In the enchanting city of Ayodhya, a celestial symphony is set to unfold with the construction of the Ram Mandir. Beyond the religious significance, the temple stands as an architectural masterpiece, a testament to the confluence of tradition and innovation. Let’s embark on a journey to unravel the intricate details of this divine creation.
Who is the architect of Ram mandir?
In 1988, the Sompura family of Ahmedabad embarked on a sacred endeavor – designing the Ram Mandir. With a legacy spanning 15 generations, the Sompuras have sculpted over 100 temples globally, including the revered Somnath temple. Led by chief architect Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his sons Nikhil and Ashish, the Sompura legacy breathes life into the soul of the Ram Mandir.
Architecture of Ram mandir
Design: In 2020, a new design, rooted in Hindu texts like Vastu shastra and Shilpa shastras, emerged. The temple, a colossal 250 feet wide, 380 feet long, and 161 feet high, reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary architectural principles.
As the Sompuras adapted the design, the Ram Mandir evolved into the world’s third-largest Hindu temple.
Style: The temple’s architectural identity lies in the Gurjara-Chaulukya style, a subset of the Nagara architecture predominantly found in northern India. This distinctive style, showcased during the Prayag Kumbh Mela in 2019, captures the essence of the region’s temple design heritage.
Sanctum Sanctorum- Ascending from a raised platform with three storeys, the temple’s sanctum sanctorum is a sanctuary of divine splendor. Five mandapas, adorned with shikhara decorations in the Nagara style, encapsulate the essence of sacred architecture.
The central mandapas – Kudu, Nritya, and Rang – echo with the rhythm of devotion, while Kirtan and Prarthana on the opposite side provide spaces for spiritual harmony.
Symbolism- As the temple unfolds, it reveals a grandeur of symbolism. A total of 366 columns, each housing 16 idols, intricately depict the incarnations of Shiva, Dashavataras, Chausath Yoginis, and goddess Saraswati. The width of the stairs, spanning 16 feet, serves as a metaphorical ascent into the spiritual realm.
Temple Complex- Beyond the main structure, the Ram Mandir complex spans 10 acres, destined to become a haven for spiritual seekers. A prayer hall, lecture hall, educational facilities, a museum, and a cafeteria converge to create an environment where devotees can immerse themselves in the richness of their faith.
Builders- Larsen & Toubro, moved by the spiritual significance of the project, volunteered to oversee the design and construction of the temple, free of cost.
This collaboration between craftsmanship and corporate goodwill showcases the collective effort behind this monumental creation. Over 4,000 workers, including 460 craftsmen, have dedicated their efforts round the clock to prepare the temple’s ground floor for the upcoming consecration ceremony. The meticulous planning involved studying 550 temples across India to derive the best construction models.
The project’s manager, Jagdish Aphale, emphasizes the intricate engravings on walkways and columns, depicting 100 events from Valmiki’s Ramayana during pilgrimages. The fusion of traditional tales with modern construction techniques encapsulates the essence of preserving heritage and legacy
Cultural Contributions – In a poignant gesture, Thailand contributes soil to the Ram Janmabhoomi, symbolizing a shared reverence for the temple’s inauguration. This cultural exchange adds a global dimension to the spiritual journey, connecting diverse traditions in a celebration of unity.
Construction Materials- The temple prioritizes environmental conservation, leaving 70% of the 70-acre area green. Crafted from Makrana marble, pink sandstone, granite stone, and colored marble, the structure seamlessly blends Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh’s finest materials. The teakwood doors, sourced from Maharashtra, add a touch of craftsmanship and natural beauty.
Amenities and Technological Innovations- To ensure inclusivity, the complex includes ramps, lifts, bathing areas, and washrooms for the elderly and differently-abled devotees. With a pilgrims’ facility center catering to 25,000 people, complete with medical and locker facilities, the temple project stands as a beacon of accessibility.
Innovative measures, such as 200KA light arresters tested for the first time in India, ensure the safety of pilgrims and preservation of the temple’s structure.
Dedicated Corners– Statues of deities will adorn the pillars and walls, with dedicated temples at the four corners of the compound for Surya, Bhagwati, Ganesh, and Shiv. Temples to Annapurna and Hanuman will be erected on the northern and southern arms respectively.
Additionally, proposed temples for Maharshi Valmiki, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Nishad Raj, Shabri, and more will enrich the complex.
Construction Techniques- The temple’s foundation comprises a robust 14-meter-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete, providing both stability and the appearance of an artificial rock. A 21-foot-high granite plinth safeguards against ground moisture, with no iron used anywhere in the construction.
A cultural significance is embedded in the construction, with teakwood from Maharashtra’s Balarshah and Allapalli forest ranges adorning 44 doors, including 14 with gold-plating. Constructed with 600,000 cubic feet of sandstone from Rajasthan’s Baansi, the temple uniquely forgoes the use of iron. Instead, ten thousand copper plates will fuse the stone blocks.
Collaborations- The temple complex will host its sewage and water treatment plants, fire service, and an independent power station. Collaborative efforts from esteemed institutions like IITs in Delhi, Guwahati, Chennai, and Bombay; NIT Surat; Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee; National Geo Research Institute, Hyderabad; and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics have played pivotal roles in shaping the final structure.
Positive takeaway
As the countdown to the inauguration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir draws near, the architectural marvel of the Ram Mandir emerges as a timeless testament to human creativity and divine inspiration.
Rooted in tradition, sculpted with precision, and envisioned with modern flair, it stands as a beacon of spiritual grandeur that transcends time and resonates with the soul of every devotee.
The Ram Mandir not only etches a monumental presence on the landscape but also eternally imprints itself on the hearts of those who witness its majesty.
