As the morning sun cast its glow, a multitude of devotees gathered at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, each filled with anticipation for their first darshan of Ram Lalla after the Praan Pratisthaa ceremony.
The atmosphere, rather than just spiritual, carried a sense of collective enthusiasm as devotees converged at the main gate of Shri Ram Temple, some as early as 3 am, propelled by their passion to worship and witness the divine presence of Ram Lalla. Commissioner Ayodhya Gaurav Dayal has claimed over five lakh devotees had darshan on first day.
In a more subdued tone, a devotee, Ramesh Dixit, shared, “This day holds significance for all of us. The anticipation to have darshan of Ram Lalla has been palpable, and today, our prayers find fulfillment.”
Having spent the entire night at Dharam Path, Dixit, a resident of Radauli, located 45 kilometres from Ayodhya, faced roadblocks on Monday morning. Despite being denied entry into the city, he, along with three friends, successfully navigated the restrictions, reaching the main gate at around 2 am.
“I initially thought the early hour would see fewer people. However, upon reaching the main gate of Ram Janmabhoomi, I was astounded by the large number of devotees. I just joined them,” he shared.
The doors of the new Ram Temple opened at 7 am, extending a warm welcome to devotees from diverse backgrounds. The consecration of Ram Lalla signaled the initiation of darshan for common people on Tuesday, January 23.
The eagerness among the devotees was evident, with a sizable congregation gathering since the early hours of the day. Devotees, hailing from various States, united to witness this auspicious event.
The opening of the temple gates triggered a surge of enthusiasm among the devotees, resulting in a rush. The administration, faced with challenges in managing the overwhelming crowd, saw the Rapid Action Force (RAF) taking charge to restore order.
Reflecting on the energetic scene, Harish Joshi, a native of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, remarked, “The crowd was overwhelming, and everyone wished to be among the first to catch a glimpse of Ram Lalla. It’s heartening to witness such devotion, though prioritising safety is crucial. I am pleased the authorities intervened to manage the situation.”
In a shift towards a more orderly approach, the administration has now implemented a strategy allowing visitors inside in small, manageable groups. This interactive adjustment seeks to provide each devotee with a tranquil and meaningful experience during their darshan.
As devotees patiently await their turn, the air is imbued with a sense of unity and devotion. The Ram Temple, open to all, stands as a sacred space where fervent prayers and hopeful aspirations of devotees converge. The journey of darshan for the common people has begun, with each moment infused with a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment.
