In Ayodhya, the sacred city where Lord Ram is believed to have been born, a significant surge in devotee footfall has been witnessed since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Over the span of just two months, from January 22 to March 20, an astounding 1 crore 12 lakh devotees have flocked to Ayodhya to pay their respects to Lord Ram. This remarkable influx of pilgrims marks a notable increase compared to previous years, according to the state tourism department.
The numbers speak volumes about the growing reverence for Lord Ram in Ayodhya. On an average day, between one to 1.25 lakh devotees make their way to the temple for darshan, with even greater numbers converging during festivals and on Tuesdays, considered auspicious for worship.
The surge in pilgrim arrivals is part of a larger trend of increasing interest in Ayodhya as a spiritual destination. The tourism department revealed staggering statistics indicating a steady rise in visitor numbers over recent years. Since the inception of Deepotsav in 2017, the city has witnessed a substantial uptick in devotee arrivals. In 2017, 1,78,57,858 devotees, including both Bharatiyas and foreigners, visited Ayodhya. This figure climbed to 2,21,38,805 in 2022 before skyrocketing to a record-breaking 5,75,15,423 in 2023.
The impact of this influx extends beyond spiritual realms, with Ayodhya experiencing a boon in employment opportunities and economic activity. Previously deserted shops are now bustling with customers, while eateries, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir stores are witnessing an influx of tourists. This surge in economic activity is attributed to the increasing number of devotees and tourists drawn to Ayodhya following the enshrinement of Ram Lalla on January 22.
The Yogi Adityanath government’s initiatives to develop Ayodhya’s infrastructure have further bolstered its appeal as a pilgrimage site. The construction of four-lane and six-lane roads, along with the establishment of a world-class airport and railway station, has enhanced accessibility to the sacred city. These efforts, coupled with ongoing development projects, aim to elevate Ayodhya into a premier spiritual and tourist destination.
In addition to domestic devotees, the presence of foreign tourists seeking to witness the spiritual aura of Ayodhya has also increased significantly. This multicultural influx underscores Ayodhya’s global significance as a center of faith and heritage.
As devotees continue to flock to Ayodhya in unprecedented numbers, the city’s status as the birthplace of Lord Ram is cemented even further, reaffirming its timeless allure as a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees from across the globe.
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