Starting from the local stadium, the procession snaked through streets teeming with over 20,000 women participants. BJP veteran Narottam Mishra, a key trustee of the newly built shrine, spearheaded the yatra.

According to officials, the woman fainted suddenly amid the throng and was hurriedly transported to a hospital. Medical staff pronounced her deceased, underscoring the risks of large religious gatherings.

Brijesh Dwivedi, spokesperson for Mishra, shared details with the media: ‘The Kalash Yatra was in full swing when the senior citizen fell. We did everything possible, but she couldn’t be revived.’

Security has been ramped up for the ongoing festivities, expecting luminaries like Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Shastri, narrator Pradeep Mishra, and renowned poet Kumar Vishwas. Other notable attendees include Danti Maharaj, Gurusharan Sharma of Pandokhar Dham, and saints from Dhumeshwar, Dandroua, and Rawatpura dhams.

Prior announcements highlighted elaborate rituals by Sant Badrish Ji and his followers, alongside Danti Maharaj’s special sessions spanning the 10 days.

Political invitations extend widely, with Mishra personally urging Governor Mangubhai Patel’s participation. This incident serves as a stark reminder for enhanced safety protocols at devotional events, even as the temple’s consecration promises spiritual upliftment for thousands.

Trust members had a recent meeting with the President, presenting the invitation for her to witness the divine idol and perform pooja. ‘Informal word is that she’s on board, though official dates are pending,’ Misra noted, expressing hope for a March schedule.

This comes after the spectacular Pran Pratishtha on January 22, 2024, where PM Modi presided over ceremonies attended by thousands of elite guests from diverse fields. The event’s global broadcast highlighted India’s devotion to Lord Ram.

Devotee influx has been staggering since opening. Over 300,000 people visited on day two alone to see Ram Lalla’s charming child form, with queues stretching endlessly.

Adding to the temple’s allure, Misra discussed the acquisition of a priceless 400-year-old Ramayana manuscript from the Central Sanskrit University. Written in archaic Sanskrit, it was redirected from the President’s museum to the temple’s planned Ramayana gallery on the second floor.

Future plans include housing Valmiki Ramayanas and regional translations, transforming the premises into a treasure trove of Indic scriptures. This cultural vault will enrich visitors’ experiences and preserve millennia-old wisdom.

The invitation to the President symbolizes national unity and reverence, promising to elevate Ayodhya’s stature on the world stage.

In a vibrant gathering, Mahant Sitaram Das reflected on the milestone. ‘PM Modi’s leadership brought Ram Lalla home, adorning Ayodhya as per scriptural glory,’ he stated. The city’s makeover—modern yet rooted in tradition—has revitalized Sanatana Dharma. ‘It’s like Treta Yuga reborn; temples everywhere are being renewed.’

Kripalu Maharaj emphasized the festive atmosphere. Special events dot Ayodhya, with ghee diyas illuminating temples at dusk. ‘Two years on, development is astounding—Ram Rajya feels real,’ he beamed, thanking the leaders profusely.

Sharad Sharma detailed the boom: upgraded rail hubs, a gleaming airport, more buses for the faithful. Footfall exploded to 25 crore last year, with 20-22 crore already this year. ‘Devotees prefer Ram Lalla blessings over beach vacations now.’

From Hanumangarhi, Acharya Amit Das proclaimed Ayodhya’s fulfillment post the epic battle. ‘After 500 years, Lord Ram reclaimed His abode, making the city ethereal.’ This anniversary underscores Ayodhya’s journey from contested land to global pilgrimage hub, blending faith, infrastructure, and cultural renaissance under Modi’s stewardship.

Kar Sevak Sanjay Kumar, one of the foot soldiers in this movement, marked the occasion with devotional rituals at home. In a candid interview, he unleashed a scathing attack on fundamentalists and opponents of Sanatan values.

‘I was 17 when the disputed structure fell in 1992. Seeing it crumble before my eyes as a participant fills me with pride,’ Kumar shared.

On the transformative impact, he said, ‘Today celebrates Sanatan’s resurgence, but Babar’s mentality lingers in some hearts. Bangladeshi and Rohingya intrusions threaten our sovereignty, much like the West Bengal incident where an MLA invoked Babri to stir unrest.’

Kumar questioned the obsession with Babar’s legacy: ‘If mosques are needed, construct them without invoking temple-breakers. This radical push, fueled by caste divisions and infiltrators, endangers national harmony.’

His remarks resonate as India reflects on progress since the consecration, urging vigilance against forces undermining unity. The anniversary serves as a reminder of sacrifices made and battles yet to be won.

Held under the auspices of local temple trusts, the installation involved intricate Vedic ceremonies performed by renowned priests. The Shivling, towering impressively, was adorned with flowers, milk, and sacred offerings, captivating everyone present.

CM Nitish Kumar’s arrival was met with thunderous applause. He personally oversaw parts of the ritual, invoking blessings for Bihar’s progress and peace. In his address, he linked the divine energy of Lord Shiva to the state’s developmental aspirations.

The event featured cultural programs, including bhajans and dances, adding vibrancy to the proceedings. Security was robust, yet the atmosphere remained one of pure devotion. Religious scholars highlighted the Shivling’s astrological significance, predicting prosperity for the area.

This participation reinforces Nitish Kumar’s image as a leader attuned to Bihar’s devotional pulse. With elections on the horizon, such public appearances strengthen his voter base among the faithful.

Post-ceremony, the site was declared open for darshan, with expectations of daily influxes of thousands. Infrastructure upgrades around the temple are underway to accommodate the anticipated rush, marking a new chapter in Bihar’s spiritual tourism.