Photos: Glimpses of Ayodhya after the verdict

A shopkeeper sits outside his shop in which he is selling gods and Goddess pictures to devotees in a market place near famous hanuman ghari temple in Ayodhya. Life in Ayodhya revolves around religion and religious symbols. Residents are deeply religious in the city where commerce and faith are the economic backbone for residents. In old town, every other block has a temple or a shop selling goods used in religious activities.

A Sadhu or Hindu holy man reacts after the Supreme Court ordered to handover the disputed land to Hindus on November 9th in Ayodhya. There have been no large scale celebrations after the verdict following the appeals made by the district administration which feared breach of peace after the court verdict. Days after the verdict, life is returning to normalcy in Ayodhya despite heavy security.

Hindu Sadhus hug a Muslim man at a workshop where stone pillars are being carved for the Ram temple. Relations between Hindu and Muslim residents remain cordial on the ground in Ayodhya despite the bitterness projected by Indian media. The residents blame outsiders, politicians and sections of Indian media for trying to create fissures between the two communities.

Life in Ayodhya revolves around religion and religious symbols. In old town, every other block has a temple or a shop selling goods used in religious activities.

Ram KI Paidi bathing ghat on Saryu river of Ayodhya. This ghat is known for Uttar Pradesh Government’s anual Deepotsav or the festival of lamps. Last month, 450,000 were lit during Diwali, a world record recognised by Guiness. Bathing ghats are a must visit place for pilgrims visiting Hindu holy towns on Ayodhya and Varanasi.

The holy city of Ayodhya, known as the birthplace of Ram, is home to hundreds of temples, big and small. The city, located around 120 kilometres from Uttar Pradesh capital LUcknow, is part of HIndu pilgrimage circuit.

Residents taking part in evening Aarti or prayer on the banks of Saryu river. Life in Ayodhya revolves around religion and religious symbols

A newly-installed statue of Lord Ram on the banks of river Saryu in Ayodhya. The city is known as the birthplace of Ram, son of KIng Dashrath and a HIndu deity who is always depicted holding a bow and arrow, symbols of his readiness to fight the evil.

A sadhu or holyman addressing devotees on the banks of river saryu in Ayodhya.

Devotees praying on the banks of river Saryu in Ayodhya