With Uttar Pradesh witnessing erratic summer weather — ranging from intense heatwaves to overcast skies and sporadic drizzles — the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has initiated several measures to ensure the well-being of Ramlala, the child form of Lord Ram seated in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
In recent weeks, the temperature in Ayodhya has been hovering around 38°C, making the conditions inside the stone sanctum particularly harsh. The heat had begun affecting not only devotees visiting the temple but also the priests conducting daily rituals in the inner sanctum. Responding to concerns raised by the temple priests and devotees, the Trust has now installed two high-capacity coolers inside the sanctum to regulate the temperature.
Apart from enhancing the infrastructure, the temple administration has also introduced seasonal changes in Ramlala’s daily worship routine. Recognising the intense heat of the summer months, particularly during the Hindu calendar month of Jyeshtha, several cooling offerings and garments have been introduced into the seva (daily service).
Ramlala is now being adorned in specially designed garments made from light silk and breathable cotton fabrics. These clothes not only offer comfort but are also in line with the traditional aesthetics of temple rituals. Floral decorations using fragrant summer flowers such as jasmine, desi gulab (native rose), champa and juhi are being used to create garlands and enhance the sanctity of the inner chamber.
To help keep the deity cool, offerings of curd, fresh fruit juices, and lassi are now a part of the daily afternoon bhog (offering). In addition, Ramlala is being served Madhupark — a sacred mixture of honey, curd and desi ghee — five times a day, from Shringar Aarti in the morning to Shayan Aarti at night. According to temple priests, this mixture is both nourishing and symbolically cooling, and is believed to be among the Lord’s preferred offerings.
The temple priests have welcomed these timely arrangements, stating that they make the worship environment more comfortable and spiritually conducive. “The sanctum is made of stone and naturally retains heat. During peak summer afternoons, it becomes difficult to perform rituals. These coolers and the seasonal changes in offerings have made a big difference,” said one of the senior priests.
With the weather in Uttar Pradesh remaining unpredictable—shifting between hot spells and cloudy relief—the temple authorities have expressed their intent to continue monitoring conditions closely and make necessary changes to ensure Ramlala’s comfort. Sources within the temple administration say that if the temperatures rise further, more cooling mechanisms, including fans and possibly air conditioning, could be considered.
These changes are part of a broader effort to maintain a balance between age-old traditions and modern comforts, ensuring that the spiritual and devotional atmosphere of the Ram Mandir remains intact while also addressing practical needs during the harsh summer months.
