INTRODUCTION
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India, is under construction, following the Nagara architectural style. It will be 235ft wide, 360ft long, and 161ft high, ranking as the world’s third-largest Hindu shrine. Larsen & Toubro is the main contractor, aiming to complete the complex by December 2024. Construction began in August 2020, overseen by senior functionaries, with a planned total area of 57,400 sq.ft.
The temple will have three floors, five domes, and a 161ft tower. Estimated costs range from Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,800 crore, funded by donations. A partial inauguration is set for January 2024, with full completion expected in 2025.Â
The architectural style of the ram mandir temple
The temple’s plan combines Nagara and Kalinga styles, boasting many spires and detailed carvings. An elaborate entrance, the gopuram, adds grandeur. The temple, having three floors, will include prayer halls and assembly areas on the ground floor. The first floor will house the main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), holding the idol of Lord Rama. On the second floor, there will be meditation rooms and facilities for devotees.
The focal point of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum, where they’ll place Lord Rama’s idol. Skilled artisans use hand tools and manual labor, employing traditional construction methods. The temple highlights enduring Hindu architecture by using stone, like pink sandstone and white marble for various components. This emphasis on tradition enhances the temple’s cultural significance.
The temple impresses with its spires and carvings, blending Nagara and Kalinga styles. An ornate gopuram marks the grand entrance, welcoming devotees. Spanning three floors, the temple has prayer halls and assembly areas onthe ground floor. The first floor houses the main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), holding Lord Rama’s idol. The design of the second floor caters to meditation and provides facilities for devotees.
The sanctum sanctorum, meant for Lord Rama’s idol, stands as a crucial part. Artisans use manual tools, passing down tradition, carving and assembling, showcasing their craftsmanship in the process. Various stones, like pink sandstone and white marble, emphasize the temple’s timeless Hindu architecture and enhance its unique aesthetic.Â
Ayodhya Ram Mandir current status
Currently, workers are constructing the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. Aiming to complete it by December 2024. The current status of the temple construction includes:
The temple is being built in the Nagara style of architecture, which is a traditional Hindu temple architecture style.
The design specifies dimensions of 235 feet width, 360 feet length, and 161 feet height, encompassing a total built-up area of 57,400 sq.ft.
Construction started on August 5, 2020, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the temple.
The main contractor for the project is Larsen & Toubro. The entire temple complex is being monitored by senior functionaries.
They plan to finish the ground floor work by November 2023, and they have completed 50% of the first-floor pillars.
They will inaugurate and open a section of the Ram Mandir to the public in January 2024.
They plan to consecrate the temple on January 21-23, 2024, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ceremony.
Talented artisans use traditional methods, using stones such as pink sandstone and white marble for various parts of the temple.
First-floor construction started; temple design ensures direct sunlight on Ram Lalla’s idol during Ram worship. The temple is also built to withstand an earthquake of 7.0 size.Â
Construction of the Ram Mandir temple is going well, and they plan to finish the entire project by December 2024.Â
Ayodhya Ram Mandir area in km
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, will span 70 acres, with the temple covering around 2.7 acres. They expect the temple’s total built-up area to reach 57,400 sq.ft.
Its design includes a width of 235 feet, a length of 360 feet, and a height of 161 feet, featuring three floors, five domes, and a 161-ft tower. The construction follows traditional methods, using the classic Nagara architectural style. Highlighting the timeless skills of expert craftsmen.
Craftsmen use stones such as pink sandstone and white marble for different sections of the temple.
They plan to build the Ayodhya Ram Mandir complex over 70 acres, setting aside about 2.7 acres for the temple.
Envisioned with a total built-up area of 57,400 sq.ft, the temple’s design boasts dimensions of 235 feet in width, 360 feet in length, and 161 feet in height.
The architecture follows the traditional Nagara style, a hallmark of Hindu temple design.
Craftsmen use traditional methods to carve temple parts from stones like pink sandstone and white marble.Â
Bhoomi Poojan ceremony
On August 5, 2020, the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony for the Ram Mandir took place in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the ceremony by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha at 12:30 pm.
After that, rituals involved worshiping the main silver shila, the temple land, and eight smaller shilas, including the turtle-like koormshila. They will position the last one under the idol of Ram Lalla in the temple.
At 12:44 pm, they placed a lotus flower on the koormshila, symbolizing the installation with five elements and nine stones.
This marked a significant moment in the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony, adding spiritual essence to the event.
Reactions to the ceremony
Hindu reactions:
Hindus believe Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya, they claim Babur built a mosque atop a temple there. Hindus celebrated as the Supreme Court allowed the Ram Temple construction, with some chanting “Jai Shree Ram” in the streets.. Many view the Ram Mandir temple as a symbol of Hindu nationalism, central to the BJP government’s agenda.
Muslim reactions:
The Muslim community in Ayodhya has had mixed reactions to the decision. Some Muslims welcome the decision, others reject it, with a sense of resignation that accepting is unavoidable. Many see the outcome as a relief, bringing an end to a longstanding issue that divided Indian society.
Foreign media:
Foreign media covered the landmark judgment, some hailing it as a victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his BJP government. The Guardian emphasized the ruling as a huge win for Modi, who made restoring the Ram temple a key part of the Hindu nationalist agenda. BBC stressed unanimous court decision, hinting at potential much-needed reconciliation in the country.
Some outlets praised the judgment, viewing it as a victory for PM Modi and the BJP’s commitment to rebuilding. BBC: Unanimous court decision may foster national reconciliation. Some outlets celebrate the judgment as a success for PM Modi and the BJP’s commitment to rebuilding..
The landmark judgment received widespread coverage in the foreign media. The Guardian and the BBC, among others, said it’s a big win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government. People see the court’s unanimous decision by its top five judges as a possible catalyst for reconciliation in the country.
Analogies and future developments:
People compare building the Ram Mandir to other disputed sites, like the Gyanvapi ASI Survey in Allahabad.
The Allahabad High Court has rejected a plea filed by some parties in the Ram Mandir case, and the construction of the temple continues.
DONATIONS
The temple trust began a campaign to collect contributions nationwide, targeting 55-60 crore individuals. They welcomed voluntary donations starting from ₹10. On January 15, 2021, President Ram Nath Kovind made the first contribution of ₹501,000 towards the construction of the Ram Mandir. Many leaders and notable personalities across the country followed suit. As of April 2021, people across India donated ₹5,000 crore, with the participation of 150,000 VHP activists. Members of the Muslim and Christian communities also contributed to the temple trust. Despite offers from industrialists, they declined to build the temple, respecting people’s sentiments.
HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah, and others raised concerns about the fund collection process in Karnataka. Bullying and suspension befell the headmistress of an RSS school as she struggled to raise funds.. A similar incident occurred in Ballia district. To address corruption claims, Tata Consultancy Services digitized the accounts.
Where to Buy Ritual Items
Workers are constructing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and the methods may change as construction progresses.
But, search results provide details about the availability of ritual items for constructing the Ram Mandir.
- Idols: An idol depicting the 5-year-old child form of Lord Ram is being constructed at three locations in Ayodhya. Moreover, a gold-plated marble throne, 8 feet tall for Ram Lalla’s idol, is under construction in Rajasthan.
- Navratna Attire: For the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, Ram Lalla’s idol will wear a Navratna attire fitted with 9 kinds of jewels.Â
- They will bury a time capsule at the Ram Mandir site, containing the history of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and Lord Rama’s life.
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