The New Year begins with a good start as we eagerly welcome the biggest event of the year, which our nation will witness live on January 22 at 12:20 p.m. Yes, we are talking about the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya and the consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol.

The sound of Ram Aayenge can be heard everywhere, from the enormous nationwide celebrations to Ayodhya emerging as a significant center for culture and tourism and religious leaders criticizing politicization. Everywhere you look in Ayodhya and other parts of the nation, there is a sense of euphoria. 

People disagree over the Ram consecration, arguing that politics should prevail over religion. Because political leaders ‘interfere in religious affairs,” some of the saints of Ayodhya have chosen not to participate in the ceremony. 

One of the saints stated, “It is against the sacred Hindu scriptures to hold the ceremony before the temple construction is complete.” 

Over the years, there has been discussion about the ancient city, even though it is nothing new for Ayodhya. That will still be a historic event for millions of Hindu devotees. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is getting ready to give a speech to the people, emphasizing the advancement of India’s cultural legacy and development. In light of this, Prime Minister Modi announces the start of his 11-day fast in advance and encourages everybody to celebrate this wonderful occasion– the Homecoming of Ram– by lighting up their homes!

The grandeur of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will bring in over 1.5 lakh devotees to the town of the temple. Let us examine its lasting influence, which permeates the nation’s spirituality, history, and social cohesion. 

History of Ayodhya Ram Mandir 

The legend behind the centuries-old history of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir stems from the Ramayana, where the revered Hindu deity Lord Rama is said to have been born. 

Tucked away on the banks of the Surayu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, is where the Ram Janmabhoomi is said to be. Apart from its religious significance, the historic town provided the setting for Lord Rama’s life story in the epic Ramayana.

According to legend, the original temple was built at the start of the twelfth century. However, a protracted legal dispute resulted from the 16th-century construction of the mosque known as the Babri Masjid.  

The Babri Mosque’s Demolition and Its Aftereffects 

In the 20th century, the Mandir-Masjid dispute grew substantially, becoming a political hotbed rife with conflicts between communities and legal disputes. The destruction of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, marked the tragic apex of the conflict. This incident was a turning point that tore apart India’s socio-political structure and set off nationwide communal riots. 

Court Cases and the Decision 

Following the demolition, the country became mired in protracted legal disputes and battles that questioned identity, national security, and religious freedom for decades. The case finally reached its apex when the Indian Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision on November 9, 2019, following a comprehensive review of all available evidence and documentation. After a protracted legal and emotional journey, the court decided in favor of the construction of Ram Mandir at the location, allocating a different plot of land in Ayodhya as a mosque. 

New Dawn: Construction of Ayodhya Ram Mandir 

In August 2020, following the historic Supreme Court ruling, work on the sacred temple at the Janmabhoomi site got underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bhoomi Pujan ceremony took place after it. 

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is responsible for the temple’s construction and consecration ceremony. Several temples spread across about 70 acres of land will be part of the RAM mandir complex. The Ram Mandir budget is estimated to be between Rs 1,400 and Rs 1,800 crores. 

The Ayodhya Ram temple, which occupies 2.7 acres, is praised for fusing cutting-edge design with India’s architectural legacy. The Mandir’s architecture, which combines traditional craftsmanship with modern building techniques, is inspired by classical Hindu temples and celebrates technological prowess with the glorious past. 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Temple Architecture 

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, created by the Sompura family and the Larsen & Toubro construction company, is expected to be a stunning work of art. The temple complex stands by its magnificent proportions, elaborate design, strong spires, and delicate sculptures. 

The Sompura family is renowned for temple architecture, crafting more than 100 temples, including the notable Somnath temple. The chief architect Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his sons, revised the original 1988 design and tweaked certain modifications. 

Design of the Temple 

The Nagara style, which features tall, multiple shikhara, and the Dravidian style, which incorporates gopurams, are the primary influences on the temple’s aesthetics. 

Deeply rooted in Hindu texts, the temple’s design balances positive energy by following Vastu Shastra principles. The three floors of the larger, enlarged temple design now include five exquisitely crafted domes (mandapas) and elaborate pillars that add to the overall beauty of the structure. At 161 feet high, the central spire, or shikhara, is the third-largest Hindu shrine in the world. 

Description of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Building

The temple’s most noticeable aspect is its octagonal Garbha (Sanctum sanctorum), which, in keeping with the tradition of Vishu temples, houses the idol of Ram Lalla, the infant ideal of Lord Rama. 

What distinguishes the Ram Mandir’s structure from others? Stone, wood, cement, copper, and gold are used instead of iron and steel, honoring India’s traditional and sustainable methods. The meticulous attention to detail carved into these materials adds to their exquisite appeal. 

Sculptures and Specifics 

Pink marble from Rajasthan’s Bansi Paharpur stone, known for its durability and beauty, adorns the superstructure of the Ram temple. These unusual pink sandstones occur in the Bharatpur District of Rajasthan on other remarkable structures, such as the Parliament Complex, the Akshardham Temple, and Lal Qila Agra. 

The walls and pillars, adorned with elaborate carvings and rich depictions of Hindu deities, floral motifs, and scenes from the Ramayana, serve as a testament to our rich history. 

Cultural Parade 

In addition to its magnificent physical structure and historical legacy, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has cultural and symbolic significance. Festivals and celebrations will occur to mark the much-anticipated event, creating a festive atmosphere and breathtaking visual show.

Politics leaders and other dignitaries around the globe have received invitations to the event, and preparations are well underway. The 7,000 guests are executives, famous people, athletes, army officers, religious leaders, and honorees. 

On January 24, however, the temple will be operational and accessible to the public. Multiple cultural delights, such as the Ram Charan Paduka Yatra, Ram Leelas, and much more, will serve as the primary ceremonial occasion.

As part of the Swatchhata Abhiyaan, PM Modi has already sparked the festivities and customs by cleaning the grounds of the Kalaram Temple in Nashik. He urged the nation’s temples to engage in cleaning initiatives. 

Gifts from all over the nation and overseas indeed to the religious fervor at Ayodhya Ram Mandir. A heartfelt symbol of unity, harmony, and devotion!

Among the unusual presents are alloys made from eight metals (gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tin, iron, and mercury) and a 2,100 kg carved-off temple bell. Metal idols for Hindu and Jain temples in India frequently come with it. 

A 500 kg gold foil Nagada (temple drum) from Gujarat and a 108-foot incense stick that will burn for 45 days and spread its fragrance over several kilometers are additional huge presents. Other souvenirs include gold shoes, a clock, the lock and key in the world, which stands ten feet tall, and more. 

Furthermore, Sri Lanka and Nepal, two neighboring countries where Goddess Sita was born, generously donated to the Ram temple. 

Ayodhya City Renovation! 

Ayodhya is transforming into a vibrant city ahead of the ceremony preparations. The Master Plan 2031, which calls for an investment of more than 80,000 crores, divides the redevelopment of the temple town into several themes, including embracing modern and cultural Ayodhya and fostering regional business and economic growth.  

The Ayodhya Mandir has led to a notable spike in online reservations and a corresponding increase in hotel rates. 

Worldwide Recognition 

There is a lot of joy and celebration of Ram Janmabhoomi, not only within the nation but also globally, as the celebrations pick up stream in many other countries. The event will be streamed live from Times Square in New York City, further cementing the Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s reputation as a global supplier of spiritual and cultural icons. The Hindu-American community in Chicago, Houston, and other cities organized large-scale auto rallies.

Paris, the city of love, is joining in the festivities. The Indian community there is arranging a Rath Yatra, which will take place 24 hours before the consecration ceremony on January 21. There will be a cultural celebration and a through pooja arti.  

Donations to Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Donations from Hindu devotees have been overwhelmingly generous towards the construction of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. Over Rs 5,500 crore have been contributing toward the same and counting. 

Where is the Ayodhya Ram Mandir located? 

All means of transportation, including air, rail, and road, connect Ayodhya City to other regions of the nation. 

Ram Mandir: The Assured!

Anticipation is high as the day of Lord Ram’s “Pran Pratistha” ceremony on January 11 approaches. Hindu devotees are rushing across the globe, counting the weeks and preparing for this special day. The dream is finally coming true after years of longing. The passionate followers of Lord Ram, bound by faith and devotion, are celebrating and anticipating their god’s return home with great anticipation.  The nation will undergo a paradigm change at this time, fortifying ties and ushering in a progressive future where tradition and modernity coexist peacefully.