Two Years of Ram Lalla’s Arrival at Ayodhya Ram Temple: How the City Has Transformed

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Today marks the second anniversary of the installation of Lord Ram (Ram Lalla) at the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Over the past two years, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending historical significance with modern development, as efforts continue to enhance the sanctity and grandeur of Lord Ram’s birthplace.

A Historic Milestone
The date of January 22, 2024, is etched in the temple’s history. After nearly five centuries of anticipation, decades of struggle, and the sacrifice of hundreds, the Ram Temple was finally established. Following years of political, cultural, and religious mobilization under the slogan “Mandir Wahi Banayenge,” the Supreme Court of India, on November 9, 2019, resolved the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in favor of Ram Lalla, paving the way for temple construction.

Trust Formation and Temple Construction
The Supreme Court also instructed the government to form a dedicated trust for temple construction. Accordingly, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established on February 5, 2020, by the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Six months later, on August 5, 2020, the temple’s groundbreaking ceremony (Bhoomi Poojan) was conducted by PM Modi, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first phase of temple construction was completed by January 22, 2024, and the Pran Pratishtha (installation of the deity) of Ram Lalla was performed, again with Prime Minister Modi as the chief guest.

Major Developments Since Then:

• Construction of the Ramayan Wax Museum.
• Development of Ram Ki Paidi with steps like a stadium and public viewing areas.
• Creation of a Korean Queen’s Park (Queen Hyo’s Park).
• Panchvati Nilayam Island in the Sarayu River.
• Beautification of Guptar Ghat, including a new garden and promenade.
• Solid construction of pathways and roads from Guptar Ghat to the new ghat.
• Installation of a labyrinth-themed “Sita Ki Khoj” attraction.
• Average daily visitors for darshan: around 1 lakh.
• During the 45-day Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, over 4 crore devotees visited Ram Lalla.

Devotee Footfall
In the past two years, approximately 10 crore devotees have visited the Ram Temple for worship. Distinguished visitors included the President, Vice President, Chief Justice of India, and the Lok Sabha Speaker. President Draupadi Murmu visited on May 1, 2024, with her family, while Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar came on May 10, 2024. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also performed darshan during this period.

Key Milestones in Ram Temple History:

• Nov 9, 1989: Lock opened by the Rajiv Gandhi government; first brick laid.
• Dec 6, 1992: Controversial demolition of Babri Masjid; temporary Ram Lalla installation.
• Nov 9, 2019: Supreme Court rules in favor of Ram Lalla; trust formation directed.
• Feb 5, 2020: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust established.
• Aug 5, 2020: Bhoomi Poojan performed by PM Modi.
• Jan 22, 2024: Completion of first construction phase and Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla.
• June 5, 2025: Installation of deities in temples within the temple complex.
• Oct 27, 2025: Completion of eight temples’ construction and kalash installation.
• Nov 25, 2025: Completion of all three construction phases; grand inauguration with PM Modi as chief guest.

International Visitors
Foreign dignitaries have also paid their respects. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi visited on July 24, 2025. Over 20 state chief ministers and several full-state cabinets have visited, alongside Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viam Prasad, Bhutanese Prime Minister Shering Tobgay, and Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Chandram Ramgoolam.

Over these two years, Ayodhya has emerged as a city that successfully marries its sacred heritage with modern infrastructure, accommodating millions of devotees while preserving its spiritual essence.