Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust recently shared glimpses of the ongoing construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, revealing meticulously crafted stone statues that will play a vital role in the temple's aesthetics.
As part of the temple's design, 3,600 statues, adhering to Hindu Shastras, will complement the expected installation of the Lord Ram idol at its original location. These statues, signify an integral aspect of the temple's architectural composition.
The trust expressed enthusiasm on Twitter, providing updates on the progress of the exquisite statues. The statues in the image above, will be strategically placed on pillars, bases, and designated locations within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
According to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the ground floor construction is currently 70% complete, while the roof work has reached 40% completion in the latest phase of construction.
The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ram is expected to be partially ready by late 2023, with full completion scheduled for December 2023. Devotees can look forward to its opening post-Makar Sankranti in January 2024.
The specially constructed platform within the sanctum sanctorum will host the 51-inch idol of Lord Ram, serving as the spiritual centrepiece of the temple.
The temple complex has expanded to cover 110 acres, incorporating various religious and vaastu elements. This expansion aims to provide a comprehensive setting for devotees.
The projected cost for the entire Ram temple complex in Ayodhya is around Rs 1,000 crore, encompassing the temple, museum, digital archives, and a research center.
Champat Rai, the General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, shared initial glimpses of the temple's sanctum sanctorum on Twitter, describing the images as both breathtaking and divine.
The temple's walls will feature captivating depictions of various religious themes, guided by a committee of religious heads and art experts. Notably, the construction will utilize copper joints for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, a departure from conventional steel joints.
To make the journey comfortable and easy for the visitors, the Ayodhya airport, poised to be completed before the inauguration of the Ram Temple, is also getting a renovation. An initial glimpse of the airport under construction revealed a design that mirrors the city's rich culture and heritage.
Costing ₹250 crores, the airport draws inspiration from the Nagara style of temple architecture. Featuring intricately carved pillars and artworks inspired by the Hindu scripture Ramayana, the two-storeyed airport's design is aptly crafted to warmly welcome visitors to Ayodhya.
The primary entrance of the airport will feature an impressive stepped 'shikar,' reminiscent of the elevated structure found in temples. The entirety of the airport will be adorned with scriptures, while the substantial columns supporting the terminal roof will symbolize the 'Kandas'—significant events—of the Ramayana. This symbolic representation ensures that the airport seamlessly combines Ayodhya's cultural heritage with contemporary facilities.
The Ayodhya airport, to be named Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport, is planned to handle a peak hour capacity exceeding 750 passengers, allowing for up to four aircraft movements per hour.