The Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Context: Here, we will discuss about the temple architecture of The Ayodhya Ram Mandir and understand its significance.

Architecture and Features of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir
• The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a grand temple built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, characterized by its towering spires or shikharas.
• The temple is built using pink sandstone and is spread across an area of 2.77 acres. The temple is surrounded by a large courtyard and has several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities.
• The most striking feature of the temple is the giant Shaligram stone, a black stone believed to represent Lord Ram and brought from the Gandaki river in Nepal.
• The temple is 161 feet high and has three floors, each with a different purpose.
• The first floor is dedicated to Lord Ram, while the second floor is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and the third floor is a museum showcasing the history and culture of Ayodhya.
• The temple complex also includes a yajnashala or a hall for conducting yajnas or Hindu fire rituals, a community kitchen, and a medical facility.
• The temple complex is spread over 67 acres and is expected to become a major cultural and religious center, attracting millions of devotees from around the world.

Other interesting features:
• It will be a three-story structure with each floor having a height of 20 feet.
• The temple will have a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates.
• The main sanctum will house a child form of Lord Shri Ram (deity of Shri Ram Lalla Sarkar), and the first floor will feature Shri Ram Darbar.
• Entry to the temple will be from the east side, climbing 32 stairs from Singhdwar.
• The main temple of Ayodhya is surrounded by four temples dedicated to Sun God, Goddess Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva. Sitakoop from the mythological period will be present near the temple.

Who is the Chief architect?
• The temple was designed by Chandrakant B. Sompura (CBS), a renowned architect from the Sompura family of Ahmedabad.
• While, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCEL) were involved in the construction.

About Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra:
• Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra is a trust set up by the Government of India in February 2020. The trust is responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The trust is composed of 15 trustees.