The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to increase the darshan (worship) timings at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya due to the large number of devotees visiting the place. The temple, which used to open at 7:00 AM, will now open at 6:00 AM and will remain open for devotees till 10:00 PM.
This decision was taken to accommodate the growing number of visitors, ensuring that all devotees get a chance to offer prayers peacefully. Ever since its consecration in early 2024, the temple has witnessed an overwhelming rise in footfall, with devotees arriving from all parts of the country and beyond.
Changes in Aarti Schedule
Along with extended darshan timings, the temple authorities have also revised the aarti schedule. The new schedule is as follows:
Mangala Aarti: Conducted at 4:00 AM (earlier 4:30 AM). The temple doors will briefly close after this ritual.
Shringar Aarti: Performed at 6:00 AM, marking the official opening of the temple to the public.
Rajbhog Offering: Conducted at 12:00 PM, with devotees allowed darshan during this time.
Sandhya Aarti: Scheduled at 7:00 PM. The temple doors will remain closed for 15 minutes during this time before reopening.
Shayan Aarti: Now held at 10:00 PM instead of 9:30 PM. After this final prayer of the day, the temple doors will close for the night.
These changes aim to enhance the experience of devotees by providing them with more flexible opportunities for worship.
Surge in Devotee Footfall
Since its consecration, Ayodhya has transformed into a major religious and tourism hub. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reported that in the first six months of 2024 alone, 32.98 crore tourists visited the state, with Ayodhya and Varanasi accounting for the highest numbers.
A record-breaking one crore devotees visited Ayodhya between January 26 and February 3, coinciding with Basant Panchami. The ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, located approximately 160 kilometers away, has also contributed to the surge in visitors. The government has increased security and crowd management measures to ensure a smooth experience for all pilgrims.
Ram Mandir’s Historical Background
The construction of the Ram Mandir follows a historic Supreme Court verdict in 2019 that granted the disputed land to the Hindu side for building the temple. The Muslim community was allotted a separate piece of land to construct a mosque. After years of planning and development, the temple was consecrated in a grand ceremony in early 2024, marking a significant moment in India’s religious and cultural history.
With the revised schedule, temple authorities aim to provide a better darshan experience while ensuring that the spiritual atmosphere remains intact for devotees from across the world.
