Ayodhya played host to Gujarat’s Chief Magistrate Bhupendra Patel, flanked by his cabinet cohorts and legislative assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, as they partook in worship at the recently erected Ram temple this Saturday. On this auspicious occasion, Patel articulated plans for a Yatri Niwas in Ayodhya, earmarking a substantial Rs 10 crore provision in the state’s budget to accommodate the devotees of Gujarat.
Amidst expressions of joy during his temple visit, Patel described the experience as nothing short of “emotional.” The 25-member delegation, led by Patel, alighted at the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport on a specially chartered plane, as stated by the Uttar Pradesh government. Surya Pratap Shahi, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister, extended a warm welcome to Bhupendra Patel and his ministerial companions, adorning them with garlands and presenting an ‘angvastra.’
Upon their arrival, folk artists enthralled the guests with a captivating dance performance, as detailed in the official statement. Post the Ram Mandir visit, Patel engaged with reporters, remarking, “I had the privilege of visiting the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram alongside all the members of my council of ministers. This occasion is profoundly emotional and reverential for all of us.”
“In the stewardship of the world’s most preeminent leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the ‘alaukik’ (divine) consecration of Lord Shri Ram Chandra Ji in the Ayodhya temple heralds the advent of a new era in the country,” he declared. This monumental event not only signifies a divine consecration but also constitutes a pledge to establish Ram Rajya for the ensuing millennium, he added.
Furthermore, Patel disclosed the state government’s allocation of Rs 10 crore in this year’s budget to construct the Gujarat Yatri Bhavan, easing travel for pilgrims visiting the temple from Gujarat. “Our administration has initiated a special Aastha train for those journeying to Ayodhya from Gujarat, providing thousands with the opportunity to witness the divine presence of Ram Lalla,” articulated the chief minister.
“To ensure the convenience of devotees visiting this sacred site, we have resolved to construct a Yatri Niwas, allowing them a night’s respite. A budgetary provision of Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for this purpose. I extend my gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Uttar Pradesh government for allocating the land for the proposed Yatri Bhawan in Ayodhya,” he concluded.
Elaborating on the project’s financial scope, he revealed a total expenditure of Rs 50 crore, as per a statement issued by the Gujarat government. Patel, in a gesture of appreciation, presented a painting illustrating the events of Shabari Mata and Lord Ram to the trustees of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Janmabhoomi Trust. Throughout the visit, Patel was accompanied by state cabinet ministers, Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, and chief whip Balkrishna Shukla.
In a post on ‘X,’ Patel expressed, “This encounter with God’s divine presence fills the heart with celestial elation… an indescribable experience. I beseeched before the divine manifestation of God for the supreme development of India and the exaltation of eternal values.” The fruition of the aspirations of millions to construct a temple at Lord Ram’s birthplace transpired under the astute leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with every devotee eagerly anticipating their pilgrimage to the temple, he affirmed.