Ayodhya: Despite temperatures plunging to 2.9°C, the devotion of the pilgrims remains unwavering as the surge of devotees seeking darshan of Ram Lalla continued for the second consecutive day in Ayodhya on Wednesday.
Commissioner, Ayodhya Gaurav Dayal said that on the second day, over 2.5 lakh devotees had darshan today. "The process was made seamless as they (devotees) were made to pass through barricades. Resting areas were also made where the people were made to stand and seats were made available to elderly people," he said.
He said, "We understand the predicament of devotees in the biting cold but their enthusiasm dwarfed the hardship they were facing."
Ramesh Mohan Shastri, a 62-year-old devotee from Chhattisgarh, shared his unwavering commitment, saying, "The cold weather does not deter us. The darshan has given me a new energy. I am energized." Another devotee, Usha Mishra, emphasised the patience of Ram bhakts, stating, "Ram Bhakats have patience. They are ready to stand in line in this cold, just to have darshan of my Prabhu."
The devotion and determination of the pilgrims add vibrant hues to the scene, with devotees, some walking barefoot on the marble floor, braving the chilling weather. Despite the adversity, the spiritual energy in the air remains palpable.
Following an overwhelming first day where over 5 lakh pilgrims had the darshan, strict security measures were implemented on Wednesday after the crowd of devotees went out of control the previous day. Rapid Action Force (RAF) soldiers have been deployed outside the temple, and the crowd is being managed through announcements.
Sanjay Singh, a member of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed outside the temple, expressed his emotional response to witnessing the devotion of the people. He said, "It is heartening to see such devotion. Eldery people, some mothers carrying their children, are patiently waiting in line. The chant of 'Jai Sri Ram' is giving them the energy and power to move on."
As a precautionary measure, the movement of inter-state buses through Ayodhya has been halted, with no buses allowed to enter the city. Long-route buses will now pass through the outer periphery of the city to ensure smooth traffic flow.
To streamline the devotees' movement and avoid chaos, barricading has been strategically implemented inside, creating queues for devotees to enter the temple premises. A security official highlighted the organized arrangement, stating, "There was a queue outside the temple today. There was an atmosphere of chaos on Tuesday, but that is no more. Devotees are being sent to the sanctum sanctorum by forming groups."
In adherence to the strict instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, devotees are granted entry onto the Ramjanmabhoomi path after thorough checks. To control the crowd, the police installed sturdy steel railings on Tuesday night.
Adding to the experience, the detailed makeup of Ram Lalla has surfaced on Wednesday. In this portrayal, Ramlala is adorned in green clothes and wears a gold crown. Anticipating a continuous influx of devotees,
Ram Lalla is scheduled to give darshan for 15 hours, from 7 am to 10 pm. At noon, the temple doors will briefly close for 15 minutes, dedicated to offering food and aarti to the deity. The spectacle of devotion, resilience, and meticulous arrangements underscores the significance of the ongoing pilgrimage in Ayodhya.
