Ayodhya, June 28, 2025 — The Uttar Pradesh government announced today that over 55 million (5.5 crore) devotees have visited the newly consecrated Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya since its grand Prana Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony on January 22, 2024, marking a historic moment in India’s spiritual landscape .
A Spiritual Magnet
- 5.5 crore devotees flocked to the temple to seek solace, blessings, and darshan of Lord Ram Lalla.
- Among them were around 450,000 VIPs, including Union ministers, chief ministers, governors, Bollywood and sports celebrities, and business leaders.https://www.business-standard.com/
Pilgrimage Infrastructure & Management
To seamlessly handle this extraordinary surge:
- Temple authorities introduced an online booking system for darshan passes, ensuring equitable and hassle-free access.
- The UP government bolstered public transportation, including upgraded rail and road networks, and supports the newly inaugurated Ayodhya Airport, which sees increasing inter-city air connectivity.
- A modern VIP guest house is under construction to accommodate high-profile dignitaries without disrupting general pilgrim movement.
Ayodhya Emerges as a Global Pilgrimage Hub
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the temple as a “global spiritual hub,” insisting that both VIPs and common pilgrims receive equal treatment.
- Post-consecration, Ayodhya has undergone sweeping transformation—an international airport, revamped railways, luxury hotels, roads, and cultural infrastructure—all part of a ₹30,000 crore investment aimed at turning the city into a “Hindu Vatican” of sorts.
- The temple complex is still expanding. The newly installed Ram Darbar on the first floor is expected to further increase visitor numbers.
Cultural & Economic Impact
- With the influx of over 55 million visitors, Ayodhya is surpassing long-established pilgrimage centers and tourist landmarks. In early 2024 alone, over 135 million domestic visitors and 3,000+ international tourists poured into the city.
- Economic spillover has been tremendous—creating thousands of jobs in hospitality, transportation, retail, and community services. Early projections estimate an injection of ₹4 lakh crore into UP’s economy by the end of 2024 .
Outlook
As the temple complex continues to grow, incorporating museums, guest houses, and a planned Ramayana theme park, visitor numbers are expected to rise further. With enhanced facilities and strategic urban planning, Ayodhya is poised to cement its position as one of the world’s most-visited religious destinations.
This milestone—55 million pilgrims in under 18 months—underscores a profound religious and socio-economic transformation. The UP government remains committed to ensuring that Ayodhya retains its spiritual charm even as it embraces modern infrastructure.
Let me know if you’d like additional context—such as details on the VIP guest house, the economics of spiritual tourism, or how Ayodhya compares to other pilgrimage hubs.
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