Ayodhya’s spiritual leaders are celebrating a bold administrative step: a complete halt to non-vegetarian food deliveries near the iconic Ram Temple. This restriction, covering food aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy, reflects the city’s deepening commitment to its revered Hindu heritage.
The policy emerged from consultations between the district administration, temple management committees, and influential saint bodies. It targets a 5-km radius around the temple, ensuring that the air of devotion remains untainted by odors or practices deemed incompatible with the site’s holiness.
During a special assembly at the temple premises, over 200 saints from across Uttar Pradesh voiced unanimous support. ‘This is not just a ban; it’s a reclamation of our sacred land from commercial encroachments,’ remarked Swami Rambhadracharya, a renowned poet-saint.
The decision addresses long-standing concerns raised by devotees about the proliferation of fast-food outlets and delivery services post the temple’s construction boom. While boosting tourism, Ayodhya’s transformation has also invited debates on preserving its sattvic environment.
Official statements clarify that the ban applies solely to non-veg items, with ample vegetarian and Jain-friendly alternatives available. Delivery platforms have been instructed to geofence the area, preventing accidental violations.
This initiative aligns with similar restrictions in places like Varanasi and Tirupati, where religious purity takes precedence. As the Ram Mandir becomes a symbol of national pride, such measures reinforce Ayodhya’s identity as Ram’s eternal abode, drawing praise from the saints for fostering a disciplined spiritual ecosystem.
