Video of under-construction toilets from Varanasi is falsely linked to Ayodhya's Ram Mandir - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
January 8, 2024
A post accompanying a video of under-construction toilets is being widely shared across social media platforms, with the claim that the video shows how arrangements are being made for visitors in Ayodhya. This is being shared in the context of the consecration of Lord Ram idol that will take place at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on 22 January 2024. Through this article, let’s fact-check the claim made in the post.
Claim: Video showing construction of toilets at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Fact: These visuals depict the construction of toilets at Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi.  These visuals were reported in December 2023. Although fiber toilets are being built for visitors for the upcoming Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, these visuals have nothing to do with this. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
To learn more about the viral clip, we broke the video into keyframes and ran a reverse image search using Google Images. This led us to several YouTube videos with similar visuals that were uploaded in December 2023. A YouTube channel named Maya Bhai uploaded this video on 01 January 2024, with a caption linking it to the Swarved Mahamandir of Varanasi.
A relevant keyword search led us to a video uploaded by the YouTube channel, Ankit Promo on 13 December 2023. In this video, visuals similar to those in the viral video can be observed at 3:38 timestamp. The video’s description mentioned its association with Swaraveda Mahamandir in Varanasi. The vlogger in the video shared that numerous tents had been erected for people to stay, and temporary toilets were also constructed for their use.
Similarly, we came across another video on the YouTube channel called AMT YouTuber, where it was mentioned that Swarved Mahamandir Dham was prepared for the inauguration. The section of the toilet visuals that are being circulated under the name of Ayodhya can be observed at 10:35 timestamp. Below, one can see a comparison of visuals seen in the viral video with the videos of Swarved Mahamandir Dham on YouTube.
Upon comparing the visuals of the viral video with that of the above-mentioned YouTube videos of Swarved Mahamandir Dham, it becomes evident that the viral video pertains to Swarved Mahamandir Dham in Varanasi. The visuals in question have no connection with the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya.
We also found news reports on the inauguration ceremony at Swarved Mahamandir which was attended by PM Modi on 18 December 2023. Hindustan Times reported that PM Modi had inaugurated the Swarved Mahamandir, which is a seven-floor temple located in Varanasi’s Umaraha area.
Meanwhile, on 18 December 2023, News18 Uttar Pradesh’s Facebook page shared a video showcasing the construction of toilets and changing rooms in Ayodhya. This video differs from the one currently being shared. The news report stated, “1500 fiber toilets will be constructed in Ayodhya, along with changing rooms for women.”
To sum it up, the video of under-construction toilets at Swarved Mahamandir, Varanasi is falsely linked to Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir.