Shri Ram Mandir, Ayodhya

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, alternatively called the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, is a sacred temple venerating Lord Rama. According to Bhakti Marg, devotees revere the site in Uttar Pradesh as Lord Rama’s birthplace.

The temple’s history is intertwined with a protracted religious and legal contention. Erected in the 16th century by Mughal emperor Babur, the Babri Masjid mosque became the center of a dispute as Hindus asserted it occupied Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya, the precise spot of Lord Rama’s birth. This discord gave rise to debates regarding ownership and spiritual significance.

In 1992, a faction of Hindu activists demolished the Babri Masjid, setting off legal battles that prompted a protracted legal procedure. In a landmark decision in 2019, the Supreme Court sanctioned the construction of a Hindu temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya site, while mandating an alternate area for a mosque.

Subsequently, construction of the Ram Mandir commenced in Ayodhya. The temple’s blueprint amalgamates diverse regional architectural styles while adhering to conventional temple design principles. Envisioned with elaborate engravings, majestic spires, and large halls for devotees, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust oversees the Ayodhya Temple construction. The temple precinct encompasses the principal Ram Mandir and ancillary structures, including visitor amenities, gardens, and devotee facilities. Designed to serve the requirements of pilgrims and tourists from all corners of India and beyond, the Ayodhya Mandir complex embodies a vision of inclusivity.

Shri Ram Lalla Murti

Historical Exchanges of Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The Mughal emperor Babur constructed the Babri Masjid in the 16th century in Ayodhya. However, claims were made the mosque was built on the site of the original temple that marked Lord Rama’s birthplace. It led to tensions and disputes over the ownership and historical authenticity of the site.

The modern dispute gained significant attention in the 20th century. In 1949, idols of Lord Rama were placed inside the mosque, which led to its closure. Subsequently, legal cases were filed to determine the ownership of the site.

The dispute climaxed violently on December 6, 1992, when Hindu activists demolished the Babri Masjid. Following the demolition, legal battles intensified over the land’s ownership and the right to construct a temple. The Supreme Court of India ruled in November 2019 that the disputed land should be handed over to a trust to build a new Ayodhya Ram Mandir. It also instructed the government to provide an alternative plot to construct a mosque.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust oversees the construction of the new Ram Mandir Ayodhya. The temple’s design and construction are inspired by traditional Indian architecture and artisanship.

The construction of the Ayodhya Ji Ka Mandir is in progress. The temple is expected to become a prominent pilgrimage site and cultural landmark, symbolizing Lord Rama’s legacy and India’s historical and spiritual heritage.

Architecture Attributes of Ayodhya Mandir and Its Construction

Salient statistics of the main Ayodhya Mandir Ram Mandir:

• Total area: 1, 17,612 sq. ft.
• Built-up area: 57,400 sq. ft.
• Length: 360 ft.
• Width: 235 ft.
• Height: 161 ft. (including the peak)
• Floors: 3
• Floor height: 20 ft.
• No. of Columns on the ground/first/second floor: 160/132/74
• No. of pavilions: 5
• No. of gates: 12

Chandrakant Sompura is the chief architect of Ayodhya Ram Ji ka Mandir. Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, his two sons, both architects assist him. They prepared the original design of the temple in 1988. The Sompuras have been designing temples around the world for around 15 centuries. Once complete, the mandir complex will be the third-largest Hindu place of worship in the world. L&T is the contractor appointed for the construction of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Temple. The company is offering its design and supervision free of cost.

The architectural style of Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya draws inspiration from various traditional Indian temple architecture styles, particularly the North Indian Nagara style and elements of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The goal is to create a visually stunning and spiritually evocative structure that pays homage to India’s rich cultural heritage.

The Ram Ji Ka Mandir Ayodhya will be on an elevated platform and have the four typical Hindu temple features verandah or ‘chauki’, a semi-covered porch or ‘nritya mandap’, a covered porch or ‘gudh mandap’, and the sanctum sanctorum or ‘garbhagriha’, all aligned on the same axis.

According to Bhakti Marg, the design follows a classic temple layout, with multiple spires, intricate carvings, and grand entrances. The central focus is on the sanctum sanctorum, the Garbhagriha, where the main deity, Lord Rama, is enshrined. The temple complex features five spacious mandapas, including two for Kirtan and Prarthana, where devotees can gather for prayers and ceremonies.

One of the defining features of the Ram Mandir’s architecture is its impressive spires or shikhara. The Ram Temple Ayodhya will have multiple shikharas of varying heights, each adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The central shikhara will be the tallest and most prominent, symbolizing the presence of Lord Rama.

The Rama Temple Ayodhya will showcase exquisite stone carvings and sculptures in line with traditional temple architecture. These carvings depict scenes from Hindu belief, the life of Lord Rama, and other religious narratives. Of the 160 pillars on the ground floor, six are white marble, and the rest are pink sandstone, both from Rajasthan. The superstructure will be of a rare pink marble from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan.

The Ram temple’s construction is primarily based on stone, reflecting the traditional materials used in Indian temple architecture. The use of stone ensures the structure’s durability and contributes to its visual grandeur. More than 600,000 cubic feet of sandstone from Rajasthan’s Bansi Mountains will be used to construct the temple. There is no use of iron in the construction; instead, 10,000 copper plates will fuse the stone blocks.

Momentum of Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya holds profound significance for millions of Hindus in India and around the world. Its importance is multi-dimensional, encompassing religious, cultural, historical, and social aspects. Its primary significance is its religious aspect, Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism. Lord Rama is considered to be an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, and his life and teachings are outlined in the epic poem, the Ramayana. Ayodhya Ka Shri Ram Mandir stands as a monument to Lord Rama’s divinity, moral values, and his role as a model ruler and devotee.

With a long-standing court case, the event of Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha was concluded on 22nd January 2024 a historical momentum celebrated on a large scale by Hindus all over India. The Ram Lala Murti in Ayodhya is made of Shaligram, a black stone considered sacred and a representation of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu, the idol is 51-inch sculpted by Karnataka’s Arun Yogiraj portraying Ram Lalla as 5 years boy, decked with jewelry, a golden bow in hands, including plinth and umbrella and the Dashavtar carved on the side of murti. The Pranpartishta time was 12:29 to 12:45 in the short window for the pooja and the inauguration of the murti was concluded bringing joy to Hindus worldwide. During the Ayodhya Mandir Pran Pratishta, there were processions and pooja carried out in various locations to recreate the moment in various places and get a feel of being a part of Ram Lalla Murti Pran Prathista.

Ayodhya Ki Ram Mandir represents an integral part of India’s cultural heritage, it is an embodiment of the country’s ancient architectural and artistic traditions. The construction of Ayodhya ka Ram Mandir has invigorated a sense of cultural revival among Hindus. It has also fueled national pride, as the Shree Ram Mandir Ayodhya becomes a representation of India’s indigenous heritage and the ability to construct monumental structures through collective efforts.

Ayodhya, with the completed Ram Mandir, is expected to become a major religious tourism destination. This influx of visitors has the potential to boost the local economy, generating employment opportunities and contributing to infrastructure development. The Ram Mandir inauguration is a satiation of emotional, cultural, and religious bonding connected to the Ram Janmabhoomi.

When to Visit

Ayodhya can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to February when the weather is pleasant. Major festivals and occasions, such as Ram Navami, Diwali, and other celebrations related to Lord Rama, attract a large number of devotees to Ayodhya Ka Mandir.

Why Visit

Ayodhya Ji ka Ram Mandir is important to Hindus as they believe Ayodhya to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. It is an opportunity for devotees to connect with their faith and seek blessings. Ayodhya is steeped in history and mythology, making it a significant cultural and historical destination. The architecture and artisanship of the Ram Mandir showcase India’s rich artistic heritage and traditional building techniques.

The site’s significance in Hindu and Muslim traditions fosters interfaith dialogue and understanding. The city’s serene environment, along the banks of the Sarayu River, offers a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Location

The Ram Mandir is in Ayodhya, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is situated at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace.