Ayodhya: The redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station was dedicated to the people by Narendra Modi on Saturday.
The sparkling new Maharshi Valmiki Airport was also inaugurated by the Prime Minister, along with a clutch of other projects for the temple city.
But for some work and the finishing touches, Ayodhya is ready for the grand consecration ceremony of Lord Ram’s temple on January 22.
But there’s one hitch.
As lakhs and millions of people are planning a visit on ‘opening day, opening show’, India’s Prime Minister made a fervent plea to devotees, asking them not to attempt travelling to Ayodhya on the big day.
Addressing the audience after unveiling the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport, the Prime Minister said, “This is my request with folded hands, don’t decide to come to Ram Temple on January 22. First, allow the event to happen and then after January 23, you can come any time.”
Modi said the entire world is waiting for Ram Temple opening, and everyone wants to attend the mega event on January 22.
“But it’s not possible to accommodate all owing to logistics and security reasons.”
“You have waited for over 550 years. Wait for some more time,” Modi appealed.
“Instead light a diya at home on January 22. That day should be Diwali across India,” Modi suggested.
“Don’t crowd here because the temple is not going anywhere, it will be there for centuries. You can come anytime in January, February, March. But don’t come on January 22. The temple management should not have any trouble because of the devotees,” Modi went on.
“Only a few people have been invited to the ceremony. And after 23, it will be easier to visit,” the PM said.
Modi requested the people of Ayodhya to make it the cleanest city in the country.
“Ayodhya will now have to be prepared to host lakhs of visitors and that would continue till eternity. The people of Ayodhya will have to take an oath to make Ayodhya the cleanest city of the country.”
