Ayodhya, Nov 9 (IANS): Heavy restrictions in the holy town of Ayodhya may not have allowed celebrations for the Supreme Court verdict that clears the way for the construction of the Ram temple but a subdued sense of relief and happiness was palpable.

A few people did burst crackers but the police immediately stopped them and that put an end to jubilation.

An unusually heavy deployment of forces in Ayodhya also restricted the number of devotees visiting the Ram Janambhoomi complex. The local people and other devotees were asked to show their Aadhaar cards before they were allowed to enter the temple complex.

"We are happy that the Ram temple will finally be built and there is no need to make a loud expression of our happiness. We are happy and we do not need to prove it," said Ram Kumar, a 'prasad' seller at the famous Hanuman Garhi temple.

Shalini Kumari, a devotee from Ambedkar Nagar, said that she would now see the Ram temple in her lifetime. "My cousin Ravi was among those died in the 1992 riots after the demolition and the verdict will make his soul rest in peace."

A huge contingent from the media thronged the residence of Iqbal Ansari, the plaintiff in the title suit case but the police stationed outside his house prevented a prolonged interaction.

Ansari simply said that he was glad that the battle that stretched over decades was finally over.

There was jubilation, however, in Karsevakpuram where the local people exchanged sweets. "It is a moment of triumph for everyone who participated in the temple movement. Our stand has been vindicated," said VHP spokesman Sharad Sharma.