New Delhi: In anticipation of a surge in devotees during the upcoming Ram Navami festival, all VIP passes for the new Ram temple in Ayodhya have been suspended for three days until April 18. Temple trust member Anil Mishra said this is the first Ram Navami after the consecration ceremony at the temple and there is a possibility of many devotees turning up on the occasion.
With the expectation of a large turnout of devotees, the temple management has issued new guidelines to ensure smooth darshan for all visitors. As part of these measures, a decision was made during a temple construction committee meeting to temporarily halt VIP and VVIP darshan from April 15 to 18, reported news agency PTI.
"Bookings of all types of special passes have already been cancelled. Everyone will have to go through the same route", Champat Rai, general secretary of the trust, said. He also mentioned that the darshan timings have been extended until 11 pm, with curtains drawn four times for five-minute intervals during the 'bhog' offering.
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Champat Rai urged distinguished dignitaries to plan their darshan visits after April 19 and revealed plans for devotees to queue up from 3:30 am on Ram Navami. To enhance accessibility, the Ram Janmotsav celebrations will be broadcast on approximately 100 large LED screens.
Rai advised against bringing mobile phones to avoid inconvenience and time wastage, and announced the establishment of a railway reservation unit at the passenger convenience center on Darshan Marg, as per PTI.
The temple city of Ayodhya has experienced an influx of devotees, post-inauguration, all eager to catch a glimpse of Ram Lalla. Devotees from far and wide continue to flock to the sacred site, demonstrating their unwavering devotion and commitment to witnessing the revered deity.