Constructed over three floors, each 20 feet high, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya boasts 392 pillars and 44 doors in its complex. Embracing the Nagara style of temple architecture, the sanctum sanctorum will house the idol of Ram Lalla, while the first floor will feature the Shri Ram Darbar and five mandaps. Welcome to what is being anticipated as the heart of Ayodhya! A monumental moment is on the horizon as the highly anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir approaches. With the inauguration scheduled for January 22, 2024, the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol will kick off with a week-long ritual starting January 16.
As the inauguration date draws near, it’s time to delve into the intricate details of the temple’s infrastructure, design, and the engineering marvels that have shaped its construction. From the sacred sanctum sanctorum to the sustainable features embedded in its design, we are going to unfold the story behind the grandeur of the Ram Mandir, offering readers a glimpse into the fusion of tradition, technology, and devotion that defines this historic endeavor, as reported by The Indian Express.
Divine Elements: Temples and Statues Across the Complex
Once you step foot into the complex, you will be able to explore the intricate details of the temple’s design, including statues of deities adorning pillars and walls. You will discover dedicated temples at the four corners of the compound and learn about the proposed shrines for various revered figures within the complex.
Engineering Marvels and Construction Materials
The temple’s foundation boasts a 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete resembling an artificial rock. The construction has been done using Makrana marble, pink sandstone, granite stone, and colored marble from different states across the country. According to the IE report, the primary temple structure incorporates 4.7 lakh cubic feet of pink sandstone sourced from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. Additionally, 17,000 granite stones form the plinths, while the intricate inlay work is adorned with white Makrana and colored marbles.
Visitor-Friendly Facilities: Accessibility, Amenities, and Conservation
The report further stated that the temple complex will have visitor-friendly features, including ramps and lifts for elderly and differently-abled devotees, a dedicated block with bathing areas and washrooms, and a pilgrim facility center catering to 25,000 people. The temple’s commitment to environmental and water conservation can be witnessed with 70% of the 70-acre area which has been left green.
Craftsmanship and Collaboration: Expertise and Efforts Behind the Scenes
The collaborative efforts involving experts from prestigious institutions, such as IITs and NIT, have contributed to the final shape of the temple. The workforce involved in the construction of the temple included over 4,000 individuals, out of which 460 were craftsmen, who worked tirelessly to prepare the ground floor for the consecration ceremony.
Depicting Valmiki’s Ramayana in Temple Engravings
Jagdish Aphale, the project manager for the Trust, shared with IE their extensive research which involved studying 550 temples across India to identify optimal construction models. Notably, the temple grounds have a capacity for accommodating 1,500 individuals concurrently. Drawing insights from the impact of lightning strikes on some ancient temples in Mathura and Kashi, a pioneering decision was made to install 200KA light arresters on the temple structure—a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. Aphale, overseeing pilgrimage management, explained that as devotees embark on the parikrama of the temple, the walkways and columns have been meticulously engraved with 100 events from Valmiki’s Ramayana, offering a captivating Ram Katha Darshan experience.