Massive Influx of Devotees at Ayodhya’s Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple After Mahakumbh Mela Sparks Safety Concerns

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya witnessed an overwhelming rush of devotees following the conclusion of the Mahakumbh Mela, raising significant concerns about crowd management and safety. A viral video shared by ANI shows thousands of pilgrims navigating the temple premises, some carrying luggage on their backs and heads, while chants of “Jai Shri Ram” echo through the air.

A Devotional Surge Post-Mahakumbh

The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, recently concluded in Prayagraj, drawing millions of devotees. Following their sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, thousands of pilgrims have now made their way to Ayodhya to offer prayers at the newly inaugurated Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. This has led to an unprecedented surge in the temple’s footfall, resulting in long queues and congestion at the entry points.

A video posted on social media captures a dense crowd moving towards the temple, struggling to navigate the packed stairways leading to the sanctum. Many devotees can be seen carrying bags and other belongings, adding to the chaos. The situation has sparked urgent discussions on social media, with users expressing concerns over crowd control and the potential risk of a stampede.

Watch the video below:

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | A huge rush of devotees was seen at Ayodhya's Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple as they continue to arrive to offer prayers after visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela. pic.twitter.com/DqHDqTqp42

— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2025

Safety Concerns After Recent Tragedies

The massive rush comes at a time when concerns over stampedes are at an all-time high. Just weeks ago, on January 29, a stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj claimed at least 30 lives and left over 60 injured as lakhs of devotees flocked to the holy site. In another tragic incident, a stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station, caused by confusion over a special train to Prayagraj, resulted in the deaths of 18 people and multiple injuries.

Given these recent tragedies, many social media users have urged authorities to step up security measures at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. “Are authorities waiting for another stampede before they take crowd control seriously?” questioned one user on X (formerly Twitter). Another user emphasized the need for better planning, writing, “After such massive investments in the temple, why is there no proper system in place to manage the crowd?”

Government’s Response and Measures in Place

With concerns escalating, temple authorities and local administration have reportedly begun implementing crowd control measures, including increased deployment of security personnel and barricading key entry points to ensure an organized flow of devotees. However, the surge in footfall continues to pose a logistical challenge.

Officials have assured that additional police forces have been deployed to manage the influx, and CCTV surveillance has been strengthened to monitor crowd movement in real time. Authorities have also urged devotees to follow designated entry and exit routes to prevent bottlenecks.

Looking Ahead: A Need for Long-Term Planning

As Ayodhya cements its place as a major religious tourism hub following the inauguration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, experts and devotees alike are calling for a long-term crowd management strategy. Infrastructure upgrades, better queue management systems, and digital ticketing solutions are some of the suggested measures to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience.

For now, as thousands continue to pour into the holy city, authorities face the challenge of striking a balance between facilitating devotion and ensuring safety. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the measures put in place are sufficient to prevent another potential tragedy.

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