’s directives, security measures were robustly implemented, with Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams deployed. Roads from nearby districts were blocked, and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses and trains into Ayodhya were canceled.
Ayodhya Commissioner Gaurav Dayal mentioned efforts to ease the situation, allowing emergency vehicles and those carrying perishable items to enter Faizabad but maintaining the closure of Ayodhya town entry. Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar assured that a well-organized queuing system was in place, and the situation remained under control.
Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the need for VIPs to inform authorities in advance of their visits and directed officials to halt additional roadways buses to Ayodhya for the time being. He underscored the state government’s responsibility for the safety, convenience, and orderly darshan of devotees.
Adityanath further instructed officials to ensure the availability of drinking water, arrange wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled, and provide bonfires and jute mats on the temple paths due to the cold weather. Strict action was recommended against any attempts to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere, especially with Republic Day approaching, and he emphasized the importance of respecting religious sentiments.
