As Ayodhya eagerly prepares for the momentous inauguration of the Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024, the significance and grandeur of this sacred edifice cannot be overstated. Let’s delve into some fascinating details about the temple that promise to make it an unparalleled marvel in the heart of India.
1. Largest Temple in India: The Ram Mandir is poised to claim the title of the largest temple in India, boasting an awe-inspiring design structure. Crafted by the renowned Sompura family, the architectural plans, conceptualized by Ashish Sompura three decades ago, reveal a majestic temple soaring to approximately 161 ft in height, covering an expansive area of 28,000 sq ft.
2. Sacred Foundation: The spiritual foundation of the Ram Mandir is woven with significance, as soil from 2587 sacred regions, including Jhansi, Bithoori, Haldighati, Yamunotri, Chittorgarh, Golden Temple, and more, was brought in to construct it. Each handful of soil carries the essence of revered places, infusing divine energy into the very core of the temple.
3. The Illustrious Architects: The temple is a testament to the expertise of the Sompura family, renowned for crafting over 100 temples worldwide, including the revered Somnath Temple. Led by chief architect Chandrakant Sompura and supported by his sons Ashish and Nikhil, this family has etched a legacy in temple architecture that transcends generations.
4. No Iron or Steel Used: In a remarkable feat of construction, the Ram Mandir stands as a symbol of traditional craftsmanship. It has been entirely built using stones, with no steel or iron employed in its creation, showcasing a commitment to ancient building techniques.
5. ‘Shri Ram’ Bricks: The bricks used in constructing the temple are inscribed with the sacred words ‘Shri Ram.’ This echoes an ancient practice, harking back to the construction of Ram Setu, believed to imbue the bricks with enhanced strength and durability.
6. Soil from Thailand: In a gesture of international spiritual camaraderie, soil from Thailand has been sent for the consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024. This symbolizes the universal resonance of Lord Ram’s legacy beyond geographical boundaries.
7. Special Features: Spanning three floors and covering 2.7 acres, the Ram Mandir is a visual spectacle. The ground floor depicts Lord Ram’s life, while the first floor showcases the grandeur of Lord Ram’s Darbaar, crafted with Bansi Paharpur, a pink sandstone from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur. The temple, standing at 360 ft in length, 235 ft in width, and reaching a height of 161 ft, is adorned with three floors and 12 gates, presenting an architectural marvel.
8. Contribution of Holy Rivers: Reports highlight that the consecration ceremony on August 5th incorporated holy water from 150 rivers across India, symbolizing the sacred connection of the temple with the nation’s lifelines.
9. Time Capsule for Posterity: Buried 2000 ft below the temple, a time capsule preserves the identity of the temple for future generations. A copper plate inscribed with relevant information about the temple, Lord Ram, and Ayodhya has been carefully placed to encapsulate the essence of this historic moment.
10. Nagar Style Architecture: The temple incorporates 360 pillars in the Nagar style, enhancing its visual appeal and establishing it as a masterpiece of architectural finesse.
