Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – February 26: The sacred city of Ayodhya witnessed a massive influx of devotees on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, as thousands gathered at Shiva temples across the city, resonating the chants of "Har Har Mahadev." The festival, which marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, turned the temple town into a spectacle of devotion and celebration.
Ayodhya’s major Shiva temples were illuminated and decorated for the grand occasion. A massive number of devotees from neighboring districts arrived to perform the revered Jalabhishek, offering water and milk to Lord Shiva. Officials estimated that by Tuesday, nearly 1.5 million devotees had arrived in Ayodhya, with the numbers swelling further on Wednesday.
At the historic Nageshwar Nath Temple, situated near Ram Ki Paidi, the temple doors opened early to accommodate the overwhelming crowd. According to temple administrator Sabhapati Tiwari, the deity was elaborately adorned on Tuesday, and rituals were completed in preparation for the main celebration. "On Wednesday night, a grand procession will be taken out from the temple, culminating in the ceremonial wedding of Lord Shiva, celebrated with grandeur," he stated.
Many devotees, after offering prayers at Shiva temples, proceeded to the Ram Temple for darshan. The temple, which opened at 5 AM, will remain accessible until midnight to accommodate the surge in visitors.
Authorities Implement Crowd Management Measures
With increasing footfall at both Nageshwar Nath Temple and Ram Janmabhoomi, authorities have stepped up crowd management efforts. Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari mentioned that after discussions with temple authorities, the Shiva procession was scheduled for late night hours to avoid congestion along Rampath. Additionally, the return route of the procession has been shortened to ease movement.Since the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Temple on January 22, 2024, Ayodhya has witnessed an unprecedented rise in visitors. The ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which began on January 13, has further contributed to the high footfall.
During the state's Budget Session on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted Ayodhya’s growing prominence as a global pilgrimage hub. He noted that while Mecca attracts 1.4 crore pilgrims annually for Haj and Vatican City sees 80 lakh visitors, Ayodhya welcomed a staggering 16 crore devotees within just 52 days.
The Maha Shivratri celebrations in Ayodhya reflect the city’s rising spiritual significance, drawing millions of devotees who continue to immerse themselves in its divine energy.
