Ayodhya's Ram Mandir, one of India’s most iconic temples, symbolises spiritual and architectural excellence. 

The temple is built with intricately carved Rajasthani pink sandstone and Makrana marble, embodying traditional Indian temple architecture—the sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Ram’s idol, adorned with gold and precious stones. 

The temple complex spans over 70 acres, with landscaped gardens, a museum, and a spiritual library enhancing the divine experience. It features a grand entrance, 212 intricately carved pillars, and a majestic shikhara (spire) reaching 161 feet high. 

Additionally, the construction involved over 2,000 artisans, blending modern engineering with age-old craftsmanship.

Since its consecration on January 22, 2024, Ayodhya's Ram Mandir has set remarkable records. Within the first six months, it attracted approximately 110 million devotees, surpassing Varanasi in visitor numbers. 

By September 2024, the temple had become Uttar Pradesh's most visited site, drawing 135.5 million domestic and 3,153 international tourists, outshining the Taj Mahal. Daily, the temple welcomes around 150,000 pilgrims. These milestones highlight the temple's significance and its role in boosting regional tourism.

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Ayodhya Ram Mandir as a Symbol of Faith and Culture

As a symbol of spirituality and cultural pride, the Ram Mandir connects people through shared devotion and heritage.

1) Inauguration Ceremony Attendance Record

On January 22, 2024, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event attracted an unprecedented crowd of over 500,000 devotees on its opening day. 

The ceremonial pran pratishtha of the Ram Lalla idol marked a significant moment for millions of Hindus. The temple's inauguration was celebrated as a national festival, symbolising a long-awaited fulfilment of cultural aspirations. 

2) Record Visitor Numbers on New Year's Day

On January 1, 2025, Ayodhya experienced an extraordinary influx of visitors to the Ram Mandir, with over 500,000 devotees attending the darshan of Ram Lalla. 

This record crowd was part of a larger trend where Ayodhya has become a prominent pilgrimage destination. The surge in visitors began on New Year’s Eve, with over 200,000 pilgrims arriving by December 31 and an additional 300,000 on January 1.

The local administration implemented measures to manage the overwhelming crowds effectively. Ten new visitor galleries were added along the path to the temple to facilitate smoother movement. 

Entry restrictions were also enforced to maintain order during peak times.

3) Visitor Milestone Post-Inauguration

Following its inauguration on January 22, 2024, the Ram Mandir welcomed an astonishing 2.4 million visitors within just twelve days. 

This remarkable figure reflects the temple's immediate impact as a revered pilgrimage site following its consecration. The influx of visitors included individuals from various states and backgrounds, drawn by their devotion and curiosity about the newly opened temple. 

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List of Guinness World Records Set by Ram Mandir Since Its Inauguration

The Sri Rama temple has set a handful of remarkable records, from attracting millions of devotees within its first year to becoming a top spiritual and tourist destination in India. The list includes:

1) Largest Display of Oil Lamps

On October 30, 2024, Ayodhya set a remarkable record by lighting 2,512,585 diyas (oil lamps) during the Deepotsav celebrations. 

This event marked a historic moment as it was the first Deepotsav celebrated after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lala at the newly constructed Ram Mandir. 

The diyas illuminated the banks of the Saryu River, creating a breathtaking view that attracted thousands of devotees and tourists. The record was officially recognised by Guinness World Records representatives who were present to witness the event. 

The record-breaking attempt was organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and Ayodhya District Administration. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries were present to witness this grand spectacle.

2) Most People Performing Diya Rotation Simultaneously

On the same day (October 30, 2024), Ayodhya achieved another Guinness World Record for having 1,121 participants simultaneously perform diya rotation during a grand aarti at Saryu Ghat. 

This event was part of the Deepotsav festivities and demonstrated the collective devotion of the participants. The mass participation in this ritual reflected a deep cultural connection to Lord Ram and showcased the community spirit prevalent during the celebrations. 

The event was carefully coordinated to ensure that all participants performed in unison, creating a visually stunning display of light and devotion. This record further solidified Ayodhya's status as a significant spiritual destination following the inauguration of the Ram Mandir.

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3) Visitor Records Post-Ram Mandir Inauguration

In 2024, Ayodhya became Uttar Pradesh's most visited destination, attracting 135.5 million domestic tourists and over 3,000 international visitors. 

This surge in tourism was largely driven by the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. Ayodhya's appeal has grown significantly, surpassing even the iconic Taj Mahal in terms of domestic visitors. 

The temple's opening has revitalised interest in spiritual tourism across India, with many travellers seeking to reconnect with their heritage. The influx of tourists has not only boosted local businesses but also enhanced Ayodhya's reputation as a key pilgrimage site in India.

First Anniversary Celebrations (January 11, 2025)

Since its opening, more than 1.75 crore (17.5 million) devotees have visited the temple. The construction of the temple complex is expected to be completed by March 2025, with ongoing work on both floors of the temple.

Currently, approximately 2200 workers are involved in the construction efforts to ensure timely completion. As of early January 2025, approximately ₹1850 crore (about $222 million) has been spent on the construction of the Ram Mandir.

This includes ₹540 crore specifically allocated for temple construction

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