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Ayodhya witnessed a surge of devotional activity today as the sub-temples inside the Ram Temple complex opened for public darshan, drawing strong interest from pilgrims across the country. Even before the first day began, the response from devotees was overwhelming, with nearly 80 per cent of the available passes for 13 April already booked yesterday.
According to information released by temple authorities, around 2,600 passes for the opening day had been reserved by 4 pm through the official website of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The bookings were made soon after the portal opened for the first phase of darshan, which will run from 13 April to 27 April.
The early rush reflects the anticipation among devotees who had been waiting for access to these shrines within the temple complex. Following the announcement of the opening date, preparations to travel to Ayodhya intensified among Ram devotees from across the country.
Slot-based darshan system introduced
To manage the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the temple complex, the administration has introduced a structured slot-based system for darshan. Devotees will be allowed entry across seven time slots during the day, running from 7 am to 9 am, 9 am to 11 am, 11 am to 1 pm, 1 pm to 3 pm, 3 pm to 5 pm, 5 pm to 7 pm, and 7 pm to 9 pm.
A total of 3,500 general passes will be issued daily, with 500 passes allocated to each slot. By Sunday evening, the first two morning slots for the opening day were nearly full, while the final two evening slots had also reached close to 90 per cent capacity.
Each pass allows up to five devotees to enter together, enabling around 17,500 pilgrims to have darshan within the temple complex every day.
Temple authorities said the online pass system has been introduced to ensure visitors can have darshan in a smooth and organised manner while maintaining orderly movement within the premises.
Newly accessible shrines within the complex
Under the general pass category, devotees will be able to visit several significant shrines located inside the temple complex. Among them is the Sapt Mandapam, which is dedicated to revered figures including Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Maharishi Vashishtha, Nishadraj, Ahilya, and Mata Shabari.
Pilgrims will also be able to offer prayers at the Sheshavatar temple dedicated to Lakshman, the Kubera Tila temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Ram Parivar shrine situated on the second floor of the Ram Temple.
These shrines have drawn particular attention among devotees, many of whom had long been waiting for the opportunity to visit them as part of the larger temple complex.
Trial phase before full access
Temple authorities have clarified that the current arrangement is being implemented on a trial basis. During this period, devotees holding general passes will also be able to visit the Ganesh temple located in the Parikrama area of the complex.
Dr Anil Mishra, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said the first week will serve as a testing phase to assess the arrangements and the movement of pilgrims within the temple premises.
He added that after the trial period, darshan is expected to begin at all temples located along the temple complex’s perimeter. Devotees holding Sugam and special category passes will also be allowed access to the sub-temples as part of the expanded arrangements.
With the opening of these shrines, Ayodhya is witnessing renewed religious activity as thousands of devotees prepare to experience the expanded Ram Temple complex and participate in darshan at multiple sacred sites within the premises.
