Ayodhya's Ram Temple inauguration to transform Indian pilgrimage landscape | Fusion - WeRIndia

Following the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, temple tourism in India is poised for a significant surge.

Analysts from Jefferies project a staggering 100 million annual visitors to the Ram temple, a figure rivalling renowned global religious sites.

For perspective, the Vatican City, home to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, attracts about 9 million visitors, while Mecca, a sacred site for Muslims, sees approximately 20 million annually.

Jefferies analysts note that the establishment of Ayodhya as a new religious tourism centre, coupled with enhanced connectivity and infrastructure, could yield a substantial economic impact.

This comes as a boost to India’s tourism sector, which currently contributes $200 billion, constituting 7% of the nation’s economy.

Highlighting the transformative effect of such developments, the report cites the example of Varanasi post-inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

Since its unveiling, Varanasi has witnessed a remarkable influx of over 130 million tourists, a stark contrast to the previous yearly footfall of a mere 7 million.

The report emphasizes a notable economic upswing, with local incomes and hotel revenues in Varanasi experiencing a remarkable up to 65% increase.

The recent pran pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla in the Ram Janmbhoomi temple presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, marked a significant milestone.

Hindu priests conducted elaborate rituals, consecrating a 51-inch tall Ram Lalla idol, with the presence of key figures such as Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

The grand opening of the Ram temple saw a multitude of VVIP guests, including prominent figures, including cricketers, actors and singers.

This star-studded event underscores the cultural and social significance of the temple.

As of January 23, the Ram Janmbhoomi temple is open for darshan, inviting devotees and pilgrims.

The transformative potential of this religious landmark is poised to reshape India’s pilgrimage landscape, fostering economic growth and drawing millions in search of spiritual solace.

Image Credit: Abhimanyu7793, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ayodhya_Diwali_2021_11.jpg