Dedication to Lord Rama – Ram Mandir Ayodhya
Situated in Ayodhya, the revered birthplace of Lord Rama, the Ram Mandir stands as a monumental fusion of devotion and history. This temple encapsulates centuries of history and cultural significance, embodying the spiritual ethos of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, Bharat.
The consecration date is the 22nd January 2024
History
Between the years 1528 and 1529, the Babri Masjid emerged under the rule of Mughal emperor Babur, erected upon an existing Hindu temple honoring the birthplace of Lord Ram.
In 1961, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central WAQF Board demanded the removal or destruction of an idol of Lord Ram within the mosque. Subsequently, legal proceedings granted Hindus permission to worship on the site. Following a prolonged legal and communal struggle, the mosque was finally demolished in 1992.
The Allahabad High Court later decreed a division of the contested area between the Sunni WAQF Board and Hindu groups. Presently, the Sunni WAQF Board retains significant lands across Bharat, many of which hold historical Hindu significance. The board which is protected by constitution was initially empowered during the Congress Party era to address the demands of the second-largest majority in Bharat.
Concluding the title dispute on November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court acknowledged the 2.77 acres at the disputed site as the birthplace of Lord Ram, paving the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir. In 2020, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the new Ram Mandir, marking the commencement of construction.
Birth of Lord Rama
According to this ancient scripture, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya sought an heir to his throne and performed a grand yajna, a sacrificial ritual. Pleased with the king’s devotion, the gods blessed him with a prasadam, which was then shared among his three queens, Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Consuming the divine offering, Kausalya gave birth to Lord Ram, Kaikeyi to Bharata, and Sumitra to the twins, Lakshmana and Shatrughna.
Lord Ram’s birth is not just a biological event, it is a cosmic manifestation of divine energy incarnating to uphold righteousness and restore balance to the world. His life, as depicted in the Ramayana, becomes a timeless saga of virtue, duty, and devotion.
The Architect of the Ram Mandir
The architectural mastermind behind the temple is Chandrakant Bhai Sompura, serving as the chief architect. His familial legacy in temple design traces back to his grandfather, Prabhakarji Sompura, who, alongside his son Ashish Sompura, crafted the iconic Somnath Temple. Appointed in 1992, the 79-year-old architect emphasized that the Ram Mandir adheres to the Nagara style, in alignment with the principles of Vastu Shastra.
Sompura outlined the design details, noting that the entrance on the east would follow the Gopuram style, reminiscent of the temples in the southern regions. The temple walls are envisioned as canvases, adorned with artworks portraying the life and stories of Lord Ram.
Details of the New Ram Mandir
Location: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Total Area: 2.7 Acres or 10927m2
Built Up Area: 57400 sq. ft or 5333m2
Length and width: 360 ft or 110m by 235 ft or 72m
Height: 161 ft or 50m
Floors: 3 at 20 ft or 6m per floor
Total columns: 366
Number of Gates: 12
Source: https://srjbtkshetra.org/main-temple
Conclusion
The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya transcends its role as a mere temple, it stands as a profound symbol of faith, unity, and cultural heritage. Its construction marks a pivotal moment in history, symbolizing the victory of truth, justice, and righteousness. This temple which will serve as a pilgrimage destination of hundreds of years to come, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hindu community, and unwavering devotion to Dharma in the face of adversity.
Jai Shri Ram