AYODHYA: Amidst the lethal run of the Covid second wave, Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya was shut on Ram Navami day and the temple town remained under virtual curfew with all major shrines, including Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan and Dashrath Mahal closed for pilgrims. With borders sealed for devotees, including Kumbh seers returning from Haridwar, even Ram ki Paidi on the Saryu banks was deserted with all entry points to the ghats barricaded.
Barring a fleeting glimpse of stray monkeys and cops at checkpoints, silence shrouded Ayodhya, a town which would be agog with Vedic chants and hymns on Lord Ram’s birthday.
With the district administration imposing stringent curbs on movement of people, devotees were unable to take blessings of Ram Lalla and were forced to celebrate at home. At Ramjanmabhoomi, a lone priest and on-duty policemen were present. Talking to TOI, Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ramjanmabhoomi temple, said, "Like last year, this Ram Navami too, the darbar of Ram Lalla is void of devotees. I offered laddoos and gifts to the Lord on his birthday."
Ayodhya district magistrate Anuj Jha said, "All temples are closed and bathing in Saryu river has been banned to prevent congregation of pilgrims on Ram Navami. Ayodhya’s borders are also sealed."