In the sacred city of Ayodhya, we can witness history as the spectacular construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir takes place. The Ram Mandir has become a grand symbol of reverence for many. The Ram Mandir on the Ram Janmabhoomi, i.e., Ayodhya, is all set to be inaugurated in the presence of honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries. The auspicious date for this occasion is finalized to be 22nd January 2024 (Monday).
The auspicious consecration ceremony (Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha) of Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum (Garbha-Griha) will happen, after which the temple will be open for the devotees.
First and foremost, the responsibility for the construction of the spectacular Ram Mandir has been given to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which was established by the Government of India. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is the authorized body overseeing the construction.
The Ram Mandir, the grandest temple in the world, is already garnering a lot of attention for displaying its distinct characteristics. Let’s get started!
Architecture of India’s largest temple: The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is set to be the largest temple in the country. The construction of the Ram Mandir has been entrusted to the famous Sompura family of Gujarat, who are known for their expertise in temple architecture. The original design for the temple was conceived in 1988 by the Sompura family of Ahmedabad. However, the old design was modified as per Ayodhya Ram Mandir Vastu tips, Vastu principles, and architectural principles and rebuilt in 2020. The chief architects are Chandrakant Sompura and his two sons, Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura. The notable Sompura family has a rich legacy of temple craftsmanship. After all, they have been associated with the design of some well-known Indian temples.
Layout And Structure of The Ram Mandir: According to the Sompura family, the temple is 161 feet high, 380 feet long, and 250 feet wide, covering an expansive 28,000 square feet. The main temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture, which consciously blends aesthetic beauty, grace, grandeur, and ancient wisdom.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir has three floors, each designed to offer the devotees a view of the various stages of Lord Rama's journey. The temple has 392 pillars and 44 doors. Some of the temple doors are believed to be coated with 100 kg of gold. The Ram Mandir has five Mandaps, which include the Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthna, and Kirtan Mandaps. The pillars and walls of the temple are decorated with exquisite sculptures and statues of gods and goddesses and intricate carvings depicting India's rich history. The main entrance of the Mandir is called the 'Singh Dwar'. The entrance has a series of statues of prominent figures from the epic Ramayana. Along the Parikrama path, events depicting instances from Valmiki's Ramayana have been engraved on the columns. The idea behind this is to portray the Ram Katha Darshan.
Apart from the main Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the complex consists of various other religious structures. One temple has been constructed at each of the four corners, which are dedicated to Surya Dev, Lord Ganesha, Devi Bhagwati, and Lord Shiva. Additionally, the complex will have other temples devoted to Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashishtha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri and Devi Ahilya. There will also be temples dedicated to Maa Annapurna and Lord Hanuman.
The ancient temple of Lord Shiva, situated on the Kuber Tila in the Southwestern part of the Ram Mandir complex, has been carefully restored. This sacred place also has a bronze statue of 'Jatayu' from the Ramayana installed. In addition, a historic sacred well called the Sita Koop is located near the temple and can be traced back to ancient times.
No Steel, No Iron: There has been a remarkable departure from standard construction practices when it comes to the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Interestingly, no iron or steel has been used in the construction of the Ram Mandir, making it an architectural marvel. The General Secretary of Shriram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust claims that the exclusive stones and building materials used will ensure that the temple's structural integrity will be upheld for a millennium.
Check this out: Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Why Was Arun Yogiraj’s Idol Selected?
The idol of Lord Rama that is to be installed in the main sanctum sanctorum of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a five-year-old child form of Lord Rama or Ram Lalla with a bow and arrow in an erect standing posture. On the other hand, the first floor is made to look like Lord Ram's Darbar. As per the Udupi seer Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swami from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, renowned and famous sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysore will use black stones or Krishna Shila from Karnataka and has the momentous task of carving out the idol of Lord Rama in the form of an archer. It is widely being said milk and water will have no adverse effects on the stone.
To inaugurate the 'Ram Mandir, ' the invitation kit for the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha contains a booklet. It also includes two boxes. One has special Motichoor Ladoos made with Desi Ghee and a holy Tulsi leaf. Another box consists of the soil recovered while digging the Ram Janmabhoomi land and the holy water of the Sarayu river. It also includes religious books, an image of Lord Rama, and adorned and decorated sheets. This gift, in the form of the invitation kit, has been built to commemorate this historic event. This gift captures the history of the temple, and it symbolizes the coming together of the guests and the temple. This will commemorate the presence and participation in this important chapter of Indian history.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir has become a symbol of the historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage of the country. Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha has been picked to be on 22nd January 2024 (Monday). The date holds immense cultural, spiritual, and religious significance. Indeed, this date coincides with many favorable periods, as per the Ram Mandir astrology facts, like the Abhijit Muhurat, Mrigashirsha Nakshatra, Amrit Siddhi Yoga, and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, which makes it an appropriate choice for such a sacred occasion of the consecration ceremony.
22nd January 2024 will fall after Makar Sankranti, which will mark the Sun's Northward movement into the Capricorn sign. This time will be a period of auspiciousness and new beginnings. No wonder it is an ideal time for starting auspicious tasks like inaugurating the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
An interesting read: Why 22nd January? Know The Importance of The Ram Mandir Consecration Date
The construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a step towards celebrating India's rich cultural heritage. The temple will offer a glimpse into that, and this edifice will surely become an embodiment of devotion and cultural heritage.
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