By The Sampadak Express
Ayodhya: Since the grand consecration ceremony of Lord Ram at the newly built Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, Ayodhya has witnessed an unprecedented influx of devotees. According to a statement released by the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday, over 5.5 crore pilgrims have visited the sacred site, transforming Ayodhya into a major global religious destination.
The massive footfall isn’t limited to the general public. Nearly 4.5 lakh VIPs, including Union ministers, governors, chief ministers, and celebrities from the fields of cinema, sports, and business, have also offered prayers at the temple.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized efficient crowd management and smooth darshan for all visitors, ensuring seamless arrangements for both regular devotees and dignitaries. Authorities have been directed to prioritize both convenience and security.
The temple’s consecration, which drew international attention and was attended by global dignitaries, marked a turning point in Ayodhya’s modern development. Since then, the city has seen ongoing efforts to improve public transportation and infrastructure to support the rising number of tourists and pilgrims.
Among the high-profile attendees of the consecration ceremony were Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. In recent months, celebrities such as Govinda, Anushka Sharma, and Virat Kohli have also visited the temple. Notably, Errol Musk, father of tech billionaire Elon Musk, along with his sister, recently paid homage at the temple and described the spiritual experience as “wonderful.”
Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal confirmed that the majority of the 5.5 crore visitors were pilgrims, and added that the administration continues to strengthen facilities in line with growing demand. With Lord Ram now enshrined on the temple’s first floor, footfall is expected to rise even further.
To ensure better crowd control and accessibility, the temple authorities have rolled out an online pass system, allowing both common devotees and VIPs to schedule their darshan with ease.
As Ayodhya continues to evolve into a premier pilgrimage hub, the state government remains focused on enhancing the spiritual and logistical experience for all who journey to the historic city.
