From Sacred soil to Majestic temple, be a part of this Journey of Ram Mandir Ayodhya.
Preparation for Shri Ram Mandir, Ayodhya is in full swing. Construction of the holy temple is near the end now. Explore the divine energies while you transverse the ancient grounds of Ayodhya, the sacred Janambhoomi of Lord Rama.
Nestled along the banks of the holy river Saryu, Saket, an old city immersed in the intricate tapestry of the Ramayana. Here, you’ll find the brave adventures of Rama and his great-father, Raja Dashratha.
As we traverse through the pages of history, the significance of the temple grows more. Let us explore the amazing facts about Ram Mandir!
Snapshot of Historical Echoes of SHRI Ram Mandir Ayodhya
Ayodhya being a city with a rich history dating back to around 2,500 years ago. It has attracted people interested in its stories and ancient roots. As per Hindu stories, Ayodhya has a significant history of great rulers. Also, this place has been quite a memory for Buddhists too.
From places like Hanuman Garhi, the Lord Hanuman’s temple and Sita ki Rasio, to the newly, (about to be inaugurated) Ram Mandir Ayodhya has been an ancient landmark.
This temple is a reconstruction of the original temple which is believed to have existed in the 12th century under the rule of Raja Dashratha. Recently, in 2019 the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction. For this, the foundation stone was laid in 2020 declaring it as a symbol of Unity and harmony.
After 4 years, on January 22, Ram Mandir will be inaugurated. The Larsen and Toubro group is involved in the construction of the grand temple with an estimated budget of Rs. 18,000 crores.
The architecture of SHRI Ram Mandir Ayodhya
The main part of Ram Mandir is lifted on a platform and has three floors. There are a total of five mandapas including that from the entrance, designed in the Nagara style having Shikhara decoration. With a total of 366 columns, having 16 deity idols making the structure appealing and magnificent.
About Nagara Style
In northern India, the Nagara style of Architecture is followed. Many Hindu temples are influenced by this distinctive and traditional architecture.
- Jagati – An elevated platform on which the main shrine or sanctum is located. In Nagara style, most of the Hindu temples have this Jagati likewise the Ram Mandir Ayodhya. Symbolizing the cosmic axis that provides a heightened base for the temple.
- Shikara – The special and distinctive part of Nagara-style temples is the Shikara, a tall pointy top that sits on the main part of the temple looking like a pyramid, making the temple tall and Majestic. It is adorned with carvings and sculptures.
- Madapas – In this style, madapas are quite common. They are big halls with columns, having small shikaras on top creating a balanced and beautiful look. Used for gatherings and rituals. It also has a Garbhagirah, having the idol of Lord Rama.
- Carvings and sculptures – Ram Mandir Ayodhya like most of the Nagara-style temples is adorned with finely detailed carvings and sculptures depicting scenes of Ramayana, Hindu gods and goddesses.
- Mable and sandstone – Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction is done using white marble and red sandstone enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the temple with sculpted pillars showcasing the skills of artisans and craftsmen.
- Minimalistic boundary walls with gardens – Comparatively, Nagara-style temples have minimal boundaries featuring beautifully landscaped gardens.
Other specifications
The temple complex is spread over 10 acres of land. It has a prayer hall, lecture hall, museum and cafeteria within a total development area of 57 acres expected to accommodate 70,000 visitors.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction is overseen by the L&T for free. The sandstone used is from Rajasthan and does contain copper instead of Iron.
Chandrakant Sompura, the chief architect has announced the use of two Lakh bricks on the entrance inscribed with ‘Shri Ram’.
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Interesting Facts about Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Here are some interesting facts about the most awaited Ram Mandir:
- This temple has a length of 380 feet, width of 250 feet and 161 feet height.
- With 3 floors, each 20 feet in length and a total of 44 doors.
- On the ground floor of this temple, there is a sculpture depicting Lord Rama’s Childhood and the first floor showcases the complete Ram Darbar, including Lord Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman.
- Total five mandapas are there – Nritya mandap (folk dance pavilion), Rang mandap, Sabha mandap, Prathna mandap (Prayer Pavilion), and Kirtan mandap.
- Entry for the temple is from the east having 32 steps, each with 16.5 feet height. Provision of ramps for the elderly and specially-abled is there.
- A rectangular boundary encircled the area, measuring 732 meters in length and 4.25 meters in width. Positioned at each of the four corners of the walls are the temples dedicated to Lord Surya, Lord Shankar, Ganapati Bappa, and Goddess Bhagwati.
- The southern side of the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, while the northern side has the temple of Annapurna Mata.
- Proposed temples on the Southern side are of Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashishtha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Nishadraj, Mata Shabari and Devi Ahilya.
- In the southwestern part lies the Shiva Temple atop the Navratna Kuber mound. Additionally, the statue of Jayatu Raj is installed.
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Advisory to the Citizens of India
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony will take place on 22 January between 11 am to 1.30 pm. Live telecast by various news channels will be broadcasted. From the honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narender Modi it is advised to everyone to light diyas (lamps) at night, gather around in the nearest temples and enchant “Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram” 108 times, collective recitation of Hanuman Chalisa, Sunderkand, Ramraksha Stotra etc.
How to Reach to Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Reaching to the Ayodhya is quite easy due to the amazing connectivity of the city. Here are the options for people travelling to Ram Mandir in Ayodhya:
By Flight
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is the newly established one specially for Lord Rama’s devotees to reach Ayodhya. This flight can accommodate 10 lakh passengers annually. It is around 8 km away from the city.
By Train
Ayodhya Junction is the nearest railway station to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Many trains are rerouted including Ayodhya as a destination. Distance from the station is only 800 meters.
By Road
GPS navigation is well organized for the city. Nearby cities are Lucknow (140 kms), Varanasi (200 kms), and Gorakhpur (130 kms). Many special buses are available from these cities to reach the temple.
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