Ram Mandir: Important Facts, 5 Constructional Aspects and Other Features

 

Article by : Lavina Rodrigues

Dt: 12th January, 2024

History

In the Atharvaveda, Ayodhya is described as the city of God, and its prosperity is compared to heaven. According to the Ramayana, Ayodhya was founded by Manu. For many centuries, this city remained the capital of the Solar Dynasty kings. Ayodhya is primarily a city of temples. Even today, remnants related to Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Jainism can be seen here. According to Jain beliefs, this is where the birth of five Tirthankars, including Adinath, took place. Its significance is embedded in its ancient history as it has been the capital of renowned and valiant Kshatriyas (Solar Dynasty) of India. Among these Kshatriyas, Dasharathi Ramachandra is worshipped as an avatar. Initially, it was the capital of the Kosala Janapada. According to ancient records, its area was 96 square miles. In the seventh century, Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited here. According to him, there were 20 Buddhist temples and 3000 monks residing here.

 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Background

Ram Mandir

The Shri Ram Mandir, also known as the Ram Mandir, stands as a significant Hindu temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, devoted to Lord Shri Rama and believed to be situated at Ram Janmabhoomi – the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama. This temple embodies the rich cultural and spiritual heritage linked to Lord Rama, holding profound cultural and religious importance for Hindus.

Emerging as one of India’s largest post-Independence temples, the Ayodhya Ram Temple seamlessly blends modern technological conveniences with age-old Indian traditions. The historical backdrop involves the construction of the Babri Masjid by Mughal Emperor Babur between 1528 and 1529. However, a contentious claim from the Hindu community, asserting the site as Lord Ram’s birthplace, led to a protracted legal battle. The resolution came on November 9, 2019, with the Supreme Court acknowledging the 2.77 acres as Lord Ram’s birthplace, ultimately greenlighting the construction of the Ram Mandir. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the temple’s journey, intertwining history, faith, and legal resolution.

 

Ram Mandir Project Overview:

In the sacred city of Ayodhya, the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) plays a pivotal role, driving transformative initiatives focused on the construction of the Ram Mandir. This ambitious project serves not only as a spiritual and cultural landmark but also as a catalyst for holistic development in the region.

The temple’s dimensions are impressive, spanning 250 feet in width, 380 feet in length, and reaching a height of 161 feet (49 m). Upon completion, the temple complex will rank as the world’s third-largest Hindu temple. It features the Gurjara-Chaulukya style of Nagar architecture, a hallmark of Hindu temple design predominantly found in northern India.

Cultural Icon:

1. Cultural Icon: The Ram Mandir, dedicated to Lord Ram, holds immense cultural and historical significance. It is envisioned as a symbol of unity, peace, and devotion, attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
2. Architectural Grandeur: The temple’s architecture is a blend of spirituality and aesthetics, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian design. Skilled artisans and modern technology converge to create a structure that echoes the rich heritage of Ayodhya.
3. Tourism Boost: ADA recognizes the tourism potential of the Ram Mandir and its surroundings. The authority is actively involved in creating infrastructure, including hotels, roads, and recreational spaces, to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust

Meanwhile, Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust, the panel overseeing the construction of the temple, on Monday shared a few pictures of the construction of the temple.

 

Preparations for Inauguration:

With the impending inauguration of the Ram Mandir, ADA is working tirelessly to ensure a seamless and grand event.

• Swarn Dwar: The first swarn dwar(golden gate) has been installed in the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

As many as 13 golden doors, including the large size gate of the sanctum sanctorum, would be installed in the Ram Temple.

 

• Infrastructure Readiness: ADA is overseeing the completion of infrastructure projects to handle the anticipated footfall during the inauguration. This includes road expansions, parking facilities, and beautification of the temple surroundings.
• Security Measures: Collaborating with law enforcement agencies, ADA is implementing robust security measures to ensure the safety of the devotees and dignitaries attending the inauguration.
• Cultural Programs: To mark the historic occasion, ADA is organizing cultural programs, exhibitions, and events that showcase Ayodhya’s rich cultural heritage. This adds a festive atmosphere to the city and enhances the overall experience for visitors.

 

Important Facts about Ram Mandir & People who made it happen:

• Chief Architect: Chandrakant B. Sompura (CBS)

Renowned architect Chandrakant B. Sompura, known as CBS, leads the design of the Ram Mandir, showcasing his expertise in crafting sacred structures. His architectural vision is fundamental to the temple’s aesthetic and spiritual essence, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. CBS’s role underscores the significance of skilled professionals in bringing to life the cultural and religious aspirations embodied in the construction of the Ram Mandir.

• Construction Company: Larsen and Toubro (L&T)

Larsen and Toubro (L&T), a prominent construction company, spearheads the monumental task of building the Ram Mandir. Their expertise ensures precision and adherence to the highest standards, playing a crucial role in transforming architectural plans into the grand reality of this sacred edifice.

• Project Management Company: Tata Consulting Engineers Limited ( TCEL)

Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCEL) takes charge of project management for the Ram Mandir, showcasing their proficiency in orchestrating complex endeavors. Their meticulous planning and execution ensure the smooth progress of this monumental project, aligning with the spiritual and cultural significance embedded in the construction of the temple.

• Design Advisors: IIT Chennai, IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, CBRI Roorkee, SVNIT Surat, and NGRI Hyderabad collectively serve as design advisors for the Ram Mandir. Their invaluable expertise contributes to the architectural brilliance, ensuring a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation in the temple’s design, reflecting the ethos of these esteemed institutions.
• Sculptors: Arun Yogiraaj from Mysore, along with sculptors Ganesh Bhatt and Satyanarayan Pandey, lend their artistic prowess to the Ram Mandir. Their craftsmanship plays a pivotal role in bringing intricate and divine sculptures to life, adding a touch of spiritual elegance to the sacred edifice dedicated to Lord Ram.
• Total Area: 70 Acre (70% green Area)
• Temple Area: 2.77 Acre
  • Temple Dimensions:  Length – 380 Ft.

                                     Width – 250 Ft.

Height – 161 Ft.

• Construction Style: Indian Nagar Style

The Ram Mandir is constructed in the Gurjara-Chaulukya style of Nagar style architecture,  following the principles of Vastu Shastra. The entrance on the east would be built in the Gopuram style, which represents the temples of the south. The walls of the temple would display artworks depicting the life of Lord Ram,  characterized by its traditional architectural elements. This style, rooted in ancient Indian temple architecture, features intricate carvings, ornate spires, and a symmetrical layout, creating a sacred space that reflects the cultural and religious heritage of India in every architectural detail. Ram Mandir is being built in the Nagara style, following the principles of Vaastu Shastra. The entrance on the east would be built in the Gopuram style, which represents the temples of the south. The walls of the temple would display artworks depicting the life of Lord Ram.

• Special Features:
  • 2 Sewer Treatment Plants
  • 1 Water Treatment Plant
  • Dedicated Power Supply

Construction Materials Used

Prominent materials used in the construction of Ram Mandir are:

• High Grade “Rolled Compacted Concrete” without Steel
• Bansi Paharpur Sandstone :The superstructure of the Ram Mandir will be made of carved Rajasthan Bansi Paharpur stone, the rare pink marble stones, world-renowned for its beauty and strength. It will require a total of 4 lakh sq ft of stone.
• Granite Stone: Quarried from various locations, granite contributes to the temple’s structural strength and durability, sourced from regions known for quality granite extraction.
• Shaligram Rock: Sourced from the Gandaki River in Nepal. Shaligram rocks hold great religious significance in Hinduism, especially for devotees of Lord Vishnu, and are utilized in sacred rituals and temple construction.
• Coppler Plates: Copper, often used for its durability and malleability, may be sourced from various regions, and its incorporation serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in the temple.
• Gold and Ashtdhadu: The gold and Ashtdhatu (an alloy of eight metals) used in the temple may come from diverse locations, emphasizing the opulence and spiritual significance associated with thee precious metals.
• Teakwood: To build the windows and doors, Teak wood (Sagwan) has been procured from Maharashtra’s Chandrapur. Not an ordinary wood, Teak has a life span of over 100 years.

 

Foundation Design of Ram Mandir

• 14 Meter Thick Rolled Compacted Concrete has been layered and given the shape of Artificial Stone.
• 56 layers of Compacted Concrete, made of Fly Ash/Dust and chemicals, have been used.
• 21-foot thick plinth, made up of Granite, has been used to protect the Ram Temple from moisture.
• Granite Stone from Karnataka & Telangana, and Pink Sandstone from Bans Paharpur (Bharatpur, Rajasthan) have been used in the foundation design.

 

Building Description

• This 3-storied temple is an earthquake-resistant structure.
• It has 392 pillars and 44 doors.
• Its doors are made of Teakwood and are gold-plated.
• The estimated age of the temple structure is 2500 years.
• The idols are made up of 60 million years old Shaligram Rocks, brought from the Gandaki River (Nepal)

• The Bell is made of Astadhatu (Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Iron and Mercury)
  • The Bell weighs 2100 Kg
  • The sound of the bell can be heard up to a distance of 15 Km.
  • A 2,100-kg bell for the Ram Temple is being brought from Etah, a well-known destination for bell manufacturing in India. The 6-ft tall and 5-ft wide bell would cost Rs 21 lakh.

 

Other Features of Shri Ram Mandir

• The main sanctum of the temple has the idol of Shri Ram Lalla (the infant form of Lord Shri Rama)
• On the first floor, there is a Shri Ram Darbar.
• The temple consists of 5 Mandapas: Nritya Mandapa, Rang Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Prarthana Mandapa, Kirtan Mandapa
• Ram Lalla Idol :
  There will be two representations of Lord Ram in the Ayodhya Ram Temple. One is the original idol discovered in 1949, residing in a tent for decades. The other, a monumental statue visible from afar, will be a new Ram Lalla idol crafted from dark granite. Champat Rai, the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, revealed on January 6 that this idol, depicting a five-year-old Lord Ram, stands at a height of 51 inches. Fashioned with exquisite detail, it will find its place on the ground floor of the three-storey temple.

• On all four corners of the periphery (Parikota), four temples dedicated to Suryadev, Mother Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva will be constructed.
• In the northern arm, there will be a temple of Goddess Annapurna, and in the southern arm, there will be a temple of Lord Hanuman.
• Within the temple complex, other temples will be dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashishta, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, King Nishad, Mata Shabari, and the Devi Ahilya.
• There will be Sita Kup in the temple premises.
• In the southwest part, the ancient temple of Lord Shiva on the Navratna Kubera Hill will be renovated, and a statue of Jatayu will be installed.

 

Ayodhya Mandir: Estimated cost and funding

The construction work of the temple is likely to take between Rs 1,400 crore to Rs 1,800 crore. The temple trust is receiving between Rs 60-70 lakh in donations for building the grand temple, officials of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Nyas say.

Number of pilgrims to Ayodhya Ram Mandir   

Over 50,000 people visit the temple every day. This number is expected to increase to 100,000 once the temple is inaugurated.

 

Community Involvement and Employment Opportunities:

ADA’s initiatives are not only about physical development but also about empowering the local community. The Ram Mandir project has generated employment opportunities, especially for skilled and unskilled workers involved in construction and related activities.

 

 “Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Reshaping Real Estate Dynamics and Cultural Heritage”

The profound impact of Ayodhya Ram Mandir on real estate as land rates surge up to tenfold. Lal Babu Pandey shares insights on unprecedented interest from developers, aligning Ayodhya’s property rates with Lucknow.

Lal Babu Pandey, a former part-time property dealer turned full-time resident, highlights the unprecedented interest from major developers, aligning Ayodhya’s property rates with the state capital, Lucknow. Land values within a 5-10 km radius of the temple have soared, commanding a minimum of Rs 2,000 per square foot, with prices soaring to Rs 18,000 per square foot. Commercial plots start at Rs 4,000 per square foot, reaching up to Rs 20,000 per square foot. In specific areas, the rate for one biswa of land has surpassed Rs 60 lakh, a stark contrast to its Rs 5 lakh valuation in 2018.

As Ayodhya undergoes a transformative phase with the majestic Ram Mandir at its core, the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) emerges as a catalyst for progress. Going beyond its spiritual significance, the ADA’s holistic approach positions Ayodhya as a model for sustainable development, embracing its cultural roots while embracing the future. The impending inauguration is not merely a celebration of faith; it signifies Ayodhya’s enduring spirit of evolution and growth.

 

Read more at:

https://bbbinsider.com/ram-mandir-important-facts-constructional-aspects-and-other-features/

Image Credits:

https://www.setmytrip.in/ayodhya-magnificent-ram-temple-complex-redefines-architectural-grandeur/

http://pmoay.com/ayodhyann/

https://srjbtkshetra.org/