KKN Gurugram Desk | Cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma were seen visiting sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in Ayodhya on Sunday, days after Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. The power couple offered prayers at the Ram Lalla Temple and later proceeded to the revered Hanuman Garhi Temple, seeking divine blessings during a personal spiritual retreat amid Kohli’s busy IPL schedule.
The couple’s religious visit has sparked wide interest online and among fans on the ground, as videos of the two performing rituals and receiving blessings from temple priests have gone viral across social media platforms.
At Ram Lalla Temple: A Quiet Offering at a Sacred Site
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, Virat and Anushka arrived at Ram Janmabhoomi, the sacred site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, early Sunday morning under tight security. Dressed in traditional attire, they paid their respects before the deity Ram Lalla, participated in a short puja, and spent a few private moments in spiritual reflection.
The temple trust officials confirmed that the couple’s visit was pre-scheduled and held with privacy and respect, considering both their public profiles and the sanctity of the site.
“Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma showed deep devotion. They offered prayers and asked for peace, strength, and spiritual clarity,” said a temple priest.
Hanuman Garhi Temple Visit: Spiritual Interaction and Devotion
After their visit to Ram Lalla Temple, the couple headed to Hanuman Garhi, one of the most significant Hanuman temples in North India. Videos and images captured priests adorning the couple with garlands and applying the traditional tilak on their foreheads.
The Mahant (head priest) of the temple, Sanjay Das Ji Maharaj, shared details of the visit in a statement to ANI.
“Virat and Anushka were humble and spiritually inclined. We also had brief discussions on the role of faith, focus, and discipline, which are as relevant in spirituality as they are in cricket and life.”
Their prayer ceremony included chanting of Hanuman Chalisa, offerings to the deity, and quiet meditation inside the sanctum.
Growing Interest in Spirituality Post Retirement
This is not the first time Virat and Anushka have undertaken religious visits. On May 12, 2025, just days before this pilgrimage, Kohli officially retired from Test cricket, marking the end of an era in Indian sports. Shortly after the announcement, the couple traveled to Vrindavan to meet Premanand Maharaj, a respected spiritual leader.
According to insiders, the couple engaged in spiritual discussions with Maharaj and sought guidance on how to channel their energy in life’s next chapter.
“It’s clear that this phase is not just about rest for Virat but also about inner transformation,” said a family source.
IPL 2025: Balancing Cricket and Spiritual Life
Despite his retirement from red-ball cricket, Kohli remains active in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is currently stationed in Lucknow, where his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), played against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23.
In that match, Kohli scored 43 runs off 25 balls, showing strong form even as his team eventually lost. With a four-day gap between matches, Kohli utilized the break to make the Ayodhya visit.
RCB’s next match is scheduled for May 27 against Lucknow Super Giants, again in Lucknow, indicating that Kohli is staying focused on performance while simultaneously prioritizing personal spiritual growth.
Tight Security and Fan Frenzy in Ayodhya
Given their celebrity status, the Uttar Pradesh Police ensured tight security around the couple throughout their visit. Roads around VIP Ghat and temple perimeters were cordoned off, with police deployment and crowd control in place.
Still, fans gathered in large numbers, hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple. Many were seen chanting Kohli’s name and attempting to capture the moment on their mobile phones. Despite the crowd, the visit remained orderly.
Reactions from Fans and Social Media
Photos and videos of Kohli and Anushka at the Hanuman Garhi and Ram Janmabhoomi temples have gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with fans praising their grounded nature and respect for Indian culture.
Some fan reactions included:
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“Virat Kohli setting an example off the field—humility and faith.”
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“Retirement with grace. Kohli is finding peace beyond cricket.”
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“Anushka and Virat together in Ayodhya—it’s heartwarming to see them embrace spirituality.”
A Growing Trend: Celebrities Turning to Spirituality
Virat and Anushka are the latest in a string of Indian celebrities, including cricketers and Bollywood actors, who have turned toward spirituality and religious tourism. The couple has previously visited:
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Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand
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Rishikesh for Ganga Aarti
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Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain
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Neeb Karori Baba Ashram
These visits signal a growing trend among public figures to seek peace, mindfulness, and deeper meaning, particularly after achieving worldly success.
Ayodhya as a Spiritual Hub
Ayodhya, now rejuvenated with the construction of the Ram Mandir, has become a hotspot for spiritual tourism. With improved infrastructure and national attention, the city is witnessing a surge in pilgrimages from across India.
Temple authorities have noted that high-profile visits such as Kohli and Anushka’s help bring positive attention to the region, encouraging people—especially the youth—to engage with spiritual heritage.
As Virat Kohli enters the next chapter of his life post-Test cricket, his visit to Ayodhya with Anushka Sharma signals more than just a religious tour. It reflects a shift in priorities—from peak athletic performance to inner well-being, faith, and family bonding.
While Kohli continues to be a key player in the T20 format and IPL, it is evident that he is also intentionally carving out a path of spiritual depth alongside his sporting achievements.
For fans across the world, this journey is as inspiring as his centuries on the pitch.
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