The inauguration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya took place on January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering his first puja to the idol of Lord Rama in the sanctum sanctorum. Sadhus and celebrities had the opportunity for darshan of Sri Rama at 2:30 pm.
A considerable number of devotees gathered outside the Sri Ram temple to offer prayers on Tuesday, as the temple opened for the public. The celebrations from the previous day persisted, and Ayodhya was still in a state of ecstasy.
Following the Prana Pratishtha of Sri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, many people from Tamil Nadu expressed a desire to visit and have darshan of baby Sri Ram. Here are some tips for those planning to make the trip:
Be Prepared for Heavy Cold Weather: Ayodhya is experiencing heavy cold weather, so plan your journey accordingly. Carry warm clothing, medicines, and vaccines for those who may not be accustomed to the cold.
Transportation to Ayodhya: Ayodhya can be easily reached by train and air. However, from there, one needs to travel to Prayag and Varanasi. Public transport is limited, and the journey takes about 6 hours to cover 200 km by road. Plan trips with possible delays in mind.
Food Considerations: Tamil Nadu food may be challenging to find, as food halls are still under preparation. The Nagarathar Chatram in Ayodhya, functioning for 134 years, offers South Indian food at affordable prices.
Temple Aarti Schedule: In Ayodhya, three aartis are performed daily: Sringar Aarti at 6:30 am, Bhog Aarti at 12 noon, and Sandhya Aarti at 7:30 pm. Attend any one of these.
Security and Darshan: Expect tight security to reach Sri Rama's shrine. Devotees can have darshan of Lord Bala Rama from a distance of 35 feet. Avoid carrying excessive loads, as waiting times can be long.
Temple Timings and Online Booking: The temple is open from 7:00 am to 11:30 am and from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Special Aarti pujas are performed at 6:30 am and 7:30 pm. Devotees can make reservations on the official website.
QR Code Entry: Devotees will be allowed to enter the temple only after scanning the QR code on their entry ticket. Online permit holders should collect their pass at the temple counter.
Arrival and Entrance: Arrive at the temple well before your scheduled aarti. Large bags, mobile phones, and electronic items are not allowed inside.
Timing and Crowds: Devotees began arriving early in the morning, so plan accordingly. The best time to visit Ayodhya is from October to March to avoid large crowds.
Transport Options: Ayodhya can be reached by air, rail, and road from various locations, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur.