The city of Ayodhya has witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees since the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22. In just 11 days, more than 25 lakh devotees have made their way to the sacred site, contributing offerings and donations totaling an impressive ₹11 crore, according to the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra.
Prakash Gupta, the office in-charge of the temple trust, shared insights into the significant donations. He revealed that a remarkable ₹8 crore was deposited in the temple’s donation boxes during this period. Additionally, devotees demonstrated their generosity through cheques and online payments, contributing around ₹3.5 crore.
The sanctum sanctorum, housing the newly consecrated Balak Ram idol and the revered Ram Lalla idol, features four sizable donation boxes strategically placed along the ‘darshan path.’ Devotees walking to offer prayers to the deities can make their offerings at these locations. To facilitate digital donations, ten computerized counters have also been set up, allowing devotees to contribute through cheques and online payment methods.
The meticulous process of handling these donations is closely monitored under the watchful eyes of CCTV cameras. Every evening, after the counters close, a dedicated team of 14 workers, including 11 bank employees and three temple trust workers, meticulously counts the offerings in the donation boxes.
As Ayodhya braces for an influx of more devotees in the coming weeks with the onset of milder weather, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a meeting to ensure the safety and smooth experience of the pilgrims. With the improvement in weather conditions, the expectation is for a surge in tourists and Ram devotees.
In a bid to enhance connectivity to the sacred city, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated non-stop flight services connecting Ayodhya to eight major cities across India. SpiceJet airlines has announced direct flights to Ayodhya from Darbhanga, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Patna, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
The much-anticipated Ram Temple, inaugurated last month, is currently in its first phase of construction within the expansive 70-acre complex. The second phase is projected to be completed by December 2025.
The popularity of the temple, evident in the remarkable influx of devotees and the substantial donations received, reflects the deep spiritual significance and reverence the Ram Temple holds for millions of believers. As the temple becomes a focal point for devotees across the nation, its cultural and religious importance continues to resonate, creating an atmosphere of unity and devotion.