A view of the under-construction Ram Temple decorated for 'Deepotsav', in Ayodhya on November 11. (ANI Photo)
India is gearing up for a historic event as the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is set to take place on January 22, 2024, marking a significant chapter in the nation’s history. The grand ceremony is expected to draw inspiration from the deep-rooted faith of millions of Indians who hold Ram Lalla close to their hearts.
Ram Mandir: World’s Third-Largest Temple
Envisioned as the world’s third-largest temple upon completion in 2025, the Ram Mandir complex is set to rival structures like the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey. The expansive temple can accommodate a million devotees simultaneously and stands as a testament to architectural prowess, with a colossal three-story structure reaching 161 feet above the ground. The temple boasts a robust 50-foot deep foundation, designed to withstand the test of time for at least a millennium without requiring renovation.
Architectural Marvel: The Garbhagriha
The heart of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, the garbhagriha, is a marvel of ancient Indian artistry. Drawing inspiration from Gujarat’s Modhera Sun Temple, the garbhagriha is intricately designed to allow the first rays of the sun to illuminate the deity. Adhering to millennia-old Vaastu Shastra principles, the sunrays will fall on the 8-foot-high gold-plated marble throne, where a 5-foot murti of Lord Ram, depicting Him as a 5-year-old child armed with a bow and arrow, will be enshrined.
Artisanal Excellence: Craftsmanship from Across Bharat
Artisans and sculptors from various corners of India have come together to create an immortal wonder in the form of the Ram Mandir. The superstructure is meticulously carved out of Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone from Rajasthan, while carpenters from Tamil Nadu have crafted the 44 doors, each showcasing intricate design, impeccable beauty, and geometrical precision.
Architectural Splendor: Fusion of Dravidian and Nagara Styles
A distinctive feature of the Ayodhya Ram Temple is its east-facing Gopuram-style entrance, seamlessly blending Dravidian architectural glory with Nagara splendour. Every inch of the temple is adorned with exquisite carvings of gods, goddesses, and narratives from India’s epics and scriptures, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Bharat.
Intricate Details: Columns, Ceilings, and Plinths
The temple’s 366 columns feature life-like idols of various avatars of Vishnu, Shiva, Saraswati, and Chausath (64) Yoginis. An octagonal shikara towers above the sanctum sanctorum, surrounded by five dome-shaped mandapas, each dedicated to different aspects of worship.
Sacred Accessories: Bell, Dhwaj Dand, and Mandapas
Among the colossal temple accessories is a 2100-kg bell that will resonate during the morning and evening aartis. A 44-ft dhwaj dand (flag pole) will be perched atop the temple, symbolising the cosmic axis and drawing the energy of the universe to the garbhagriha. Various mandapas, including Kudu, Nritya, Rang, Kirtan, and Prarthana, complete the sacred architecture.
As arrangements are in full swing for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on January 22, 600 kg of desi ghee from Jodhpur and turmeric from Cambodia have already arrived in Ayodhya. The Maharishi Sandipani Ram Dharam Gaushala in Jodhpur has sponsored ghee for the first aarti and hawan rituals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 10,000 dignitaries from across the country are expected to grace the inauguration ceremony. Additionally, a special puja will be performed at 5 lakh temples across India to mark the auspicious consecration of Ram Lalla.
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