Once the site of Babri Masjid, then a disputed land, and today the prestigious location of Ram Mandir, Hindus have had to wait for hundreds of years before a temple of their beloved deity Lord Rama could be constructed at his birthplace (janmabhoomi), Ayodhya.
Based on a report by ASI which stated that a non-Islamic structure had been present beneath the demolished Babri Masjid, the Supreme Court granted that land to the Hindus for a temple. The court verdict was widely celebrated by Hindus worldwide.
Official Map Of Rama Janmabhumi (Ayodhya) Dated 1717 CE, Shows No ‘Babri Masjid’ In Site. Now in City Palace Museum, Jaipur.
Subsequently, the journey towards constructing a temple for Lord Rama began, with the culmination set to occur during the opening ceremony on January 22, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the temple after which it will be open for public. Tourists and devotees of Lord Rama are eagerly waiting to visit this temple as it has gained fame for more reasons than one; its architecture, its cultural significance and its fundraising campaign.
Ram Mandir Architecture
The temple’s construction began with the bhoomi pujan ceremony held in August 2020. It was decided that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust would be overseeing the construction.
The chief architect of the Ram Mandir is Mr. Chandrakant Sompura.
The temple uses the Gurjara Chaulukya style of the Nagara architectural style. The temple has 5 domes and a tower above the santorium.
Along the road leading to the temple, sun-themed pillars have been built. Each pillar is 30 feet high, and has a motif that resembles the sun when illuminated. 40 pillars have been constructed along the road known as Dharam Path and each pillar has been called Surya Stambh. The words ‘Jai Shri Ram‘ have been inscribed on these pillars, along with a mace that is symbolic of Lord Hanuman, and some other motifs.
2 lakh bricks have been used in the foundation of this temple. The bricks have ‘Sri Rama’ inscribed in different languages. The bricks have been procured from various parts of India.
Resilient stone and sandstone from Bansi Paharpur have been used in the temple’s construction, thus giving it strength and a long lifespan.
The inner sanctum of the temple where the idol of Lord Rama will be placed, is octagonal.
Ram Mandir has 5 mandapas, namely, kudu mandapa, nritya mandapa, rang mandapa, kirtan mandapa and prarthana mandapa.
The entrance to Ram Mandir is to the East and exit is to the South. The structure will be 3-storeyed. Each floor will be 20 feet high and have 392 pillars and 44 gates.
A percota, usually characteristic to South Indian temples, has been included in the design of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, adding a unique element to the design. The percota is 14 feet wide, with its 4 corners dedicated to Sun God, Devi Bhagwati, Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva.
Shrines of Lord Hanuman and Goddess Annapurna are also be a part of the temple.
The temple is 380 feet long, 250 feet wide and 161 feet high.
The huge temple complex will include shrines of Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashishtha, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Maharshi Agastya, Nishad Raj, Shabri and Ahilya, people who have been instrumental in Lord Rama’s life.
Hundreds of trees will be there in the complex, and the area will be equipped with its own sewage treatment and water treatment plants, fire brigade system and a power line.
Cultural Significance of Ram Mandir
Lord Rama is not only the principal deity of Hindus but also their hero, as he epitomizes dharma. He always took the path of virtue, adhered to righteous behaviour, sacrificed materialistic pleasures for the greater good, and was dutiful towards his parents and his people throughout life.
Ultimately, with the support of Lord Hanumana and the vanar sena, he defeated Ravana, thus establishing the philosophy that truth always triumphs and only good prevails. The construction of a temple for the very inspiring and highly respected Lord Rama, thus has a great cultural significance.
The installation of Lord Rama’s idol in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir marks a very significant event on the Indian cultural scene.
The construction and design of Ram Mandir portray the life of Lord Rama in different ways. Certain elements of the temple design are symbolic of Lord Rama’s life and values. Some key people in Lord Rama’s life, like his Guru Maharshi Vishwamitra and his greatest devotee Lord Hanuman, have found a place in the temple’s design. These factors add to the cultural importance of the temple.
The fact that the Ram Mandir is located in Lord Rama’s birthplace Ayodhya is culturally significant, and a reason to be proud of, for the devotees of Lord Rama.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir intends to increase the reach of Lord Rama’s life and mission. It will attract tourists across the globe and thus the values and principles of Lord Rama, and lessons from the Indian epic Ramayana, will reach more and more people.
Ram Lalla Idol Prana Pratishtha'(Consecration) Ceremony
On this day, communities and households across the nation are expected to come together in a joyous spirit, engaging in the ceremonial lighting of diyas to illuminate their surroundings. This symbolic act not only represents the triumph, justice, and devotion associated with Lord Ram but also signifies unity among people in celebrating their shared cultural heritage.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Fundraising Drive
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad had launched a 44-day fundraising campaign for the construction of Ram Mandir.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust received a whopping 2,100 crores or more from public.
Coupons of Rs.10, Rs.100 and Rs.1000 were sold, with the intent to get donations from even those who cannot give huge amounts but wish to contribute in their own way towards Ram Mandir’s construction.
The fundraising drive began with President Kovind donating Rs. 5,00,100.
The trust intended to include around 55 crore people from 12 crore Hindu families in this campaign.
Despite some arguments over the idea of taking contributions, this turned out to be the biggest crowdfunding campaign.
People from all sectors, individuals and organizations alike donated towards the temple’s construction, giving a big boost to the initiative.
So here we have the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, where Lord Rama, a highly revered Hindu deity has got his home at his very own birthplace. Visit this temple when you can and experience the positive vibe it exudes, not only because it is the abode of Lord Rama but also because it is the outcome of the skill, efforts and devotion of millions.
