Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Ayodhya on Wednesday to participate in Pratishtha Dwadashi observances, offering prayers at both Hanuman Garhi and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex.
Ayodhya prayers draw large domestic and international crowds
The two leaders arrived in Ayodhya after Mr Singh landed at Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, where he was received by the chief minister. They travelled together first to Hanuman Garhi, a prominent shrine in the city, and later made their way to the Ram Lalla temple within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex.
At Hanuman Garhi, the ministers joined devotees in chanting and performed traditional rituals before proceeding to the Ram Janmabhoomi site. At the Ram Lalla temple they offered aarti, completed a circumambulation of the sanctum and prayed for peace, prosperity and the welfare of both the nation and Uttar Pradesh.
Amid chants of Jai Shri Ram and recitations of Vedic mantras, Mr Singh and Mr Adityanath participated in scheduled religious rites, including hoisting the religious flag atop the Maa Annapurna temple within the complex. The pair also took part in Tatvakalash ceremonies, havan and sustained mantra chanting as part of the Pratishtha Dwadashi programme.
Devotees described the atmosphere across the complex as deeply devotional and festive. A large number of visitors from across India and abroad assembled to witness the ceremonies, resulting in long queues at entry points. Many attendees said the experience was spiritually uplifting and peaceful, while children were given blessings by the chief minister as he greeted the crowd.
Temple authorities had organised extensive arrangements in advance, deploying additional security personnel alongside volunteers to manage the influx of pilgrims and ensure the safety and convenience of those attending. Officials said the measures were aimed at maintaining order and facilitating smooth darshan for the large turnout.
The visit underscores Ayodhya’s continuing significance as a focal point for religious observance and public gatherings. While the trip was primarily devotional in character, it also reflected routine interactions between central and state leaders at major religious events.
Local organisers said the day’s rituals were conducted according to schedule, with special prayers offered for national welfare and local development. The Pratishtha Dwadashi observances are traditionally marked by elaborate rituals and community participation, and Wednesday’s ceremonies followed that pattern, drawing wide attention across social and broadcast media.
As the ceremonies concluded, organisers and security teams began phased measures to manage the dispersal of crowds. Devotees departed the complex after having darshan, many commenting on the sense of serenity they had felt during the ceremonies. Authorities said they will continue to coordinate with temple management and civic agencies for upcoming events to ensure pilgrims’ convenience and safety.
Key Takeaways:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led Ayodhya prayers at Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi complex.
- The leaders participated in aarti, circumambulation and hoisted the religious flag atop the Maa Annapurna temple.
- Pratishtha Dwadashi observances drew large domestic and international crowds and included Tatvakalash rituals, havan and mantra chanting.
- Authorities deployed extra security and volunteers to ensure smooth crowd management during the Ayodhya prayers.
