Ayodhya Ram Mandir 2026: Surge of Devotion on 2nd Anniversary of Pran Pratishtha; 286 kg 'Kodanda' Bow Becomes Main Attraction

Ayodhya, January 23, 2026: A festive atmosphere continues to envelop the holy city of Ayodhya today. Following a grand Deepotsav (festival of lights) held on the banks of the Saryu River and along Ram Path last night, a massive influx of devotees has been thronging the temple since early this morning for a glimpse of Ram Lalla. The significance of yesterday's date (January 22) was further heightened by a special offering made to the Lord.

The Highlight: A Magnificent 286 kg 'Kodanda' Bow

On the occasion of the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha, a grand procession arriving from Rourkela, Odisha, reached Ayodhya.

• Special Offering: A massive 'Kodanda' bow, weighing 286 kilograms and crafted from Panchdhatu (an alloy of five metals: gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron), was formally handed over to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

• Craftsmanship: This divine bow was meticulously crafted by 48 women artisans from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, over a period of eight months. It stands as a beautiful symbol of Nari Shakti (women power) and unwavering devotion.

Crowd Management and Stringent Security

Due to the coincidence of the anniversary and the upcoming weekend, Ayodhya is witnessing a significant spike in the number of pilgrims:

• Darshan Timings: To accommodate the long queues, temple authorities are ensuring a smooth flow of devotees. The crowd today is estimated to be 30-40% higher than on average days.

• Traffic & Crowd Control: Security forces have established 'holding areas' along Ram Path and Janmabhoomi Path to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safe experience for all.

• VIP Movements: Following a visit by a delegation of presiding officers led by UP Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana yesterday, the premises have been fully reopened for general pilgrims today.

How Much Has Ayodhya Changed in 2 Years?

In just two years, Ayodhya has transformed from a temple town into a world-class spiritual hub:

• Record Footfall: In 2025, Ayodhya set a record as the most-visited tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh, hosting approximately 23 crore pilgrims within a single year.

• Infrastructure: With the operation of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport and a modernized railway station, the city is now equipped to handle a daily footfall of 1.5 to 2 lakh devotees with ease.