Ayodhya, known for its continuous flow of devotees after the construction of the Ram temple, is witnessing a significant drop in visitor numbers. The primary reason for this decline is attributed to the severe heatwave currently affecting the region.
Temperature Rise and Its Effects
The extreme heat has disrupted daily life in Ayodhya, and its impact is now evident in the reduced number of devotees visiting the Ram temple. Recent statistics reflect this trend. On Wednesday, the temperature in Ayodhya reached 43 degrees Celsius, slightly decreasing to 42 degrees on Thursday. These soaring temperatures have resulted in a noticeable decline in the number of devotees. While the temple previously saw approximately 1.50 lakh devotees daily, the past two days have recorded only 1.15 lakh visitors.
Scorching Heat Deters Devotees
The relentless heatwave is cited as the primary reason for the decreased footfall. On Thursday, May 30, the usual hustle and bustle on Rampath, which passes in front of the Ramjanmabhoomi path, was significantly reduced. The Birla Dharamshala, typically packed with devotees, appeared deserted at 11:30 am. Reports indicate that the intense heat has caused dozens of devotees to faint daily on the Ramjanmabhoomi path and the Bhaktipath leading to Hanumangarhi.
Incidents of Fainting Due to Heat
On Thursday afternoon, around 2:15 pm, a female devotee fainted due to dizziness on the Ramjanmabhoomi path. She was promptly taken to Shri Ram Hospital for medical attention. On Wednesday, the attendance at Ramlala’s court was recorded at 65,282 devotees, which further dropped to 50,115 on Thursday. Despite the heat, the trust managing the temple has implemented several measures to ensure the comfort and safety of the devotees.
Mitigation Efforts by the Temple Trust
To combat the heat, the temple trust has made extensive arrangements for drinking water and shade along the darshan route. Coolers and fans have been installed to provide some relief from the scorching temperatures. Additionally, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets are being distributed to all devotees to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Coping with the Heat
The scorching heat has significantly impacted the number of devotees visiting the Ram temple in Ayodhya. While the temple trust has taken steps to mitigate the effects of the heatwave, the extreme temperatures continue to pose challenges for both the devotees and the management. As the heatwave persists, it remains crucial for visitors to take necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety.