The sacred city of Ayodhya is set to resonate with unparalleled devotion and festivity as the much-anticipated Ayodhya Rama Navami 2024 approaches. This year, the celebration promises to be especially poignant given the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir earlier in January, where devotees were blessed with the sight of Ram Lalla.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: A Symbol of Devotion

The significance of Ayodhya Ram Mandir cannot be overstated. This year, the temple is preparing to welcome an impressive 1,11,111 kilograms of laddoos as prasad, courtesy of the Devraha Hans Baba Trust. This gesture follows their earlier offering of 40,000 kg laddoos during the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha in January.

Atul Kumar Saxena, trustee of the Devraha Hans Baba Trust, shared that this tradition of sending laddoos extends to various revered temples, including the Tirupati Balaji temple and the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Extended Timings and Rituals at Ayodhya Ram Mandir

To accommodate the influx of devotees, the timings for darshan at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir have been extended till 11 pm on Ram Navami, April 17. Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, detailed the extended schedule. The day will commence with Mangala Aarti at 3:30 am in the Brahma Muhurta, followed by Abhishek, Shringar, and continuous darshan.

Prasad and Temple Guidelines

Devotees visiting the temple on this auspicious day will be treated to prasad available at the temple exit after the shayan aarti. To ensure a smooth and respectful experience for all, visitors are advised to keep their mobile phones, shoes, slippers, and large bags safely away from the temple.

Ram Navami Celebrations and Live Telecast

Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati will be live telecasting the Ram Navami celebrations at the Ram Mandir on Doordarshan. Additionally, the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation plans to install around 100 LED screens across the city for the live telecast. This initiative aims to enable devotees to witness the celebrations from the comfort of their homes and to avoid unnecessary rush to Ayodhya.

Innovative ‘Suryatilak’ Ritual

An innovative ritual named ‘Suryatilak’ has been planned, where concentrated sunlight will adorn the forehead of Ram Lalla. This ritual is carefully designed by a team of scientists to ensure that the idol remains unharmed by heat. The ceremony is expected to last for 3.5 minutes, starting at 11:58 am and concluding at 12:03 pm.

VIP Passes and Crowd Management

In anticipation of the heavy footfall expected during the festival, the temple management has decided to cancel all VIP and VVIP darshan passes from April 15 to 18. Anil Mishra, a temple trust member, emphasized that this year’s Ram Navami is particularly special, being the first after the consecration ceremony.

Champat Rai reiterated that all devotees, regardless of their status, will have to follow the same route for darshan, ensuring equal access to all.

Conclusion

As Ayodhya prepares to celebrate Rama Navami 2024, the air is filled with anticipation and devotion. With extended temple timings, innovative rituals, and live telecasts, this year’s celebrations promise to be unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting Ayodhya or tuning in from afar, the essence of this grand festival is sure to touch hearts and inspire minds.

The Ayodhya Rama Navami celebration stands as a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of millions, reminding us of the timeless teachings of Lord Rama and the universal values He embodies. Join in the festivities, embrace the spirit of unity and love, and be a part of this grand celebration of faith and festivity!. Stay tuned for more updates.