Ayodhya is shivering under an intense cold wave, with temperatures plunging to a biting 3°C, six degrees below normal. As residents bundle up with layers of warm clothing, even Lord Ramlala at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is being dressed in special woolen attire to shield Him from the harsh winter.
To combat the freezing temperatures, Ramlala will don a woolen dhoti made from Kullu wool and an Angavastra crafted from Ladakh's Pashmina wool. These meticulously designed garments were sent from Delhi and have already reached Ayodhya.
“The clothes have been designed with intricate patterns keeping in mind the sanctity and tradition,” said Manish Tripathi, designer of Ramlala's attire. “As the cold intensifies, we will adjust the fabric and design accordingly.”
Currently, Ramlala is adorned in a Pashmina shawl and silk garments. With winter tightening its grip, these new woolen outfits will provide additional warmth. Two Angavastras—one draped over His shoulder and the other in His hand—will also be made from fine Pashmina wool.
The temple priests are ensuring Ramlala’s well-being with meticulous care. “Ramlala is treated like a child,” said Santosh Kumar Tiwari, assistant priest of the Ram Mandir. “In the morning, His Abhishek (ritual bath) is done with lukewarm water, and heaters have been installed in the sanctum sanctorum.”
The deity's daily offerings also reflect winter’s demands. Before the Mangala Aarti in the early morning, peda and dry fruits are offered. At 7:30 a.m., during the Shringar Aarti, fruits and more dry fruits are presented. Later, poha or desi ghee halwa is served at 9:00 a.m., followed by Rajbhog, a full meal including kheer, at noon.
After a mid-day rest, sweets and water are offered at 1:30 p.m. At 4:00 p.m., various snacks and coconut water or fruit juice are presented in turn.
Pilgrims visiting Ayodhya expressed awe at the elaborate winter care arrangements for Ramlala. “It feels heartwarming to see how the Lord is being taken care of with so much devotion,” said Poonam Sharma, a devotee from Kanpur. “This level of dedication makes us feel spiritually connected despite the cold.”
Vijay Singh, a pilgrim from Varanasi, shared, “I have visited many temples, but the detailed care here during winter is unmatched. Seeing Ramlala wrapped in warm woolen clothes makes us feel He is among us as family.”
Ayodhya has emerged as the coldest district in Uttar Pradesh over the past three days, with temperatures dipping below 5°C consistently. On Friday-Saturday night, the mercury hit a freezing 3°C.
The Meteorological Department at Acharya Narendra Agricultural Technology University attributed the icy conditions to continuous snowfall in the Himalayas and the chilly western winds blowing across the plains. “This pattern is likely to persist for about a week,” a department official said. “However, daytime sunshine will provide some relief.”
Amid these frigid conditions, residents are relying on bonfires and heaters to stay warm. As the cold wave continues, Ayodhya's spiritual and human lives intertwine, reflecting resilience in the face of winter's icy grip.
