One Year of Ram Mandir: Prosperity along with spirituality

Bharat is often referred to as Dev Bhoomi – the abode of gods. It is that place in the world where even the gods wish to take birth. The history of our nation reveals about the personifications of various gods. Bharat Varsh is blessed to have the manifestation of Gods which is evident from the Treta and Dwapar Yug. The birth of Bhagwan Ram in the 24th Treta Yug in itself corroborates the presence of gods on this holy land. His birth place can be traced in ancient scriptures. Ayodhya is the birthplace of Bhagwan Rama, the seventh incarnation of Shri Hari Vishnu; one of the principal deities in Sanatan Dharma. Ayodhya symbolises the divine order of continuity and existence. Historically, it was renowned as one of the most significant cities and served as the first capital of the powerful Koshala kingdom, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas of ancient Bharat.

Maharshi Valmiki had quoted Shri Ram words in the Ramayana, which says:
अपि स्वर्णमयी लंका न मे लक्ष्मण रोचते।
जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी॥

Shri Ram says to his brother Lakshman, that his native land is the swarg which is even better than the Lanka made up of all gold. The significance of Ayodhya has been mentioned by Bhagwan himself.

Ayodhya, regarded as one of the holiest places in Bharat, is celebrated as the legendary capital of Prabhu Ram. It holds immense significance as a prominent pilgrimage site, particularly due to its sacred cultural landscapes. Situated on the right bank of the holy Ghaghara River (Sarayu), Ayodhya is an ancient pilgrimage destination. The holy place had to wait for around 500 years to bestow Ram Lalla to his rightful place, having witnessed the sacrifices and devotion of many. The long battle fought chivalrously by women and men alike with saffron flag in hand has resulted into a magnificent temple. Today, the under-developed city of Ayodhya is witnessing huge footfall of pilgrims and devotees from across the world resulting into a huge influx of money. The economy of the city is on boom and flourishing. The journey of the struggle evolving the faith into reality is benefitting the millennia today. The economic development enabled by the temple is exemplary of the spiritual strength of Bharat.

Temples, being the epicentre of religious, social and economical strength, have been the key pillars of the development of Bharat. From the ancient times, cities were built on the basis of specific purpose and planning. Pilgrimage city or temple city was conceptually designed for various developmental purposes. The establishment of grand structure of Shri Ram Mandir and Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla is nearing its anniversary in January 2025. It has been a year of light at the city of Ayodhya. Commencing with the first ray of sun putting the tilak on the forehead of Shri Ram, the light of the Surya Devata seemed to have lightened up the entire city in every aspect. Ayodhya has witnessed immense development in the past year after the placement of the vigraha of Ram Lalla and establishment of magnificent structure of Ram Mandir. Celebrating the anniversary on the completion of one year of this event, let us talk about the socio-economic development surrounding the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

The construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has served as a transformative catalyst for the local and regional economy. Drawing millions of devotees, pilgrims, and tourists annually, the temple spurred significant growth across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, transportation, and cultural industries. Ayodhya’s rise as a global spiritual and cultural hub is not only creating a ripple effect of economic activity within the city but also enhancing its connectivity and infrastructure thereby attracting further investments. The temple’s development symbolises a fusion of religious heritage and economic prosperity, promising to elevate Ayodhya’s status on the national and international stage. Over the past year, Ayodhya has witnessed extraordinary progress, largely driven by the momentum of development initiatives linked to the construction of the Ram Mandir.

• Tourism and Hospitality Industry: The Ram Temple attracted millions of visitors this year since the commencement of Pran Pratishtha, establishing Ayodhya as a premier destination for religious tourism. The State Tourism Department reported that 13.55 crore domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors during January-September 2024. The inauguration of the Ram Mandir has been a key factor in driving this surge in visitors. The city experienced a 70 per cent increase in bookings compared to the previous year, as devotees and cultural enthusiasts from across the nation gathered to witness and participate in this historic transformation. This surge in footfall bolstered the local tourism industry, creating a robust demand for hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Restaurants and eateries catering to diverse tastes flourished, while local artisans and vendors offering traditional crafts, souvenirs, and religious paraphernalia are expected to see a significant boost in sales.
• Employment Generation: The development surrounding the Ram Mandir generated substantial employment opportunities. From construction workers and artisans involved in infrastructure projects to service industry roles in hotels, restaurants, and transportation, the economic ripple effect created jobs across multiple sectors. This influx of opportunities has helped uplift local communities and reduced unemployment in the region.
• Real Estate Industry: The increasing popularity of Ayodhya as a tourist and spiritual hub escalated the demand for residential and commercial real estate. Property values saw a rise, attracting investments in housing projects, retail spaces, and hospitality infrastructure. The proposed New Ayodhya Township and other urban planning initiatives played a pivotal role in supporting this growth.
• Infrastructure Development: The Ram Mandir has accelerated the pace of infrastructure development in and around Ayodhya, with a focus on improving road connectivity to support the anticipated influx of visitors. Among the key projects is the Ram Janmabhoomi Path, a 2-kilometer stretch connecting Sugreev Kila to the Ram Mandir, ensuring a direct and seamless route for pilgrims. The Bhakti Path, an 850-meter roadway linking Shringar Hat to Ram Janmabhoomi, further enhances local access. Additionally, the ambitious Ram Path Corridor, a 13-kilometer route extending from Sahadatganj to Naya Ghat, is set to become a vital arterial road. Also, a circle named after the nightingale of the country Late Lata Mangeshkar was developed which is also a point of attraction. These projects aim to enhance accessibility, reduce congestion, and efficiently manage the expected surge in visitors, making travel within Ayodhya more convenient and reflective of the city’s growing prominence as a global spiritual destination.
• Development of Airport: One of the most significant projects in this transformation is the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. Officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2023, the airport marks a pivotal moment in enhancing the city’s connectivity and accessibility. Commercial operations commenced shortly after, on January 10, 2024, enabling a seamless influx of pilgrims and tourists eager to visit the sacred site. Boasting a modern design, the airport features a 2,250-meter concrete runway capable of accommodating large aircraft and state-of-the-art passenger facilities, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
• Redevelopment of Railway Station: Ayodhya Junction Railway Station has undergone a transformative redevelopment to accommodate the increasing influx of passengers. The revamped station features a striking design inspired by the Ram Mandir, with temple-like facades and intricately crafted shikhars that reflect Ayodhya’s rich heritage. Modern amenities, including escalators, lifts, comfortable waiting lounges, and upgraded platforms, have been integrated to enhance the passenger experience. The first phase of the redevelopment symbolises a new chapter in Ayodhya’s journey toward modernisation.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Ayodhya is embracing a forward-thinking approach to urban development through several ambitious planning initiatives. A key project is the proposed New Ayodhya Township. This township is designed to accommodate the city’s growing population while offering a host of modern amenities, creating a balanced blend of residential comfort and urban convenience. Complementing this is the planned expansion of the industrial area near the existing zone on the same highway. Spanning 50 to 100 acres, the new industrial zone aims to stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and generate substantial employment opportunities. Together, these initiatives reflect Ayodhya’s commitment to sustainable urban planning and its vision of becoming a dynamic and thriving urban center.
• Ripple Effects across Uttar Pradesh: The economic benefits of the Ram Mandir extend beyond Ayodhya, contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s broader economy. Increased tourism and infrastructure connectivity has benefitted neighbouring towns and cities, creating a regional economic ecosystem centered around Ayodhya’s growing prominence.
• 25 Lakh Diyas on Diwali: The light of diyas lightened the entire city this year on Diwali thereby illuminating the economy. The pledge of lighting up 25 Lakh Diyas on the first Diwali after the Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ramlala was the first of its kind and broke its own record of 22 Lakh Diyas in 2023 and made a world record thereby entering into Guinness Book of World Records. This initiative itself can be seen as an entire economy in itself where the pottery industry, potters, its sellers, oil and ghee industry, cotton industry, paint industry, agriculture industry and the people involved in the manufacturing and selling of these products earned their income. The lighting up of Diyas at large level attracted media and devotees from across the world that brought the circulation of wealth.
• The Financial Market and Foreign Exchange Earnings: The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya significantly influenced the stock market, with several companies linked to the event experiencing notable increases in retail investor interest. Looking at the influx of foreign tourists numbering to 3153 till September 2024, assuming that an average spending of one tourist be Rs. 50000/-, then the total figure amounts to be around Rs.1.5 Billion which Ayodhya is earning as foreign exchange earnings.

These improvements not only enhance accessibility for visitors but also create a foundation for long-term economic growth by enabling smoother trade and transport. Ayodhya’s transformation, spurred by the construction of the Ram Mandir, is a testament to the city’s evolving role as both a spiritual center and an economic hub. By integrating modern infrastructure with sustainable practices, Ayodhya aims to maintain its historical identity while embracing progress. Equitable growth is central to this vision, ensuring that economic benefits reach local communities, including marginalised groups, thereby fostering inclusivity. Looking ahead, the Ram Mandir’s influence will continue to drive Ayodhya’s growth, with sustained investments in infrastructure, tourism, and urban planning paving the way for long-term prosperity. This holistic approach will secure Ayodhya’s place as a vibrant and sustainable cultural and economic destination for generations to come.