Ayodhya’s grand Ram temple bridging tradition and technology: Here’s how

| Updated: 05 January, 2024 12:32 pm IST
Ayodhya Ram mandir

NEW DELHI: Ayodhya’s Ram Temple ,an architectural marvel spanning 54,700 sq ft is set to be inaugurated on January 22, 2024. The temple is not just a religious monument; it symbolises India’s rich cultural heritage and represents a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern construction techniques.

Foundation And Historical Significance:

The Babri Masjid demolition

The foundation of the Ram Temple finds its roots in the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict in 2019, recognising 2.77 acres as Lord Ram’s birthplace. The subsequent Bhumi Poojan on August 5, 2020, marked the commencement of construction, laying the cornerstone for a monument that would transcend time.

The historical timeline of the temple dates back to the construction of the Babri Masjid in 1528-1529, which led to decades of communal tensions. The Supreme Court’s verdict in 2019 brought an end to the legal battle, paving the way for the construction of the grand Ram Temple.

 

Architectural Marvel And Design:

Crafted under the chief architect Chandrakant Bhai Sompura, the temple stands as a testament to India’s architectural prowess. Built in the Nagara style and following Vastu Shastra principles, it spans 360 ft in length, 235 ft in width, and 161 ft in height. The temple’s design reflects meticulous planning and adherence to traditions, aiming for durability that withstands the test of time, with rigorous testing ensuring it lasts over 1,000 years.

Spanning 2.7 acres, the temple is part of a 70-acre complex designed to accommodate a million devotees. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust oversees the construction, with estimated costs ranging between Rs 1,400 crore to Rs 1,800 crore.

Ram mandir is set to be inaugurated this month on Jan 22

Beyond its spiritual allure, the temple complex showcases environmental responsibility. A self-sufficient sewer treatment plant, water treatment facility, and a dedicated power station minimise reliance on external resources. Adding to the grandeur, the complex places a strong emphasis on environmental and water conservation, ensuring that 70 per cent of the 70-acre area remains lush green. Other facilities like bathing area, toilets, washbasins, open taps, etc., will be available in the temple complex.

Construction Material And Durability:

The temple is constructed with the rare pink Rajasthan Bansi Paharpur stone, renowned for its beauty and strength. Builders of repute, Larsen & Toubro for the main structure and Tata Consultancy Engineers Ltd for allied facilities, contribute to the temple’s magnificence. The avoidance of iron in construction and the use of a 14-metre thick Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) layer, crafted to resemble artificial bedrock, add to the durability.

Impact on Ayodhya’s Real Estate:

The construction of the Ram Temple has had a profound impact on Ayodhya’s real estate. Over the past decade, land rates surged up to 10 times, turning Ayodhya into a real estate hotspot. Property values now range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 18,000 per sq ft, underscoring the transformation of Ayodhya into a sought-after destination.

Grandeur And Special Features:

The temple stands as a testament to India’s architectural prowess

There will be a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors in the temple. The main sanctum sanctorum will house the infant form of Lord Rama (the idol of Shri Ram Lalla), and on the first floor, there will be the court of Lord Rama. The temple, a visual spectacle, boasts intricate carvings, beautiful architecture, and a spiritual ambiance captured in recent photos.

Special features include five mandaps, each serving a unique purpose, sculptures of deities and celestial beings adorning pillars and walls, and a rectangular parikrama with temples dedicated to various entities, preserving the site’s mythological significance. The Entry to the temple will be from the east, with 32 stairs leading to the Singhdwar or the lion gate, with ramps and lifts for the convenience of differently-abled individuals and the elderly.

ALSO READ: MBA graduate-turned-sculptor Arun Yogiraj’s Ram idol chosen for Ayodhya temple

Consecration Ceremony And Invitees:

The invitation cards, aligning with the grandeur of the temple, depict an imposing image of the structure and a portrayal of a young Lord Ram. Over 7,000 invitees, including iconic figures like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Amitabh Bachchan, Mukesh Ambani, and Gautam Adani will attend the event. Actors Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia, who played the roles of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita in the Ramanand Sagar’s famous TV serial ‘Ramayan’, have also been invited to the ceremony. A grand Bhandara will be organised by the temple trust on Jan 22, the inauguration day.

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