Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, is located along the sacred River Sarayu and is renowned for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. However, the most notable sacred site is the Ram Janmabhoomi. The grand Ram Mandir at the site is set to be inaugurated on January 22, 2024 - a historic event marked with enthusiasm. In the run-up to this grand inauguration, find out all you need to know about the temple.
The architects responsible for the construction of the complex are from the Sompura family, which has a long lineage of temple architects spanning 15 generations and hailing from the city of Ahmedabad. The team is led by chief architect Chandrakant Sompura. The Sompura family is known for crafting over 100 temples globally, including the revered Somnath Temple. Chandrakant Sompura receives unwavering support from his sons Ashish and Nikhil, who together have established a lasting legacy across generations and have become renowned in the realm of temple architecture.
The foundation of the Ram Mandir holds great spiritual significance as it incorporates sacred soil from 2587 different regions. The temple's foundation was prepared by filling a large area with 56 layers of a special concrete mixture. Some notable places that have contributed to this symbolic foundation include Jhansi, Bithoori, Haldighati, Yamunotri, Chittorgarh, the Golden Temple, and various other holy sites. This collective inclusion of sacred earth enhances the spiritual resonance of the Ram Mandir, weaving together a tapestry of revered locations.
The temple is a work of art that displays remarkable architectural finesse in the traditional Nagara style. It has 360 pillars and spans over 2.7 acres, featuring three floors. The ground floor showcases the life of Lord Ram in intricate detail, while the first floor immerses visitors in the grandeur of Lord Ram's Darbaar. The temple is adorned with Bansi Paharpur, a pink sandstone from Rajasthan's Bharatpur. It is 360 feet long, 235 feet wide, and reaches a towering height of 161 feet, including the peak. The temple has three floors and 12 gates, standing as a majestic testament to architectural grandeur.
The Ram Mandir is constructed entirely of stones and has gained attention for its unique building practices. According to numerous sources, the temple refrains from using steel or iron in its construction. A fascinating detail emerges in the form of the bricks employed in the temple's construction, each adorned with the sacred inscription "Shri Ram." This practice is a revival of an ancient tradition reminiscent of the construction of Ram Setu. It adds a symbolic layer and is believed to imbue modern bricks with enhanced strength and durability. The complex has also been tested for floods and earthquakes and has proven to be resistant. Additionally, soil from Thailand has been sent as a symbol of international spiritual unity for the upcoming consecration ceremony of Lord Ram.
On August 5, during the temple's consecration ceremony, holy water from 150 rivers across India was used to enrich the event. This act symbolises the sacred connection between the temple and the diverse waterways that run throughout the nation. In order to ensure that the temple's identity is preserved for future generations, a time capsule was buried 2000 ft below the temple. This capsule contains a copper plate with inscriptions about the temple, Lord Ram, and Ayodhya, highlighting the temple's historical and cultural significance. This thoughtful act will enable future generations to delve into the temple's rich history and cultural heritage encapsulated within its sacred grounds.