Ayodhya, Jan 22 (NationPress) On Thursday, the sacred anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the temple town witnessed an extraordinary influx of visitors. Esteemed as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the city is experiencing an unparalleled rise in devotees, with many marveling at its stunning transformation over the years.

As the Ramlala Pratishtha Divas is celebrated today, millions of followers are anticipated to engage in temple rituals, prayers, and spiritual congregations commemorating this momentous occasion.

A visitor to the holy city, speaking with IANS, reminisced about his inaugural visit nearly three decades ago. “I visited here with my wife 30 years back. At that time, there was nothing here. There were no hotels,” he recalled, highlighting the drastic changes that have unfolded.

“Now, the progress has been so remarkable that it feels like a new Ayodhya. I am very pleased with the initiatives taken by Modi ji,” he remarked.

The devotee emphasized the day’s significance, stressing the emotional and spiritual relevance of his journey.

“Today is an exceptionally auspicious day, commemorating the anniversary of the Ram Mandir. We are fortunate to be here today for darshan,” he shared, as thousands of pilgrims patiently awaited their turn to offer prayers.

Over recent years, Ayodhya has undergone extensive infrastructure enhancements, including better roads, expanded temple premises, new hotels, guest houses, and improved civic amenities to accommodate the rising number of visitors.

This development has not only amplified the city’s religious allure but has also invigorated tourism and local employment, dramatically reshaping the region’s economic landscape.

On New Year’s Day, Ayodhya recorded an unprecedented number of pilgrims, with more than 800,000 visitors flocking to the city to offer prayers.

Other devotees expressed similar sentiments, noting that enhancements like cleanliness, organized darshan systems, and improved connectivity have made pilgrimages more accessible, especially for senior visitors and families. Many remarked that these changes have solidified Ayodhya’s status as a global spiritual hub.

Authorities have implemented comprehensive plans to manage crowds and ensure orderly movement of devotees, deploying additional security personnel and volunteers across vital areas.

Officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining law and order while delivering a seamless spiritual experience for pilgrims.

As chants and prayers echoed throughout the city, the atmosphere in Ayodhya remained profoundly devotional. For numerous visitors, the city’s transformation represented more than mere physical progress; it symbolized the realization of a long-cherished spiritual dream. “It feels like witnessing history,” another pilgrim stated, as the sacred town continues to attract devotees united by faith and reverence.