The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, also known as Shri Ram Mandir, is a Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Rama and is believed to have been built at Ram Janmabhoomi (the birthplace of Lord Shri Rama). The temple reflects the cultural and spiritual heritage associated with Lord Rama and holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Hindus.
Importance of Ayodhya Ram Mandir
The construction of the temple is seen as a symbolic victory for the Hindu community, who had been fighting for the temple’s construction for decades. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir holds profound significance for Hindus, transcending bricks and mortar to embody a cultural and spiritual heritage. It symbolizes Lord Ram’s birthplace, a deity revered as an embodiment of virtue, justice, and righteousness. This sacred site connects generations, fostering unity and devotion.
Architecture and Design
The temple is a three-storied structure that is earthquake-resistant and has 392 pillars and 44 doors. Its doors are made of Teakwood and are gold-plated. The estimated age of the temple structure is 2500 years. The idols are made up of 60 million years old Shaligram Rocks, brought from the Gandaki River (Nepal). The temple consists of 5 Mandapas: Nritya Mandapa, Rang Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Prarthana Mandapa, Kirtan Mandapa. On all four corners of the periphery (Parikota), four temples dedicated to Suryadev, Mother Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva will be constructed.
The temple is constructed using high-grade “Rolled Compacted Concrete” without Steel, Pink sandstone, Granite Stone, Shaligram Rock, Copper Plates, Gold, and Ashtdhatu Teakwood. The foundation design of the temple is unique and has 14 14-meter thick Rolled Compacted Concrete layered and given the shape of Artificial Stone. 56 layers of Compacted Concrete, made of Fly Ash/Dust and chemicals, have been used. 21-foot thick plinth, made up of Granite, has been used to protect the Ram Temple from moisture. Granite Stone from Karnataka & Telangana, and Pink Sandstone from Bans Paharpur (Bharatpur, Rajasthan) have been used in the foundation design.
Ram Lalla and Opening Date
The grand ceremony for the Ayodhya Ram temple inauguration is approaching, marked by the initiation of Vedic rituals for the consecration of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram) in Ayodhya, starting on January 16, 2024, a week prior to the main event. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is presently receiving both online and offline bookings for ‘Aarti’ passes in anticipation of the upcoming official opening of the temple. The consecration of Shri Ram Lalla is scheduled for January 22, 2024. The temple inauguration ceremony will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by UP CM Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, and president of the temple trust Mahant Nritya Gopal Das..
Conclusion
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a significant cultural and religious landmark that holds immense importance for the Hindu community. The temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India and serves as a reminder of the values of righteousness, truth, and compassion that Lord Rama embodied. The temple is a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world and is a must-visit pilgrimage site for Hindus.