Ram Mandir authorities urge pilgrims to skip grand event on Jan 22; here's why
PTC News Desk: Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness a tremendous flood of pilgrims on January 22 for the grand opening of the Ram Mandir. The new idol of 'Ram Lalla' will be put in the sanctum sanctorum or 'garbhagriha' of the temple on the day.
People from all around the country are preparing to visit the shrine town next month.
Ayodhya is becoming a tourist destination, with residents setting up homestays in their homes. Property prices have been rising as the inauguration date approaches. Investors, hotels, and business owners have flocked to the area, driving up property prices by up to three times their original value.
Local authorities are preparing for the expected rise in visitors to Ram Mandir's 'Pran Pratishtha,' ramping up security and making logistical arrangements to ensure a seamless experience for the tourists.
Security cameras have been deployed throughout town, and drones will be used to inspect security, according to officials.
According to officials, over 4,000 saints are scheduled to attend the major event in Ayodhya, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, the Ram Mandir Trust Secretary has urged people to not come to Ayodhya and celebrate the event by visiting local temples in their cities and towns in order to avoid overcrowding.
"Don't come to Ayodhya on January 22. Assemble at the temple nearest to you, irrespective of whether it's small or big. Go to the temple which is feasible for you," Champat Rai stated, adding "We can't guarantee a feast for the devotees, but we will ensure that they get basic meals and a place to sleep, if not air-conditioned rooms."
He stated that the sanctum sanctorum is complete, as is the idol, but that the entire temple could take another two years to complete.
The Pran-Pratishtha ceremony's Vedic rituals will commence on January 16, a week before the major event. Lakshmi Kant Dixit will perform the main ceremonies at the consecration event.
- With inputs from agencies
