Lord Ram rules the streets and hearts of Ayodhya with his “Bow and Arrow” to “Ramanandi Tilak” on lampposts

Before the temple’s consecration event, Ayodhya is decked up with streetlights on flyovers adorned with artworks showing Lord Ram, his bow and arrow, and decorative lamp posts with motifs based on the traditional “Ramanandi tilak.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with many other dignitaries will be present at the “Pran Pratishtha” at the Ram temple here on January 22.

Even the highways going to the holy city are becoming more and more spiritual as the massive celebration approaches in four days. Huge posters with images of the Ram temple, the date of the consecration event, and phrases like “Shubh Ghadi Aayi, Viraje Raghuraii” are strewn all across the route between Lucknow and Ayodhya.

In addition to saffron flags with pictures of the god and the recently constructed temple here, a number of hotels and “dhabas” along the route have banners welcoming pilgrims traveling to Ayodhya and including an image of Lord Ram.

The aura of the temple town is palpable as one enters Ayodhya from the Faizabad city side.

The streetlights that border the flyovers are lit up and adorned with vibrant “AYODHYA” signage. The signage alternately features images of Lord Ram, a new temple with a bow and arrow, Lord Ram clutching his bow and arrow, or the “Ramanandi tilak.”

The “Ramanandi tilak,” which is mostly worn by Lord Ram worshipers, consists of two vertical white lines with a crimson stroke in the middle. Wearing this tilak are a lot of the locals and tourists that come to Ayodhya from various regions.

Two major thoroughfares in Ayodhya City, Ram Path and Dharm Path, have recently gained popularity due to their elegant pre-ceremony decorations.

The 13-kilometer Ram Path runs from the Sahadatganj roundabout in Faizabad to the Naya Ghat roundabout in Ayodhya.

As part of the 2022 reconstruction plan, the former arterial road that runs through the center of the city has been enlarged and converted into a four-lane roadway.

As part of the project, several stores and other structures were partly destroyed, and the municipal and state governments also had to deal with objections from many shopkeepers.

The Ram Path redevelopment project is almost finished. The facade of all the shops and other buildings has been painted a uniform beige color, and the shutters have been decorated with colorful pictures of Hindu symbols like the face of Lord Hanuman or his mace, saffron flags, conchs, and the phrase “Jai Shri Ram.”

On the Ram Path’s median, cutouts depicting Lord Ram are displayed, while nearby temples’ loudspeakers are constantly playing the shouts “Siya Ram” and “Jai Siya Ram” across the streets.

“Two highlights of the building of road infrastructure are Ram Path and Dharm Path. Additionally, they have been outfitted in advance of the consecration ritual. A top official said, “The designs of the ornamental lamp posts installed along these two roads honor people’s faith while reflecting the development of Ayodhya.”

The famous roundabout known as Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, named for the late song queen, is where the two major routes converge. There, enormous banners and digital displays announce the impending “Pran Pratishtha” celebration, and some posters include the motto “Ram Aayenge.”

Clusters of “Surya Stambhs,” which are erected at both ends of the Dharm Path, contribute to the street’s grandeur, and the area is made more spiritual by ornate lampposts with designs of “Ramanandi tilak” and other religious symbols on top.

When illuminated, the massive sun-themed columns and the specially designed light posts on each side of the road and the Dharm Path middle verge create a stunning scene.

The visual appeal of the redesigned holy city has been enhanced by the addition of unique items constructed with inverted baskets and lights to a few of the trees on Dharm Path near Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.

There’s a noticeable buzz in the air, and people are congregating on this street in the evening to snap photos and take pictures.

As part of the rehabilitation project, decorative light posts with the design of “Ramanandi tilak” and other religious symbols on top have been placed along Ram Path’s median.

Numerous posters with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image and his message of “Vikas and Virasat” have been placed along this key thoroughfare.

Ramayana-themed artwork has been placed on bus shelters along Ram Path to attract the attention of onlookers.