As temperatures soar with the onset of the summer season, Ram Lalla, the deity at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, has transitioned to comfortable cotton attire, according to a recent social media update by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

In a post, the RJB Teerth Kshetra Trust said, “The vastra (dress material) that Prabhu (God) is wearing today is made of handloom cotton ‘malmal’, dyed with natural indigo, and decorated with ‘gotta’ flowers.”

The post also tagged the designer, Manish Tripathi, responsible for crafting Ram Lalla’s attire.

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the temple, said, “Due to the rising temperature, Ram Lalla has been adorned with cotton clothes to minimise the effects of heat. After the ‘prana pratishtha' ceremony, Ram Lalla was placed inside the temple. There is no fan or air-conditioner in the sanctum sanctorum until now, and air-conditioners should be installed inside the garbhagriha.”

Highlighting the necessity for suitable arrangements for devotees during the summer months, especially amidst the influx of thousands seeking darshan of the deity, Acharya Das stressed the importance of ensuring their comfort.

First-time devotees Gaurav and Koustav, who traveled from Pune with their mother for darshan, expressed their delight, stating, “It was heartening to witness Lord Ram Lalla wearing comfortable cotton attire. We were elated to have the divine darshan in handloom clothing.”

Similarly, in an online post, another devotee praised the decision, stating, “This thoughtful decision honours tradition while ensuring comfort amidst the summer heat. Applause for the switch to handloom cotton with natural indigo dye – a beautiful and sustainable choice! Jai Shri Ram!”