In a significant development for millions of devotees, the sacred parkota (outer courtyard) surrounding the main sanctum of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be opened for the general public starting March 19. This date marks the beginning of the auspicious Chaitra Navratri festival, allowing pilgrims to seek blessings from the idols placed in the various sub-temples within the complex.
Queue Management for Ram Darbar Access
Following the conclusion of the Pratishtha Dwadashi celebrations on January 2, the office-bearers of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have shifted their focus to managing visitor flow. A primary task is devising a robust queue management system to facilitate controlled access to the temple's first floor, where the revered Ram Darbar is situated.
Due to space constraints, entry to the first floor currently requires a prior pass obtained from the Trust. However, officials are working on a plan to allow a certain number of devotees visiting the temple daily to access this area. A volunteer deputed by the Trust confirmed that entry would be granted on a first-come, first-served basis once the new system is operational.
New Flag Hoisting Ceremony on Navratri
In another highlight, the saffron flag flying atop the temple's majestic spire (shikhar) will be replaced with a new one on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. The honor of hoisting the new flag will be bestowed upon a chief guest invited by the Trust to participate in the celebrations.
This flag replacement is set to become a biannual ritual, occurring during both the Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri festivals. The current flag was hoisted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 25 last year, marking the completion of major civil works within the main temple complex after elaborate prayer ceremonies.
Preparations and Pilgrim Management
The Trust is deeply engaged in deliberations to ensure a smooth and dignified experience for the anticipated surge in devotees from March 19 onwards. The opening of the parkota is a major step in progressively increasing public access to the new temple complex. The move is expected to draw lakhs of pilgrims to Ayodhya, further establishing it as a premier spiritual destination.
These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to systematize worship and pilgrimage logistics at one of India's most significant and newly consecrated religious sites, balancing devotional fervor with necessary crowd control and safety measures.
