Summer Diet, Cold Bath & More: Ayodhya's Blazing Heat Sparks Changes To Ram Lalla's Routine
As temperatures soar across North India, the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram, is experiencing an especially intense heatwave. In response, the Ram Mandir Trust has introduced thoughtful changes to rituals and offerings, ensuring comfort not only for devotees but also for Lord Ram Lalla, the child form of the deity worshipped in the temple.
Cooling Adjustments in Bhog Seva: The Trust has modified the traditional Bhog Seva, adapting the food offerings to suit the harsh summer climate. Lord Ram Lalla is now served light, easily digestible meals and cooling beverages, replacing heavier items typically offered in other seasons.
Cold Water Baths for Refreshment: To further ease the effects of the heat, Lord Ram Lalla is being bathed in cold water, a ritual believed to bring both physical and spiritual relief. The priests report that these baths help maintain freshness and a serene atmosphere in the sanctum.
Summer Additions to Balbhog and Rajbhog: The Balbhog, or morning offering, now includes lassi and mango juice, providing a refreshing start to the day for the deity. Similarly, the Rajbhog, a more substantial meal, has also been adjusted to include only foods that are gentle on the stomach and suited to summer conditions.
As Lord Ram Lalla is venerated in the form of a five-year-old child, the Ram Mandir Trust is taking special care, much like any guardian would during extreme weather. Administrator Gopal Rao and temple priests are personally overseeing the arrangements, ensuring that every aspect of service, from food to rituals, is tailored to the comfort and wellbeing of the divine. Seasonal fruits, cool drinks, and mindful offerings are all part of this carefully curated summer regimen.
These considerate steps taken by the temple reflect a deep devotion not just in worship, but in care, reminding devotees of the warmth of faith that continues to endure, even in the harshest of summers.
First Published:
May 21, 2025, 12:09 IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Camp Mystic confirms 27 dead in devastating Texas floods: ‘Our hearts are broken'
At least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic in Texas died in devastating flash floods that swept through the region, the camp said Monday. Rescuers in the US state of Texas on Monday searched for bodies swept away by flash floods that killed more than 80 people. "Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding," the camp said in a statement. "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy." Camp officials said they've been in contact with local and state authorities 'who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.' Texas was hit by 'catastrophic' flood over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and forecasters warned that thunderstorms threatened more flooding over saturated ground. ALSO READ: North Carolina flooded as hurricane Chantal brings heavy rainfall, more than 5 million under alert Live Events The camp expressed gratitude for the support it's received from people in the wake of the devastating floods. "We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected," the camp said. "May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us." At least 40 adults and 28 children were killed in the worst-hit Kerr County in central Texas, Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday, while at least 13 more people were killed by flooding in nearby areas. The death toll is expected to rise. US President Donald Trump said he may visit Texas later this week, but brushed off concerns his cuts to weather forecasting and related federal agencies had weakened warning systems. Instead, he described the floods in the early hours of Friday as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected."
Hans India
29-06-2025
- Hans India
Rath Yatra incident-free, says Harichandan
Bhubaneswar: Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday asserted that owing to the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the Rath Yatra was held in Puri without any major incidents or disruptions this year. 'No major incidents occurred during this year's Rath Yatra, which is the biggest blessing of Lord Jagannath on all of us. The devotees may have faced some minor problems but no major incidents or disruptions had taken place,' said the Law Minister. On Friday, barring some minor delays during the Pahandi ritual of the deities, all other rituals related to the Rath Yatra were completed as per the schedule fixed by the Jagannath temple administration. However, inordinate delay occurred during the pulling of chariots triggering discontent among the devotees gathered at the holy town. The chariots of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra (Taladhwaja and Darpadalana) stopped midway while Nandighosha, the chariot of Lord Jagannath, was halted just a few feet away from the Jagannath temple's Lion Gate. Responding to queries regarding the delay in the pulling of the chariots, the Law Minister said, 'all the rituals were completed as per the schedule and the pulling of chariots began at 4 pm. But, the pulling of the chariot of Lord Balabhadra on the Bada Danda (Grand Road) took much time due to some problem occurring at the turning points. This apart, this year there was a huge turnout of devotees — more than 1.5 times that of previous years — for the Rath Yatra due to the favorable weather conditions.' He said the turnout of devotees was beyond the expectations of the administration. Similarly, the presence of huge crowds inside the cordon around the chariots caused the delay as the police officials failed to clear the people in time.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- The Hindu
Rath Yatra: Devotees resume pulling chariots in Puri
Amid renewed enthusiasm, devotees on Saturday (June 28, 2025) resumed pulling the chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, after the Rath Yatra in Puri was halted on June 27 night. The chariots were scheduled to reach Gundicha temple, considered the aunt's place of the deities, by the evening of Friday. But they had to be stopped on Grand Road as Lord Balabhadra's Taladwaja chariot got stuck while negotiating a turn, preventing the other two from advancing. The chariots with deities inside were kept on the road overnight amid tight security. Amid chanting of 'Jai Jagannath', the chariot pulling began again around 10 am on Saturday, after conducting the morning rituals. Thousands of devotees who spent the night in the holy town, joined in large numbers in chariot pulling amid sounds of gongs and conches. The chariots are now advancing towards the Gundicha temple, around 2.6 km away from the 12th-century Jagannath temple. Officials said that over 600 devotees were treated at different hospitals in Puri after becoming ill during the Rath Yatra on Saturday. While many of them were injured due to jostling, more than 200 people fainted in the hot and humid weather conditions. An estimated one million devotees reached Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, officials said adding that the weather was favourable on Saturday even though there was light rain. It is believed that mere touch of the chariot would confer the compassion of Lord Jagannath on devotees. The annual Rath Yatra is being held amid unprecedented security arrangements with the deployment of around 10,000 personnel of Odisha Police, the central armed police force, NSG and others. The police have made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of Rath Yatra, DGP Y B Khurania had said adding that over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras were installed to keep a watch on the crowd.
