Not only Varanasi, the temple town of Ayodhya too witnesses an unprecedented surge of devotees today as millions converged to celebrate Mahashivratri, coinciding with the final bathing day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The newly consecrated Ram Mandir, a focal point of spiritual fervor since its inauguration in January 2024, became the epicenter of this massive pilgrimage, drawing an estimated 1.5 million devotees, a figure expected to climb significantly by nightfall.
Addressing the Legislative Council during the State's Budget Session on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath noted that while 1.4 crore pilgrims visit Mecca annually for Haj and 80 lakh visit Vatican City in a year, Ayodhya alone received 16 crore devotees "in just 52 days".
The influx, fueled by the dual significance of Mahashivratri and the Maha Kumbh’s conclusion, saw pilgrims from across India and beyond throng the city after taking their holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, some 160 km away from Ayodhya. Many, having completed their rituals in Prayagraj, made the journey to Ayodhya to seek blessings from Ram Lalla and visit ancient Shiva temples, creating a vibrant tapestry of devotion. The Uttar Pradesh Government reported that over 2.5 crore devotees are likely to visit Ayodhya between mid-January and late February, with today marking a peak due to the auspicious alignment of events.
Authorities scrambled to manage the crowds, implementing stringent crowd control measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station and along the Ram Janmabhoomi Path. According to sources, over 350 security personnel were deployed and barricades errected. Devotees are allowed onto platforms only when their trains arrive to prevent overcrowding. Drone surveillance and a three-layer security system, bolstered by 200 CCTV cameras, monitored the swelling masses, while traffic diversions eased congestion on roads leading into the city.
The atmosphere was electric yet orderly, with chants of “Siyavar Ramchandra Ki Jai” and “Har Har Mahadev” echoing through the streets. Temporary shelters, bonfires, and extended darshan hours at the Ram Mandir, now stretched to accommodate 20 queues, ensured pilgrims’ comfort amid chilly February weather.
The surge reflects a broader trend of religious tourism boosting Uttar Pradesh’s sacred circuit, linking Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. With the Maha Kumbh already drawing over 65 crore visitors since January 13, officials estimate that today’s Mahashivratri celebrations could push Ayodhya’s daily footfall past 7 lakh, shattering previous records. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, overseeing preparations, hailed the turnout as a testament to India’s spiritual resilience, stating, “This is a divine confluence of faith and unity.”
As night falls, the city remains abuzz with devotion, its illuminated temples and ghats along the Saryu River standing as beacons for the faithful. For Ayodhya, Mahashivratri 2025 has not only marked a sacred milestone but also cemented its place as a global pilgrimage powerhouse (with inputs from PTI).
Pic: Devotees take a dip in Sarayu River on Wednesday - PTI.