Ram Mandir Ayodhya: 10 Unknown Facts You Need to Know

Current Affair, UPSC-CSE

Ram Mandir Ayodhya: 10 Unknown Facts You Need to Know

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians, representing not just a religious site but also a symbol of cultural and historical significance. The recent happenings surrounding the construction of the Ram Mandir have brought both joy and contemplation to people across the nation.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony, known as the Bhoomi Pujan, took place on August 5, 2020, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi officiating the event. The ceremony marked a significant moment for Hindus worldwide and signified the beginning of the construction phase of the grand Ram Mandir.

10 Interesting Facts about Ayodhya Ram Mandir:

Largest Temple in India: The Ram Mandir is set to become India’s largest temple based on its design. The Sompura family, responsible for the design, mentioned that it was crafted 30 years ago by Chandrakant Sompura’s son, Ashish Sompura. The family states that the temple’s height will be around 161 feet, covering an area of 28,000 square feet.
Holy Soil Across 2587 Regions: An interesting fact about the Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s construction lies in its foundation, made from sacred soil sourced from 2587 regions. Notable places such as Jhansi, Bithoori, Yamunotri, Haldighati, Chittorgarh, Shivaji’s Fort, Golden Temple, and others contribute to this holy foundation.
No Use of Iron Steel in Construction: As reported by various Uttar Pradesh news sources, the Ram Mandir will be completely made of stones. The use of steel or iron in the temple’s making has been ruled out. Anu Bhai Sompura, the project supervisor, has affirmed that materials such as copper, white cement and wood will replace iron in the construction process.
Time Capsule underneath the Temple: According to news sources, authorities plan to bury a time capsule nearly 2000 feet below the ground beneath the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Temple. The primary aim is to preserve the temple’s identity for the future. The time capsule will hold a copper plate inscribed with relevant details about the Ram Mandir, Lord Ram, and Ayodhya as his birthplace, will safeguard this information from fading into mystery.
150 Holy River Water Combine: During the special ceremony on August 5th, a sacred foundation was laid using holy water from 150 rivers across India. This unique blend of water was curated by two brothers, Shabd Vaigyanik Mahakavi Triphala and Radhey Shyam Pandey. It comprises water from three seas, eight rivers, Sri Lankan soil, and water from Mansarovar. Additionally, it includes water from a 600-year-old Durga Temple in West Jaintia Hills and rivers Myntang and Myntdu.
Special Bricks Used for Construction: As per reports from Ayodhya, the construction of the temple will utilize special bricks inscribed with Shri Ram. Some of these bricks, known as Ram Shilas, have remained unused for the past 30 years. Ayodhya Ram mandir construction will receive 51,000 of these bricks as a donation which weighs 3 kg each.
Historical Context: According to Uttar Pradesh news sources, it’s crucial to delve into the historical context of the Ram Mandir. The dispute over the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site has been a longstanding issue, sparking debates and legal battles for decades. The culmination of this dispute came in 2019 when the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the construction of the Ram Mandir.
Community Participation in Donations: In addition to essential construction supplies, many prominent figures have contributed significantly to the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir through monetary donations. For instance, CM Adityanath Yogi donated approximately 11 lakhs, Deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya contributed 6.60 lakhs, and Morari Bapu generously donated 5 crore towards the cause.
Inclusive Architecture: The two-story Ram Mandir stands 128 feet tall, with dimensions of 268 feet by 140 feet. The ground floor narrates Lord Ram’s birth and childhood, while the first floor features his Darbaar. Notably, the temple uses Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone from Rajasthan and incorporates 360 pillars in the Nagar Style. The 57-acre complex allocates 10 acres for the main temple and the rest for surrounding smaller temples.
Tourist Attraction: Besides its religious importance, the Ram Mandir has become a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the world who are interested in exploring India’s cultural and architectural marvels.