The Ayodhya Ram Mandir: A Symbol of Faith and Unity
Background and History
Ayodhya is an ancient city that holds great religious significance in Hinduism as the birthplace of Lord Rama. The Babri Masjid mosque was constructed on the site in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a commander of the Mughal Emperor Babur.
In the 19th century, the first recorded incidents of religious violence occurred as Hindu groups sought to gain access to the site, which they believed was the exact birth spot of Rama. After India's independence in 1947, lawsuits were filed by both Hindu and Muslim groups staking claim over the land.
In 1949, idols of Rama were placed inside the mosque, leading authorities to lock the gates to avoid conflict. In 1984, the Hindu organization Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) began a campaign for the construction of a Rama temple at the site.
Matters came to a head on December 6, 1992, when the mosque was demolished by Hindu activists, leading to nationwide religious riots causing thousands of deaths. After decades of legal disputes, India's Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that the land would be given to a government-created trust for the construction of a Hindu temple.
Brief Details on Ayodhya Ram Mandir, its Timings & Status
| Opening Date | 22 January 2024 |
| Ram Mandir inauguration time | from 12:29:03 pm to 12:30:35 pm during the 'Abhijit muhurta'. The 'auspicious muhurta' will last for 84 seconds only. |
| Current Status | Almost completed, in its last stage |
| Mandir Timings | 7.00 AM to 11.30 AM 02:00 PM to 07:00 PM |
| Total Area | 2.7 Acres |
| Total Built-up Area | 57,400 Sq. ft. |
| Total length of the temple | 360 feet |
| Total width of the temple | 235 feet |
| Total height of the temple including the peak |
161 feet |
| Total number of floors | 3 |
| Height of each floor | 20 feet |
| Number of columns in the ground floor of the temple |
160 |
| Number of columns in the first floor of the temple |
132 |
| Number of columns in the second floor of the temple |
74 |
| Number of pedks and pavilions in the temple |
5 |
| Number of Gates in the temple |
12 |
| Nearest railway station | Ayodhya Junction Faizabad Junction |
Design and Construction of Ayodhya Ram Mandir
The design and construction of the new Ram Mandir is being overseen by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Numerous leading architects from India and worldwide have contributed their designs and technical expertise, volunteering their services for the temple project.
In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the temple's groundbreaking ceremony, or 'bhoomi pujan'. Larsen & Toubro are the primary construction company building the temple, while expert sculptors from across India will carve the intricate stone reliefs. The temple is planned to be built in the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture.
The Ram Mandir will be built using stately materials such as carved sandstone and marble over an area of 107 acres. At its heart will be the sanctum sanctorum housing the idols of Ram Lalla, the infant Ram. Surrounding it will be the main temple, guest houses, museum, and where ra, or king.
The construction is planned to be completed by early 2024. The total estimated cost of construction is around Rs. 1,800 crore (about USD 250 million). The project is being crowdfunded through voluntary donations from millions of Hindus globally.
Significance and Symbolism
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is of great spiritual significance to Hindus as the birthplace of one of their most important deities. Many Hindus also view the temple as a symbol of India's Hindu heritage and identity.
However, the temple also has symbolism beyond just Hinduism. Supporters of the Ram Mandir promote it as a monument representing India's ethos of unity.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir is significant as it coincides with the centenary of the Chauri Chaura incident of 1922. That incident involving Hindu-Muslim clashes had led to Gandhi calling off India's non-cooperation movement against British rule. Therefore, for many, the new Ram Mandir represents closure and healing from a painful history.
Current Status of Ayodhya Ram Mandir
As of January 2024, the Ram Mandir construction is in full swing and remains on schedule for completion before August 2024. The plinth of the temple has been completed and work on the ground floor and superstructure is progressing rapidly.
Over 50% of the carving and construction work has been completed. The columns, floors, walls and sculpted panels are taking shape. The pink sandstone for the construction has been sourced from mines in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
In December 2022, Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted an inspection visit of the site to review construction progress. The temple trust has stated its commitment to meet the deadline and open the temple on time for devotees.
Major portions of the temple's foundation are finished. The illustrious sanctum sanctorum is also nearing completion. Architects and engineers are working round the clock to get the temple ready according to schedule.
The Ram Mandir is one of the most keenly anticipated religious monuments in India's recent history. Its inauguration will mark the symbolic fulfilment of a decades-long movement. When finally complete, it is sure to attract devotees from across India and the world, making it one of the country's major pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
While its construction has been controversial, the Ram Mandir now stands as a beacon of faith, spirituality and national unity. It fills devotees with optimism for the future while celebrating India's ancient heritage. The inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir will undoubtedly be a landmark moment in the country's history.
Image & videos/ Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra