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News18
23-07-2025
- News18
Temples, Tourism, Tribute: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Village Bateshwar Set For Grand Makeover
UP government has approved a Rs 27 crore project aimed at revitalising this culturally rich but lesser-known destination in the Agra district. Bateshwar, a tranquil village located along the Yamuna River in Agra and known as the ancestral home of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is about to undergo a significant transformation. In an effort to promote spiritual tourism and honour Vajpayee's legacy, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a Rs 27 crore project aimed at revitalising this culturally rich but lesser-known destination in the Agra district. Officials noted that Bateshwar, often overshadowed by the global allure of the Taj Mahal, is home to a rare chain of 101 ancient Shiva temples that line the Yamuna River. Constructed in the traditional Nagara architectural style during the Pratihara dynasty, these temples are both sacred and architecturally significant. The government's objective is to establish Bateshwar as a notable destination on India's religious tourism map. Tourism department officials revealed that the Rs 27 crore package will be allocated to various components to improve spiritual infrastructure, ease access for pilgrims, and enhance civic amenities. Of the total allocation, Rs 19 crore will be dedicated to renovating the ghats, stretching from the revered Gopaleshwar Mahadev Temple to the cultural complex on the riverfront. The upgrades will include beautification, strengthening of embankments, safe access steps, aesthetic lighting, and viewing decks. 'The ghats are the heart of religious activity here, especially during the annual Bateshwar Fair. This facelift will make pilgrimages safer and more enriching," said Ashutosh Kumar, Assistant Director, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. To give Bateshwar a distinguished entry, two imposing gateways will be constructed—one on the Firozabad Road and the other along the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Designed to reflect the local cultural ethos and traditional temple motifs, these entrances will cost Rs 5 crore in total. Additionally, Rs 1 crore has been earmarked for installing modern eco-tourism signage in the Rapri region, which borders the National Chambal Sanctuary. 'These signages will not only aid navigation but also introduce visitors to the region's diverse heritage – spiritual, natural, and historical," Kumar added. Basic infrastructure improvements worth Rs 2 crore will cover internal roads, street lighting, sanitation, and parking areas. 'Our aim is to make Bateshwar clean, accessible, and welcoming for all," he said. A Big Move for Locals For the residents of Bateshwar, the announcement has brought a wave of excitement and hope. 'This is the biggest thing to happen to our village in years," said Rajendra Vajpayee, a distant relative of the former PM who still resides in the original Vajpayee family home. 'Atalji never forgot Bateshwar, and now the state is remembering him through this project. It feels like justice to his memory," he added. Shopkeeper Shivam Tiwari, whose small stall sells puja items near the ghats, believes the changes will attract more visitors and improve livelihoods. 'During the annual fair, lakhs come, but for the rest of the year, it's quiet. With new roads, lighting, and signs, even off-season tourism will improve," he said. Schoolteacher Manorama Mishra, who also runs a local heritage club for students, hopes the plan will also preserve the ecological sanctity of the area. 'The Yamuna here is still relatively clean. It's not like what you see in cities. If development is done sensitively, it can become a model of eco-spiritual tourism," she said. What Does the Tourism Minister Say? Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the project is part of a broader initiative to decentralise tourism in Uttar Pradesh and bring attention to lesser-known spiritual and cultural sites. 'Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal globally, but there is so much more in this region. Bateshwar, with its temple heritage and its connection to one of India's tallest leaders, deserves prominence," said Singh. He mentioned that new tourism circuits are being developed, which include Kannauj, Braj, and now Bateshwar, aimed at empowering local communities and preserving cultural traditions. Officials noted that the new travel circuit aims to attract not only domestic pilgrims but also international tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond mainstream destinations. The UP Tourism department indicated that work on the project is expected to begin later this year, once detailed tenders and conservation plans are finalised. The district administration has already initiated preliminary surveys, and coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is underway for work near protected monuments. As Bateshwar prepares to welcome a new wave of pilgrims and tourists, residents are hopeful that the transformation will not only boost their economy but also reaffirm the cultural and spiritual identity of a village closely tied to one of India's most beloved leaders. 'Bateshwar has waited long for its due. Maybe now, under the light of these 101 temples and Atalji's legacy, our time has come," said 78-year-old Ram Dayal Dubey, a retired school principal and lifelong devotee at the ghats. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. 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Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ram Darbar at Ayodhya temple now open for devotees: Check timings, pass booking options and more
Ayodhya (UP), The Ram Darbar installed on the first floor of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was thrown open for devotees on Saturday, officials said. Beginning Saturday, devotees visiting the Ram Mandir can access the Ram Darbar, after a decision to this effect was taken by the temple trust late on Friday evening. Anil Mishra, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust , said that since the decision was made late in the evening, only a limited number of passes for two slots - from 5 pm to 7 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm - have been arranged for the visits on Saturday. After a meeting with the local administration, Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, granted approval for devotees to visit the Ram Darbar, Mishra said. Similar to the passes issued for Ram Lalla's darshan, passes will be made available for those wishing to visit the Ram Darbar, he said. Live Events The consecration of Ram Darbar - Lord Rama in his royal form - along with the installation of idols in eight newly-built temples inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex was held on June 5, marking a major step towards the completion of the grand temple that has been at the intersection of political and religious discourse for decades. Mishra said 300 passes will be available for each of the two-hour time slots -- from 7 to 9 am, 9 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 3 pm, 3 pm to 5 pm, 5 to 7 pm, and 7 pm to 9 pm. The district administration and the temple trust have both been assigned 150 passes each. Among these, 100 passes are for 'special darshan', and 50 for 'easy access darshan', Mishra said. Alongside the idol of Lord Ram, the Ram Darbar also features the idols of Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan and Hanuman. According to the temple trust, among the deities consecrated were Lord Shiva in the northeast corner, Lord Ganesha in the southeast corner, Lord Hanuman in the southern wing, Surya in the southwest corner, Bhagwati in the northwest corner and Annapurna in the northern wing. The temple built in the traditional Nagara style spans 360 feet in length, 235 feet in width, and rises 161 feet high. Spread across 2.77 acres, the three-storey structure features 392 carved pillars, 44 doors and richly-sculpted depictions of Hindu deities. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
News18
07-06-2025
- General
- News18
45 Kg Gold Worth Rs 50 Crore Used In Ayodhya Ram Temple's Doors, Throne
Last Updated: For now, only a limited number of devotees will be allowed to visit the Ram Darbar, and entry will be regulated through passes, which will be issued free of cost. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya continues to draw attention withe devotees thronging the religious site with the consecration of the Ram Dabar on the first floor of the temple. Meanwhile, Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra has revealed that a total of 45 kilogram of pure gold has been used in the construction of the grand temple. He said the estimated value of the gold, excluding taxes, is around Rs 50 crore. Gold has been used extensively in the doors on the ground floor of the temple and the throne of Lord Ram. Additional goldwork is still underway in the Sheshavatar Temple, also part of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex. Public Access Restricted To Ram Darbar Following the consecration of the Ram Darbar, Mishra said arrangements are being made for controlled public access to the sacred space. The consecration of the Ram Darbar on June 5 marked a spiritual milestone, however, public access to the newly consecrated first-floor sanctum will initially be restricted. Due to ongoing works and soaring summer temperatures, entry will be permitted only via free passes issued to a limited number of devotees. As the Ram Darbar is 20-feet-high and requires devotees to climb about 40 steps, there are limited arrangements for going up, and the lift's construction will take time. 'A lift is being constructed for elderly devotees, but it will take time to complete. Devotees will have to wait to visit the Ram Darbar due to unfavourable conditions and after the rainy season, public visits may be possible," Ram Temple Trust Secretary Champat Rai said. While the main structure of the Ram Temple has been completed, other parts of the temple complex, including the museum, auditorium, and guest house, are still under construction. These are expected to be completed by December 2025. The final task will be to hoist the flag on the temple's peak, likely in October or November, once the weather is favourable. Until then, minor works will be completed. Consecration Of Ram Darbar On Thursday the consecration ceremony of seven idols was completed at the temple. The idols installed on the first floor above the sanctum sanctorum include Ram Darbar in the middle, a Shivalinga in the north eastern corner, a Ganapati idol in the southeastern corner, Hanuman idol in the middle of the southern side, Surya in the south western corner, Bhagwati in the north western corner, and Annapurna Mata in the middle of the northern side. Ram Temple Inauguration The 51-inch-tall idol of Lord Ram Lalla, crafted by famed sculptor Arun Yogiraj, was consecrated among around 8,000 VVIPS belonging to all sects of life on January 22, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presided over the rituals of the pran pratishtha ceremony. The temple, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, has a length (east-west) of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and a height of 161 feet. It is designed by celebrated architect Chandrakant B Sompura, in collaboration with son Ashish. The sanctum sanctorum houses the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ram Lalla), while on the first floor, there is Shri Ram Darbar. Supported by a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors, the Mandir is three-storied, with each floor being 20 feet tall. The pillars and walls showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, gods and goddesses. (With inputs from agencies)
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Business Standard
05-06-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Second Ram Darbar Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya's Ram temple: Check date, time
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is currently hosting its second 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony (June 5). The ceremony will see the installation of Raja Ram and other deities at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex — a significant milestone following the inaugural Pran Pratishtha held in January last year. Ram Darbar second Pran Pratishtha: Date and time The festivities began on June 3 and will conclude on June 5, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presiding as the chief guest. The Anjaneya Sewa Trust is overseeing the event, which will commence at 11 am on Thursday. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will preside over the installation of the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the temple, a ceremony that coincides with his 53rd birthday. Shashikant Maharaj, president of the Anjani Seva Sansthan, detailed the rituals that will mark Raja Ram's reinstallation. These will include Vedic chanting and a havan, with the chief minister also performing the ceremonial 'uncovering of the eyes' of the idols of Lord Ram and Sita. Second Pran Pratishtha: Security, crowd management Extensive security arrangements have been put in place for the three-day celebrations. However, devotees can continue their routine darshan of Ram Lalla. Authorities have initiated a verification process for tenants and residents in unauthorised settlements, and personnel from the CRPF, SSF, and PAC are on site. As part of the ceremony, 62,000 boxes of prasad are being dispatched from Lucknow. Kshitij Gupta, marketing head of Chhappan Bhog, said the prasad includes barfi made with a blend of chickpeas and moong dal. Ram Darbar installation and design In the Ram Darbar, idols of Lord Ram, Mata Sita, Hanuman, and Lakshman will be installed on a two-ft-high white marble throne. These idols and the throne were crafted in Jaipur, Rajasthan, using white marble. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir has been constructed in the traditional Nagara architectural style. Its intricately carved walls depict various Hindu deities. The Ram Darbar itself measures 4.5 ft. The idol of Lord Ram will be adorned with elaborately designed crowns, bejewelled belts, and embroidered robes featuring zari and precious stones. Costume designer Manish Tiwari was commissioned to design the deity's attire. Access restrictions and cultural exhibits at Ram Darbar To maintain the sanctity of the site, only a limited number of devotees will be allowed on the temple's first floor. The second floor will showcase the Ramayana in multiple languages, including its oldest known version. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. Speaking to ANI, Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das explained, 'On January 22, Pran Pratishtha was done for the 'baal roop' [child form] of Lord Rama, now it is Raja Ram [King Ram].'
NDTV
29-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Ram Darbar Idols Ready, Pran Pratishtha Ceremony In Ayodhya On June 5
Ayodhya: Ahead of the much-anticipated Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Darbar in Ayodhya, sculptor Satyanarayan shared insights into the intricate preparations for the sacred idols. Speaking to ANI, he said, "The Ram Darbar is of 4.5 ft. All the other sculptures are built according to has idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, the sun god, Goddess Durga, Lord Hanuman, Saptrishi, Shatrughan, Bharat, annapurana and many others. The idols of Ram and Sita are made from one stone, while the other idols are made of another stone.." The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of idols in Ram Darbar in Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is set for June 5. The ceremony is set to be a historic event, symbolising divine reverence and cultural heritage. Earlier, Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Construction Committee of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, stated that prayers and devotional programs of all idols will begin from June 3 and conclude on June 5. He added that by September-October, the remaining construction work on the Ram Mandir will also be finalised. "Preparations are complete, including essential works like waterproofing and repellency, which will continue as needed. However, the core construction of the main temple will be finalised, marking a historic milestone. The remaining construction within the temple premises is on track for completion by September-October, per the planned schedule. Key elements like the Parakota and the Peshavatar Temple are nearing completion. The Sapt Mandir, housing seven pavilions and statues of sages, is already finished. Additionally, the Pushkarni water reservoir at the centre has been completed. By the end of 2025, all construction projects initiated in 2020 are expected to be fully realised," he said. The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is constructed in traditional Nagara style. Its length (east-west) is 380 feet, its width is 250 feet, and its height is 161 feet. 392 pillars and 44 doors support it. The temple's pillars and walls showcase intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities, Gods, and Goddesses. In the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been placed. Lakhs of devotees have been flocking to Ayodhya since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla. Daily visitors to the Hanumangarhi Ram Temple have also been increasing rapidly.
