Former President Ram Nath Kovind visits Ram Mandir, urges all Indians to visit temple
May 19, 2024
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 19 : Former President Ram Nath Kovind visited the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with his family and former employees of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The President also performed the Saryu aarti at the temple on Saturday.
He lauded the efforts of Indian Railways in starting the Vande Bharat Express which makes it easy for devotees to travel to Ayodhya. 
"Today I am going to Shri Ayodhya Dham by Vande Bharat Express to have darshan of Shri Ramlala. The initiative of Indian Railways to start this Vande Bharat service, which makes the journey of those who wish to visit Shri Ramlala easy and convenient, is commendable," Kovind wrote on X.
"I got the opportunity to participate in the 'Aarti'. I came here with my family and former employees of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their family. I did the 'Darshan' of Ram Lalla with all of them. I felt the presence of a divine energy. It will be our luck if we get to spend more time here. Our lives have become blessed. I appeal to all countrymen to take the 'Darshan' of Ram Lalla," Kovind said while speaking to ANI.
"It feels like I have reached the time that was there 500 years ago. There have been so many milestones here because of which the construction of Ram Mandir happened," he said.
"I am feeling overwhelmed after having the divine darshan of Shri Ramlala today with my family and friends. I request all Indians to come here once and experience the grand darshan of Shri Ramlala," Kovind wrote in a post on X.
The President also offered prayers at the famous Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya which is just six minutes away from the Ram Mandir temple.
He also met Aryika Shiromani Gyanmati Mataji at the Shri Digambar Jain Temple at the birthplace of Lord Rishabhdev in Ayodhya.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, steeped in centuries of history and spirituality, holds profound significance for millions of devotees worldwide. Its inauguration on 22 January 2024, marked a historic milestone in India's cultural and religious landscape, eliciting joy and fervour among believers.
