Ram Mandir darshan rules may change during Sawan: Pass-only entry likely

Ayodhya is preparing for a massive Sawan rush, with up to 15 lakh devotees expected. Authorities may introduce pass-only entry to parts of the Ram Mandir and tighten security during peak pilgrimage days.Ram Mandir darshan rules may change during Sawan: Pass-only entry likely (Photo: PTI)Ayodhya is preparing for one of its busiest pilgrimage seasons, with authorities expecting 10 to 15 lakh devotees during the Sawan Jhula Mela and Kanwar Yatra. To manage the rush at the Ram Mandir, officials are planning tighter security and changes to the Ram Mandir darshan system. On peak days, entry to parts of the temple complex may be limited to pass holders, while darshan timings for Ram Lalla could also be extended if required. The administration says the measures are aimed at ensuring smooth crowd management and the safety of devotees.PASS-ONLY ENTRY LIKELY ON THESE DATESAccording to administrative sources, ordinary devotees may not be allowed to enter the temple complex without a pass between August 8 and 11 and again from August 23 to 28, when the footfall is expected to be at its highest.If the crowd becomes too large, darshan at all six sub-temples inside the parkota may also be suspended temporarily. Authorities are also considering extending Ram Lalla darshan hours to accommodate more pilgrims.TWO TO THREE LAKH DEVOTEES EXPECTED EVERY DAYOfficials estimate that even on regular days in August, the temple could receive two to three lakh devotees daily. The biggest rush is expected on August 10, the second Monday of Sawan, when thousands of Kanwariya pilgrims are likely to arrive in Ayodhya.WHO WILL NEED A PASS?Under the proposed arrangement, only pass holders will be allowed to enter Sapt Mandapam and Kuber Navratna Tila. At present, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust issues 1,500 passes in separate two-hour slots through its official website under the general darshan system.SECURITY TO BE STEPPED UP ACROSS AYODHYACircle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari said more CCTV cameras are being installed across the city for the festival period.Authorities will also deploy:Additional police personnel and PAC teamsWater policePublic address systemsExtra lightingPilgrim facilitation centresLost-and-found centresSecurity will also be tightened at the Saryu ghats and major temples, including Nageshwarnath, Ksheereshwarnath, Hanumangarhi and Kanak Bhawan.ALSO READ: Why are more temples choosing robotic elephants over captive elephants in Kerala?DARSHAN TO BE REGULATED IF CROWDS INCREASESuperintendent of Police (Security) Vijay Shankar Mishra said there is no change in the current arrangements yet. However, route diversions and crowd-control measures will be introduced depending on the number of devotees.Security review meetings have already been held under DIG Ayodhya Range Somen Barma, and the final security plan will be approved by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Suraksha Samanvay Samiti.The district administration said the Ram Mandir can facilitate darshan for around two lakh devotees a day. If the crowd exceeds that number, devotees will be allowed entry in phases through regulated routes.(Inputs PTI)- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Jul 27, 2026 12:54 IST