Himalaya Harbinger National Bureau.
In a captivating display of unwavering faith and devotion, Ayodhya witnessed an influx of around 5,000 visitors, forming a diverse tapestry of devotees from various linguistic and economic backgrounds. The spiritual pilgrimage, undertaken even in the face of near-zero visibility due to dense fog, revealed a melting pot of cultures converging for the morning Aarti at the newly constructed Ram Temple.
The spiritual journey unfolded in a mosaic of languages, with families from Maharashtra conversing in Marathi, a couple engaging in a heated discussion in Bangla, and an urgent announcement in Telugu for a devotee named Sharmila to reach the police assistance booth. The author observed a harmonious blend of linguistic diversity among the pilgrims, with devotees communicating in over half a dozen Indian languages.
Contrary to expectations of assertive aggression often associated with Hindutva, the author was astonished by the sheer devotion on display. The emotional intensity rivaled or even surpassed experiences at other revered shrines like Vaishno Devi in Jammu, Jagannath Temple in Puri, and Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai.
As the crowd surged forward for the morning Aarti, class distinctions seemed to dissipate momentarily. The diverse assembly, ranging from the economically challenged to those carrying Gucci bags, demonstrated a unifying force of spirituality that transcended societal divides.
The absence of militant expressions commonly linked with Hindutva left the author with a sense of witnessing an unapologetic display of Hinduism. The pilgrimage appeared to be a rediscovery of a lost world, with devotees exhibiting powerful emotions, including tears of devotion.
According to estimates from police stationed at the temple, a staggering 200,000 devotees continue to pour into Ayodhya daily. The Saryu Ghat, where the author later arrived, resonated with the collective chanting of bhajans, creating an atmosphere saturated with devotion. The sun breaking through the dissipating fog revealed the accuracy of the police’s claim.
In a symbolic encounter, a large group of Tamil devotees, clad in saffron scarves, disembarked from an e-bus. Their faith was evident in various markers, and their unwavering dedication contrasted with a mural depicting the abduction of Sita by Ravana, sparking an impromptu gathering for group photos and selfies.
The spiritual journey extended to the Saryu River, where hundreds braved the cold waters for a sacred dip. Amidst the hustle of vendors and memorabilia peddlers, the cleanliness of the temple premises and the ghat left an indelible impression. Workers tirelessly maintained the surroundings, reflecting a commitment to hygiene.
The absence of overt political overtones among the devotees highlighted a distinct separation between the religious pilgrimage and the local political sentiment. However, locals expressed a strong political assertion and attributed the construction of the Ram Temple to Prime Minister Modi.
In a somewhat unsettling revelation, Basant Kumar Dubey, a middle-aged security guard, proudly recalled his presence during the historic events of December 1992, claiming to have witnessed the making of history. His pride in the events of that time stands in contrast to the serene spirituality prevalent among the current wave of devotees.
In summary, Ayodhya is experiencing a spiritual renaissance, drawing devotees from across India in staggering numbers. The pilgrimage reflects a unifying force of faith that transcends linguistic and economic barriers, creating an atmosphere of profound devotion.
