Ayodhya’s tightly managed religious landscape has come under strain after allegations surfaced that namaz was offered near an exit gate of the Ram temple, prompting sharp reactions from Hindu religious figures and placing the local administration under pressure to act. The episode has ignited a debate over security protocols, religious sensitivities and the enforcement of rules around one of the country’s most scrutinised places of worship.The controversy centres on claims that prayers were performed at an exit point used by devotees leaving the temple complex. While officials have sought to verify the circumstances, the allegation alone has been enough to trigger public statements and calls for accountability. Ayodhya, the temple town in Uttar Pradesh, has operated under layered security arrangements since the consecration of the Ram temple, with movement routes, entry and exit points, and surveillance designed to prevent any activity deemed unauthorised or provocative.
Mahant Raju Das, the chief priest of Hanumangarhi, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the alleged act and urging the district administration to take strict action. He said the sanctity of the Ram temple precinct must be preserved at all times and warned that any lapse in enforcement could inflame communal sentiment. His remarks quickly circulated among religious networks and on social media, amplifying demands for clarity from officials.
Local authorities acknowledged receiving representations from religious leaders and said a fact-finding exercise was under way. Senior officials indicated that CCTV footage from the surrounding area was being reviewed and that personnel deployed at the gates had been questioned to establish whether any prayer activity occurred and, if so, how it went unchecked. The administration stressed that no unauthorised religious activity is permitted within the regulated zones of the temple complex and that established protocols apply equally to all visitors.
The Ram temple has become not only a religious landmark but also a symbol with national resonance, making any allegation of impropriety particularly sensitive. The town of Ayodhya has seen a steady influx of pilgrims since the temple opened to the public, prompting authorities to impose strict crowd management and surveillance measures. Entry passes, designated pathways and controlled exits are intended to ensure safety while avoiding flashpoints.
Religious scholars note that Ayodhya’s history and symbolism demand an especially careful administrative approach. The area around the temple includes multiple shrines and monasteries, each with its own traditions, but the core complex is governed by rules framed to prevent overlap or contestation of religious practices. Any deviation, even if inadvertent, risks being interpreted through a political or communal lens.
Opposition leaders and civil society voices have urged restraint, cautioning against drawing conclusions before the administration completes its inquiry. They argue that unverified claims can escalate tensions and undermine the fragile equilibrium the town has sought to maintain. Some have also called for greater transparency from officials, including a clear public explanation of what transpired at the gate in question and whether existing safeguards were sufficient.
Within the administration, the incident has triggered an internal review of deployment patterns and monitoring systems. Officials familiar with the process said additional personnel could be assigned to exit points during peak hours and that signage reiterating permissible conduct may be enhanced. The goal, they said, is to close any gaps that could be exploited or misunderstood.