Yami Gautam visits Ayodhya Ram Mandir for the first time ahead of 'Nayyi Navelli' release
Synopsis
Yami Gautam made her first-ever visit to Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi just days before her film 'Nayyi Navelli' hits screens on Dussehra — calling it an emotional homecoming. The visit underlines Ayodhya's growing pull as a pre-release pilgrimage destination for Bollywood stars since the temple's consecration.
Key Takeaways
Yami Gautam visited the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya for the first time on 15 October 2026 .
The actress said she had 'a lot of emotions' and came with 'a lot of devotion' during her media interaction at the temple.
She wore a traditional yellow saree for the visit and shared photos on Instagram . 'Nayyi Navelli' releases in theatres on 16 October 2026 , coinciding with Dussehra .
The film marks the Bollywood directorial debut of Tamil filmmaker Balaji Mohan .
Actress Yami Gautam visited the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, for the first time on 15 October 2026, offering prayers and seeking blessings ahead of the release of her upcoming film 'Nayyi Navelli'. The visit, which coincides with the Navratri festival season, was an emotionally significant moment for the actress, who described it as deeply personal.
What Yami Said at the Temple
Speaking to the media during her visit, the actress said she was overwhelmed by the experience. Yami told reporters: 'I just visited the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, and now I am here at Hanuman Garhi. This is the first time I am coming to Ayodhya. I have a lot of emotions in my heart. I have come here with a lot of devotion. Of course, I am a very small person to take blessings. By the grace of Lord Ram, this year has been very beautiful for my family.'
She further added: 'I have come here to take blessings from Lord Ram. I have come here for the first time, and I wanted to see this holy land. I am very fortunate to be able to see the holy land where Shri Ram has been waiting for 14 years.'
The Look and the Occasion
For the temple visit, Yami opted for a traditional yellow saree paired with long earrings and subtle makeup, keeping her appearance simple and elegant. The choice of attire reflected the devotional nature of the occasion.
Yami's Instagram Post
The actress, known for films including 'Vicky Donor' and 'Kaabil', also shared her experience on Instagram, writing: 'Ayodhya main Maa Sarayu ghat par aarti aur mann mein Shanti Navratri ke dino mein iss paavan nagri se aashirwad mila aur mann bhaavuk ho gaya. Ab jo kal ho so Shri Ram ki kripa. With all positivity & good wishes to all the films releasing tomorrow. Nayyi Navelli releases tomorrow in cinemas.'
About 'Nayyi Navelli'
'Nayyi Navelli' stars Yami Gautam in the lead role and marks Tamil filmmaker Balaji Mohan's directorial debut in Bollywood. The film is set to release in theatres on 16 October 2026, coinciding with the Dussehra festival — a significant occasion for Hindi film releases. Yami's Ayodhya visit ahead of the release is widely seen as part of a pre-release tradition many Bollywood stars have adopted at the newly consecrated temple.
Point of View
The temple has become a near-mandatory stop on the promotional circuit for major Hindi releases. The interesting angle here is Balaji Mohan's Bollywood debut: a Tamil director crossing over with a new-release on Dussehra is a test case for whether southern sensibilities can travel north without dilution. Whether 'Nayyi Navelli' benefits from the Ayodhya optics — or stands on its own cinematic terms — will be clearer by the weekend box-office numbers.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Yami Gautam visit Ayodhya's Ram Mandir?
Yami Gautam visited the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya on 15 October 2026 to seek blessings ahead of her film 'Nayyi Navelli', which releases on 16 October 2026. She described it as her first-ever visit to Ayodhya and said she came with deep faith and devotion.
What is 'Nayyi Navelli' and when does it release?
'Nayyi Navelli' is an upcoming Bollywood film starring Yami Gautam in the lead role, set to release in theatres on 16 October 2026 on the occasion of Dussehra. The film marks Tamil filmmaker Balaji Mohan's directorial debut in Hindi cinema.
What did Yami Gautam say during her Ayodhya visit?
Yami said: 'I have a lot of emotions in my heart. I have come here with a lot of devotion.' She also called herself 'a very small person to take blessings' and expressed gratitude, saying the year had been very beautiful for her family by the grace of Lord Ram.
Who is directing 'Nayyi Navelli'?
'Nayyi Navelli' is directed by Balaji Mohan, a Tamil filmmaker making his Bollywood directorial debut with this film. Yami Gautam plays the lead role.
What did Yami Gautam post on Instagram about Ayodhya?
Yami shared photos from Ayodhya on Instagram, captioning them with a message about attending the aarti at Maa Sarayu ghat, feeling peace and emotion during Navratri, and extending good wishes for all films releasing on 16 October 2026, including 'Nayyi Navelli'.
