Ayodhya saw a burst of religious fervour on Saturday as pilgrims from across the nation assembled for the long-awaited inauguration of the first floor of the Ram Temple, now converted into a grand Ram Darbar, to public darshan.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, after approval from local authorities, gave the green light for the opening of the consecrated upper floor of the temple.
To control the crowds that are expected, a pass-based entry system—much like the existing one for darshan of Ram Lalla—has been put in place. On the first day itself, 300 passes were given out for two time slots: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Half of these were monitored by the district administration, and the other 150 by the temple trust. In order to make the process more efficient and inclusive, the passes were further classified into types: 100 'Special Darshan' and 50 'Easy Access Darshan' passes per session for pilgrims with special needs.
In spite of the hot summer weather, huge lines of dedicated pilgrims waited outside the temple. Others described the deep sense of religious fulfillment that they experienced after arriving at the sacred location.
"We have been waiting here for an hour already, but we are glad to be here. It is very hot, but we want to catch darshan of Ram Lalla," said one pilgrim, waiting patiently in line.
Another visitor commented, "After a visit here, all fatigue vanishes. Even after a long trip in this heat, we are blessed."
Ram Darbar, opened recently, is a glorious representation of Lord Ram sitting in his royal persona. He is surrounded by the idols of Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman, all lined up in an imposing ensemble that conveys the extravagance of a celestial court.
The milestone comes after the consecration of the Ram Darbar on June 5, during which eight deities were ritually installed in recently built shrines within the temple complex.
The idols, following the conventional Vastu Shastra, have been situated in particular directions: Lord Shiva towards the northeast, Lord Ganesha towards the southeast, Lord Hanuman towards the south, Surya (the Sun God) towards the southwest, Goddess Bhagwati towards the northwest, and Goddess Annapurna towards the north.
The opening of the first floor has provided another spiritual aspect to the Ram Temple, attracting pilgrims with fresh devotion and profound emotional connect.
Read also| Air India Flights Rerouted Amid Rising Tensions in Iran-Israel Conflict
