Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Earns FSSAI 'Eat Right' Certification
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has earned the 'Eat Right Place of Worship' status from FSSAI for excellence in food safety and hygiene.
In a significant move to ensure the highest standards of hygiene for devotees, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya has been officially recognized as an 'Eat Right Place of Worship'. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) awarded this prestigious certification to the temple, acknowledging its strict adherence to food safety and sanitation protocols.
The certification was presented by FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani during a formal ceremony held in Ayodhya on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This accreditation, which remains valid for two years, covers the period from October 11, 2026, to October 10, 2028.
Exceptional Rating for Prasad Safety
During the rigorous assessment process, the temple management demonstrated remarkable compliance, achieving an 'Ati Vishisht' rating. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra scored an impressive 103 out of 114 points, specifically for its protocols regarding the preparation and distribution of prasad.
Speaking at the event, FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani highlighted the spiritual importance of food in a religious setting. He noted that prasad acts as a symbol of faith and dignity, adding that it is a collective responsibility to ensure that the offerings provided to devotees are safe and of the highest quality.
Strict Protocols and Future Inspections
To ensure these high standards do not slip, the temple trust has committed to a rigorous monitoring schedule. Key measures include:
- Fortnightly Internal Reviews: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust will conduct internal audits every two weeks.
- Periodic External Inspections: Both state and central authorities are scheduled to carry out regular inspections throughout the two-year certification period.
Govind Dev Giri, the General Secretary of the temple trust, emphasized that maintaining absolute cleanliness is vital to preserving the sanctity and purity of the prasad offered to the masses.
Broader Religious Standards in Ayodhya
The push for hygiene and religious purity extends beyond the main temple. The Ayodhya administration has implemented a 15-kilometre ban on the delivery of non-vegetarian food in the vicinity of the Ram Temple site, with strict penalties for those who violate the rule.
Other local religious landmarks have also been recognized. Five additional sites, including Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan, a Jain temple, and the Devkali temple, were granted the 'Eat Right' certification alongside the Ram Mandir.
Surge in Devotee Footfall
The certification comes at a time of massive religious activity in the holy city. Mahant Dinendra Das, a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, reported a significant increase in the number of pilgrims arriving in Ayodhya, coinciding with the commencement of Navratri on October 11, 2026. He also noted that the ongoing Ramkot Parikrama continues to draw large crowds of devotees to the city.