Ayodhya Savours the Moment

The touchdown at Ayodhya a few hours later is greeted by shouts of “Jai Sri Ram” and more singing and chanting. The road to Ayodhya Dham was fairly empty due to entry restrictions before the ceremonies slated for Monday. But the road leading to the series of ghats on the Saryu at Ram ki Paidi are milling with devotees with Ram bhajans playing from loudspeakers. The crowds are in good spirits, waving saffron flags and posing for roving camera crews.

There is no cricket match in the offing, but people are getting their faces painted. It is not the India colours but a saffron imprint with “Jai Sri Ram” and “Sri Ram” on the forehead. A young boy expertly applies the shades on two women and the job is done in a matter of minutes. Many Ram bhakts head for stalls and shops selling steaming cups of tea and hot bread pakoras expertly lifted from large pans of boiling oil and placed in sieved vessels to drain. The sweet tea and the crisply fried bread, with a filling of hot mashed potatoes, dipped in a tangy chutney, seems just right for a cool evening rapidly turning colder.

There are groups of Sadhus who have arrived from various parts. A knot standing before a mobile “Bal (infant) Hanuman” temple dwell on the special relationship between the son of Vayu and Lord Ram, how neither could do without the other and Hanuman’s faith and trust in the Prince of Ayodhya. There could not be a more welcoming setting for such recitals and soon there a goodly audience gathers with a few sellers of mandir merchandise sensing an opportunity as well.

The loud speakers somehow do not seem harsh and there is a spirituality in the air that is hard to miss. The word is that the security will tighten and movement will be further restricted from Sunday onwards but so far, despite a visible and heavy presence, the police has had a light imprint on proceedings, mainly keeping people away from the temple area itself. The mood of anticipation is measured and even reflective despite the flags and shouts of Jai Sri Ram. Everyone here knows the Lord is returning to his rightful residence. It is time to savour the moment.
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Ayodhyaconsecration ceremonyLord RamaRam Temple