Huge crowd likely for next few days, says Ram Mandir priest as 3 lakh devotees reach Ayodhya for darshan on Day 1

The long-awaited moment arrived as the doors of the Ram temple in Ayodhya swung open to the general public on Tuesday, following the consecration of the new Ram Lalla idol. However, Chief Priest Acharya Satyendra Das hinted at the challenge of accommodating the massive crowd, stating, "So much crowd has gathered here today that not everyone will be able to have darshan today and the same crowd will be visible tomorrow and for the next few days."

A Glimpse of Treta Yug Revived

As devotees flocked to Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Acharya Satyendra Das drew a parallel to the times of 'Treta Yug,' suggesting a divine atmosphere reminiscent of Lord Ram's era. He expressed, "A glimpse of the Treta Yug is visible today. So many Bhakts have come to Ayodhya now, and Jai Shree Ram chants are echoing here, it seems that we have gone back to Ayodhya during the Treta Yug times."


"After the pran pratishtha ceremony, the (Ayodhya) Nagari has turned pure. In the Treta Yug when Lord Ram came back, the Ayodhya nagari was delighted...A glimpse of the Treta Yug is visible today. So many Bhakts have come to Ayodhya now and Jai Shree Ram chants are echoing here, it seems that we have gone back to Ayodhya during the Treta Yug times," Satyendra Das told news agency ANI.

Massive Turnout Explained

The chief priest shed light on the unprecedented crowd, attributing it to the presence of 4,000 saints and priests from across the country, each bringing along 2-4 companions. He emphasized the enthusiasm among devotees, stating, "Ayodhya is Rammay. It is divine and beautiful. The decorated Mandir is worth seeing. It is worth seeing how people are excited to see Lord Ram."

Rituals and Devotion

Satyendra Das detailed the morning rituals, with the aarti commencing at 6:30 am and darshan available since then. He also hinted at the need for a new system regarding aarti and bhog in the coming days.

"A new system has to be made about the aarti and bhog in a few days," he said.

"Darshan is going on from 6:30am. Both the new idol whose pran pratishtha was done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the smaller idols are being worshipped. Devotees are having 'darshan'," he added.

Devotees' Enthusiastic Arrival

The surge in the number of devotees started building up since Monday night, with both locals and visitors eager to enter the temple premises. Despite the challenges faced by security personnel, the devotees' excitement was palpable, and their determination to witness the historic moment was unwavering.

Moments of Joy and Struggle

As the temple doors opened on Tuesday morning, the crowd swelled to several hundreds of thousands. Devotees, some queuing up since the previous night, faced challenges in maintaining order. Security personnel struggled to control the devotees, with at least one person fainting in the commotion.

Voices of Devotion

Amidst the chaos, devotees expressed their joy and fulfillment. Manish Verma from Punjab remarked, "Felt so delighted, my life's aim has been fulfilled." The fervor extended to those who had undertaken challenging journeys, like Nitish Kumar from Bihar, who cycled over 600 kilometers to reach Ayodhya.

Diverse Expressions of Devotion

The devotion was not limited to physical presence; devotees like Anurag Sharma from Rajasthan displayed commitment by showcasing a model of the temple. Groups from various parts of the country marched towards the temple, symbolizing their pilgrimage to Ayodhya.

Unforgettable Scenes

The temple complex, adorned with flowers and lights, turned into a spectacle for devotees, who made it a point to capture the moment through selfies. The chants of "Jai Shri Ram" echoed in the grand halls of the temple, resonating with the spiritual fervor that engulfed the atmosphere.

A New Era Unveiled

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the consecration ceremony, marked the occasion as the advent of a new era. Describing January 22, 2024, as more than just a date, Modi proclaimed, "Today, our Ram has arrived. After a long wait for ages, our Ram has arrived. Our Ram Lalla will no longer live in a tent. Our Ram Lalla will stay in a magnificent temple."

As devotees continue to pour into Ayodhya, the historic moment of the Ram temple's public opening stands as a symbol of deep-rooted devotion and the culmination of a centuries-long journey.