The Ram Mandir rises in Ayodhya! From ‘atmanirbhar’ to ‘green complex’, know features, design and construction details

The Ram Mandir rises in Ayodhya! From ‘atmanirbhar’ to ‘green complex’, know features, design and construction details

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya holds immense cultural, religious, and historical significance for millions of people in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and its construction has been a matter of intense debate, legal battles, and emotions for several decades. Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The original temple, said to have been constructed in ancient times, stood on the site where the Babri Masjid was later built. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered a historic verdict. The court ruled in favor of the construction of the temple on the disputed land, while also ordering the allocation of an alternate piece of land to the Muslim community for the construction of a mosque.

Following the Supreme Court’s verdict, the construction of the Ram Mandir began in Ayodhya. The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, marking the beginning of the temple’s construction, took place on August 5, 2020, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi participating in the event. The construction is being overseen by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The construction of the temple marks a significant chapter in India’s history, and its impact on the social and cultural landscape will continue to be felt for years to come. Let us take a look at the construction details of the temple and also other key features and unique design:

According to Sompura, who spoke to PTI news agency, he adhered to the “Nagara style” of architecture in creating the design. The design has undergone modifications, now featuring five domes instead of the initially planned two to better accommodate the influx of devotees. Additionally, a shikhara or tower is slated to be constructed above the sanctum sanctorum.

The foundation of the temple will be laid using over two lakh bricks, each inscribed with ‘Sri Rama’ in various languages. These bricks were collected from different parts of the country three decades ago, adding a unique and symbolic touch to the construction process.

Sun-themed pillars, known as ‘Surya Stambhs’

An array of impressive sun-themed pillars, known as ‘Surya Stambhs,’ is being erected along a prominent road in the temple town.

Standing at a height of 30 feet, each pillar features an ornamental orb that, when illuminated at night, resembles the Sun. The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department’s Ayodhya Division plans to install a total of 40 such pillars along the Dharam Path, connecting Lata Mangeshkar Chowk near Naya Ghat with the Ayodhya Bypass.

Before the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol in the newly constructed Ram temple, these ‘Surya Stambhs’ are being strategically placed. Twenty of these pillars will be situated near Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, with 10 on each side of the road. The remaining 20 pillars are designated for the same road, extending beyond the Satrangi Pul near the Saket petrol pump. The installation work is underway, and the goal is to complete it by today, December 29, according to PWD Assistant Engineer A P Singh.

Crafted from reinforced cement concrete, each pillar boasts a decorative cladding made of a special fiber. The pillars carry inscriptions of ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ a mace symbolising Lord Hanuman, and various other ornamental motifs, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal.

Features of the Ram Mandir

The majority of the Ram temple compound is designated as a green area, featuring hundreds of trees, emphasising the commitment to environmental sustainability. The temple complex itself is designed to be “atmanirbhar” or self-reliant, boasting facilities such as sewage and water treatment plants, a fire brigade post, and a dedicated power line.

The expansive green area encompasses densely wooded sections, some so dense that sunlight scarcely filters through. Around 600 existing trees have been preserved in this green belt.

During a media presentation, the temple trust highlighted the self-sufficiency of the complex, ensuring it imposes no strain on the sewage or drainage system of the Ayodhya municipal body.

The first phase of the temple’s construction is approaching completion, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to participate in the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol, known as “pran pratishtha,” on January 22.

A panoramic representation of the forthcoming temple, showcasing the envisioned structure, is prominently displayed in the lobby of the trust’s office.

Design of the Ram Mandir

Ram temple trust general secretary Champat Rai has outlined the temple’s architectural features, revealing that the entrance will be located on the east side, with the exit on the south side. The entire superstructure is designed to be three storeys high—G+2.

To reach the main temple, visitors will ascend 32 steps from the eastern side. The temple, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, boasts dimensions of 380 feet in length (east-west direction), 250 feet in width, and a height of 161 feet.

Each floor of the temple will stand at a height of 20 feet, featuring a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates. A distinctive element is the rectangular periphery called ‘percota,’ a feature more commonly found in South Indian temples rather than those in the north, adding a unique touch to the grand design.

The ‘percota’ will have a width of 14 feet, spanning a substantial 732 meters, according to Rai.

The four corners of this ‘percota’ will be dedicated to Sun God, Maa Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. Additionally, a shrine dedicated to Maa Annapurna will be erected on the northern side, while the southern side will house a shrine for Lord Hanuman, as per Rai’s statement.

Within the complex, plans include seven other shrines devoted to Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashisht, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri, and Devi Ahilya—all integral figures associated with Lord Ram’s life.

An idol of Jatayu has been installed at Ayodhya’s Kuber Tila, and Rai mentioned the revitalization of an ancient Shiva temple existing on Kuber Tila.

During a visit to the construction site, it was observed that labourers were diligently chiseling stone slabs, putting the finishing touches in preparation for the upcoming consecration ceremony.