Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Architecture and Other Facts

The Ram Mandir, set to be inaugurated on January 22, 2024, stands as India's largest temple. Situated in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the temple's construction has been a lengthy and challenging journey. The historical roots of Ram Mandir trace back to the 16th century when Mughal emperor Babur demolished the original temple and erected a mosque, known as Babri Masjid, at the same site. This event triggered prolonged religious and political conflicts.

Centuries later, amidst ongoing disputes, supporters of Hinduism dismantled the mosque. The issue escalated to the Supreme Court of India, where, following legal procedures, the land was allocated for the construction of Lord Ram’s temple. Construction began in 2019 but was put on hold due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Now, the Hindu temple is poised for its grand inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024. 

Features of Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya:

• Spanning across 71 acres, the temple is now the world's third-largest and India's largest Hindu temple. It boasts dimensions of 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. 

• The chief architect behind the temple's design is Chandrakant Sompura, with assistance from Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura. 

• Elevated on a three-story platform, the temple features five mandapas and 366 columns. 

• Additionally, it is constructed in the Gurjan-Chaulukya architectural style, serving as an exemplary representation of this architectural tradition. The Nagra style holds cultural significance and attracts a diverse range of tourists and pilgrims.

The Foundation

The Ram Mandir has a robust foundation consisting of about 300 layers of granite stone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the first foundation stone in August 2020. The temple was constructed to endure for over a thousand years. The land was excavated to a depth of 70 feet and reinforced with 48 to 52 layers of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC). Above these layers, the foundation is reinforced with 26,000 granite stones. Following the filling of the base, a sturdy plinth, standing at a height of 21 feet, was constructed in November 2020.

Fundamental features

The structure comprises three floors, each standing at a height of 20 feet. The ground floor encapsulates the life of Lord Rama, from his birth to childhood. Moving up to the first floor, named Shri Ram Darbar, it is meticulously crafted with Bansi Paharpur, a pink sandstone predominantly found in Rajasthan. To maintain a profound spiritual connection, soil from 2587 regions, including Jhansi, Haldighati, Golden Temple, Bithoori, Yamunotrii, Chittorgarh, etc., has been gathered and incorporated into the construction of Ram Mandir. 

Remarkably, no steel or iron has been utilized in the construction; instead, 26,000 granite stones have been employed. This is done to preserve the structure for over a thousand years. Each brick used in the construction is inscribed with 'Shri Ram,' upholding the essence of an age-old tradition during the building of Ram Setu.

Entrance at the Temple

The entrance to the Ram Mandir is from the east direction. The entry gate, also known as Singhdwar, is situated at an elevation reached by climbing 32 stairs. There are walls surrounding the temple, extending to a length of approximately 732 meters. The three-story temple boasts 392 pillars and 44 doors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024. Various aartis will also be conducted to continue the rituals.

Pilgrims and Sustainability

The temple complex includes a dedicated pilgrimage facility capable of accommodating up to 25,000 pilgrims. The Indian government has thoughtfully provided amenities such as luggage storage, lockers, bathrooms, toilets, and medical facilities. Additionally, the temple is enveloped by lush greenery, with park-like spaces created around it. Approximately 70% of the temple area is adorned with vibrant green plants and trees, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.