Ayodhya Ram Temple Simplifies Darshan Process for Devotees

The Ayodhya Ram Temple has made significant changes to its darshan process by abolishing the special pass requirement, allowing devotees easier access to the Ram Darbar. This decision aims to enhance the experience for visitors. Additionally, the investigation into the theft of donations from the temple is underway, led by IPS officer Kiran S. The Supreme Court has mandated the inclusion of a chartered accountant to assist in the inquiry. This article delves into the recent developments surrounding the temple and the ongoing investigation, shedding light on the measures being taken to ensure transparency and security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 12:35 IST

Changes to Darshan Process at Ram Temple

File image of Ram mandir in Ayodhya. (Photo:@NalinisKitchen/X)

Ayodhya, Aug 5: The Ram Temple in Ayodhya has eliminated the special pass requirement for visiting the Ram Darbar, enhancing convenience for devotees.

With this new system, visitors no longer need to secure separate passes to access the Ram Darbar. After completing the general 'darshan' of Ram Lalla in the regular queue, they can directly head to the Ram Darbar located on the temple's first floor.

Previously, only a limited number of special passes were available each day for 'darshan' at the Ram Darbar. The updated policy completely removes this requirement.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced that this decision aims to streamline the 'darshan' process and improve accessibility for all devotees.

In related news, the Uttar Pradesh government has appointed Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Kiran S to lead the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the theft of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Temple. This information was presented to the Supreme Court on July 27. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant instructed the authorities to enlist a chartered accountant to assist the investigation team and to provide a status report within two weeks.

The Bench, which included CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, reviewed the case. During a prior hearing on July 20, the CJI had urged the Uttar Pradesh government to consider restructuring the SIT and suggested that a senior IPS officer should oversee the investigation.

The embezzlement of temple donations was uncovered in early June. The SIT was formed by the Uttar Pradesh government on June 13, initially given a 15-day period to investigate the claims.

After the preliminary SIT report was submitted on June 23, an FIR was filed on June 25. Eight individuals, including Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu Yadav, were arrested in connection with the case.

Last month, Champat Rai, the general secretary of the trust managing the temple, resigned on moral grounds. Earlier this month, he accused the Ayodhya branch of the State Bank of India of negligence, claiming it failed to adhere to security protocols. In a note to the SIT, he stated that senior bank officials must clarify how security lapses occurred in the chest room.