Ayodhya: In a momentous occasion on Monday, the new idol of Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple, captivating the attention of millions who tuned in to witness the event from the comfort of their homes and in temples across the nation. As the consecration unfolded, Army helicopters added to the grandeur by showering flower petals on the newly constructed Janmabhoomi temple, creating a visual spectacle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound joy, tweeting, "The extraordinary moment of the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla's life in Ayodhya Dham is going to leave everyone emotional. It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme. Hail Siya Ram!" The ceremony marked a historic and emotional milestone, drawing people together in shared reverence for the consecration of the revered deity.
As Ayodhya witnesses the grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir emerges not just as a temple but as a testament to the collective spirit of devotion and inclusivity. With a unique blend of architectural brilliance, diverse contributions from across India, and symbolic gestures, the temple embodies the essence of India's rich cultural tapestry. The completion of this sacred space signifies not only the restoration of Lord Rama's birthplace but also sets the stage for broader initiatives, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual unity that the Ayodhya Ram Mandir represents for the nation.
- The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, designed by Chandrakant Sompura and team, stands out with 101 intriguing features. Let's explore some key aspects of this architectural marvel.
- Chief Architects and Design Advisors: Chief Architects: Chandrakant Sompura, Nikhil Sompura, Ashish Sompura.
- Design Advisors: IIT Guwahati, IIT Chennai, IIT Bombay, NIT Surat, Central Building Research Institute Roorkee, National Geo Research Institute Hyderabad, National Institute of Rock Mechanics.
- Construction Details: Construction Company: Larsen and Toubro (L&T).
- Management Company: Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCEL).
- Sculptors: Arun Yogiraaj (Mysore), Ganesh Bhatt, Satyanarayan Pandey.
- Temple Specifications:
- Total Area: 70 Acres (70% Green Area).
- Temple Area: 2.77 Acres.
- Dimensions: Length – 380 Ft, Width – 250 Ft, Height – 161 Ft.
- Architectural Style: Indian Nagara Style.
- Highlights: 3 Floors, 392 Pillars, 44 Doors.
- Special Features Inside the Temple: Sitakoop, a mythological well.
- 14-metre-thick Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) beneath the temple.
- Water treatment plant, sewer treatment plant, power station, and firefighting water system.
- Amenities: Bathrooms, toilets, wash basins for devotees.
- Time capsule buried 2,000 feet below with a copper plate inscribed with temple information.
- Unique Temple Components: Idols made of 60-million-year-old Shaligram Rocks.
- Bell made of Ashtadhatu (Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Iron, Mercury), weighing 2100 Kg.
- Bell sound audible up to 15 Km.
- Temple earthquake-resistant with an estimated age of 2500 years.
- Cultural Significance: Bricks with sacred inscription 'Shri Ram.'
- Sacred soil from 2587 regions used in construction.
- Four temples dedicated to Surya Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Ganesh Bhagwan, Lord Shiva in the compound.
- Construction Practices: No steel or iron used, primarily stones.
- Refinement of the blueprint in 2020 following Vastu and Shilpa Shastra.
- Future Plans:
- Consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024.
- Soil from Thailand sent to Ram Janmabhoomi.
- Replica of Ayodhya temple built in Thailand.
- Future temples for Maharishi Vashishtha, Valmiki, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Nishad Raj, Devi Ahilya, Mata Shabri.
- Pilgrims Facility Centre for 25,000 visitors with medical facilities and lockers.
- Global Contributions and Invitations: Gifts from Goddess Sita’s birthplace in Nepal.
- Special gifts from Sri Lanka.
- Invitations to saints, celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Mukesh Ambani, and others.
- Contributions and Communal Harmony:
- Contributions from diverse communities.
- Special gifts from different regions of India.
- Inclusive participation of various religious groups in the construction.
- Financial Details: Estimated expenditure of Rs.1,800 crore.
- Expenditure of Rs.900 crore reported between February 5, 2020, and March 31, 2023.
- Historical Context and Symbolism:
- Ayodhya, a "City of Temples" with religious structures beyond the Ram Mandir.
- Symbolic restoration of Lord Rama’s birthplace.
- Symbolizes unity and collective spirit.
- Invited Dignitaries and Guests:
- 4,000 saints invited for consecration ceremony.
- Notable personalities like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Mukesh Ambani invited.
- Inclusion of various dignitaries, journalists, and police officials from the past.
- Cultural Offerings and Rituals: Gifts, langar, and contributions from different regions.
- Rituals, special performances, and a diverse array of offerings.
- Musical contributions echoing the spirit of devotion.
- Temple Completion and Beyond: Anticipation of 90% completion by January 2024.
- Beyond the temple, plans for a vastu-based township.
- Ayodhya poised for broader initiatives and development.
- Unique Gifts and Prasadam: World's largest lock gifted for the temple.
- Laddoos from Hyderabad, Mathura, and other regions for the event.
- Special offerings and gifts symbolizing cultural diversity.
- Vastu-Based Township: India's first vastu-based township planned post-Pran Pratishtha.
- Spreads over 1,100 acres with traditional and modern architecture.
- Historical and Religious Connections:
- Historical and religious significance of various temples in Ayodhya.
- Ayodhya associated with Jainism and birthplace of Tirthankaras.
- Legends connecting Ayodhya with Korean queen Heo Hwang-ok.
- Cultural Contributions from Across India: Hand-woven carpets from Bhadohi.
- Carpets sent to Central Vista and Bharat Mandap in Delhi.
- Contributions from diverse communities, including Muslim craftsmen.
- Diverse Financial Contributions: Contributions from common citizens, street-side cobblers, rickshaw pullers.
- Donations from sex workers, elderly citizens, and the eunuch community.
- Over Rs.2000 crore collected since 2021 for the temple construction.
- Cultural and Musical Contributions: Musical compositions and songs reflecting devotion.
- Participation of individuals from all walks of life in the construction.
- Symbolic Gestures and Rituals: Giant bell from Rameshwaram symbolizing eternal connection.
- Doors crafted by artists from Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.
- Gold-plated footwear symbolizing blessings for families.
- Grand Pran Pratishtha Ceremony: Pran Pratishtha conducted by Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid and Lakshmikant Dikshit.
- 48-day cycle of mandala puja under Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swami.
- Scheduled Abhijit muhurta for the ceremony lasting 84 seconds.
- Temple Structure and Functionality: Three-story structure, each floor 20 feet high.
- First floor features Shri Ram Darbar, main sanctum for Shri Ram Lalla Sarkar.
- Five pavilions for various functions and activities.
- Entrance and Accessibility: Devotees enter from the eastern side.
- Climb 32 stairs from Singhdwar to reach the temple.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir stands as a symbol of cultural richness, unity, and devotion. Its completion marks a historic moment, bringing together diverse contributions and communities in the spirit of collective devotion. The completion of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and its Pran Pratishtha ceremony stand as historic milestones, embodying cultural richness, spiritual devotion, and collective effort. Designed by the acclaimed architects Chandrakant Sompura, Nikhil Sompura, and Ashish Sompura, this architectural marvel encompasses 101 fascinating features that make it a symbol of unity and reverence. From intricate design details to diverse contributions, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir holds a profound significance in the hearts of devotees. Let's explore the highlights that make this temple a testimony to India's cultural heritage and the spirit of communal harmony.
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