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Ayodhya Ram Temple Prepares for Pilgrim Surge: Kumbh Mela-Scale Crowds Expected

The Ram Temple Trust is gearing up for a massive influx of devotees in Ayodhya. They're planning facilities on a scale meant to handle crowds similar to the Kumbh Mela. A key focus is building storage for up to two lakh pairs of pilgrims' shoes in a single day. The trust is also constructing a lengthy boundary wall with input from central security agencies.

Key Points: Ram Temple Trust Plans Massive Pilgrim Management for Ayodhya

  • Trust preparing for pilgrim footfall comparable to major events like the Kumbh Mela
  • New shoe storage facilities to handle up to two lakh pairs daily
  • A 3.5-km security wall is being built based on CRPF and CISF recommendations
  • Pran Pratishtha Ekadashi on Dec 31 to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
3 min read

Ram Temple Trust makes extensive preparations to manage large pilgrim influx in Ayodhya

The Ram Temple Trust details extensive preparations for large pilgrim influx in Ayodhya, focusing on crowd control, shoe storage for lakhs, and enhanced security.

"If a scene like the Kumbh Mela appears in the temple, the shoe storage arrangements will need to be increased severalfold. - Champat Rai, Trust General Secretary"

Ayodhya, December 14

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is undertaking extensive preparations to manage a large influx of pilgrims at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya, with special emphasis on crowd management, infrastructure development and security arrangements.

General Secretary of the Trust, Champat Rai, on Saturday, shared comprehensive details about the ongoing construction work and the steps being taken to manage footfall at a scale comparable to major religious congregations such as the Kumbh Mela.

Addressing the media, Rai said the Trust is planning facilities with the possibility of very large crowds visiting the temple on special occasions in mind. He noted that several aspects of pilgrim management are being strengthened to ensure smooth movement, safety and convenience for devotees. According to Rai, footwear management has emerged as a key area of focus due to the sheer number of visitors expected at the Ram Temple complex.

Explaining the arrangements being made, Rai said that if situations similar to the Kumbh Mela arise at the Ram Temple, existing systems would need to be expanded severalfold.

"Some information has been provided regarding the temple construction. If a scene like the Kumbh Mela appears in the temple, the shoe storage arrangements will need to be increased severalfold. So, shoe rooms are being built at two locations," Rai said.

He further informed that once these facilities are completed, they will be capable of securely storing footwear for around 25,000 people at one time. In addition, the Trust is making arrangements to manage the storage of up to two lakh pairs of shoes over the course of a day.

Rai said that these steps are part of a broader plan to prevent congestion and ensure that pilgrims can enter and exit the temple premises in an orderly manner. "This is part of the trust's preparation," he added.

Referring to the earlier phase of the Ram Temple, Rai said that when Ram Lalla was brought to Ayodhya, the idols were initially placed in a small wooden temple, which is regarded as sacred by devotees.

"When Ram Lalla was brought, they were placed in a small wooden temple, and that wooden temple, where they stayed until January 18, 2024, is considered sacred. Construction of a new small temple is also happening there," he said.

Sharing details of security infrastructure, Rai said that a 3.5-kilometre-long boundary wall is being constructed around the remaining temple complex. He added that the design and type of the wall have been finalised based on the standards and recommendations of security agencies, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Special Security Force (SSF).

"The type of wall has been decided based on their requirements. This construction will continue for some time, and we cannot yet say whether it will be completed by 2026," he added.

Rai also informed that Pran Pratishtha Ekadashi will be observed on December 31. He said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been invited to the occasion and has accepted. "We have invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for that day, and he has accepted. When the country's Defence Minister comes, the Chief Minister might also come," he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the saffron 'Dharma Dhwaj' atop the spire of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, symbolically marking the formal completion of the temple's construction.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartening to see such detailed preparations. The safety and convenience of pilgrims should be the top priority. I hope the infrastructure development also benefits the local residents of Ayodhya in the long run.
R
Rohit P
Two lakh pairs of shoes a day! That number itself shows the historic scale of devotion. A 3.5 km boundary wall for security is also very necessary in today's times. Good to see CRPF/CISF involved.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited, the logistics are mind-boggling. While the spiritual significance is paramount, I respectfully hope equal attention is paid to environmental sustainability with such a massive influx - waste management, water usage etc.
V
Vikram M
The mention of the original wooden temple where Ram Lalla resided is touching. It's important to preserve that sacred history even as we build this magnificent new temple. Can't wait for my visit!
M
Michael C
The scale of project management here is impressive from a purely logistical standpoint. Comparing it to the Kumbh Mela, which is one of the largest peaceful gatherings on Earth, sets a very high benchmark. Hope the execution matches the planning.

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