Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya is set to be consecrated on Monday (January 22). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in the temple town and will soon be performing the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals, which are designed to infuse life into the idol of Ram Lalla.
The grand temple structure, spread over 2.7 acres of land, is 161 feet tall, 235 feet wide, and has a total length of 360 feet. And it has been built to last a thousand years, according to Larsen & Toubro, which designed and built the complex in about three years.
A marvel of modern engineering, the 3-storey structure has been designed not to just withstand the strongest earthquakes and most intense flooding, but endure for a millennium. “This marvel of engineering stands as a symbol of endurance designed and constructed to last a thousand years,” L&T Chairman and Managing Director S N Subrahmanyan was quoted as saying.
In an interview with NDTV, Shri Nripendra Mishra, head of the temple construction committee, also revealed how his team incorporated science as well as ancient Indian architectural know-how to ensure that the 161-feet masterpiece not only mesmerises devotees with its magnificence but lasts long.
THE TEMPLE STRUCTURE
The temple has three storeys, each floor being 20 feet tall, and five mandaps – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Gudh Mandap, Kirtan Mandap, and Prarthana Mandap – in addition to the main Shikhar. It is supported by 300 intricately sculpted pillars across the mandapas, and 44 teak doors.
The ground floor showcases the life of Lord Ram in intricate detail. While the main sanctum will house a child form of Lord Ram and the first floor features the Lord Ram’s Darbaar. Entry to the temple will be from the east side, climbing 32 stairs from Singhdwar.
There is also provision of ramps and lifts for the convenience of the differently-abled and elderly.
The main temple of Ayodhya is surrounded by four temples dedicated to Sun God, Goddess Bhagwati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva.
ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The temple’s design, inspired by traditional Nagara style architecture that has its origins in the fifth century, incorporates 360 pillars and is made entirely of pink Bansi Paharpur stones, sourced from the mines in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, granite and marble with a lock and key mechanism, which ensures a lifespan of up to 1,000 years.
No iron or steel has been used in the temple since the life of iron is merely 80-90 years. No cement or mortar has also been utilised in its construction.
According to reports, foundation of the temple is one of the most significant scientific innovations and includes 15-metre thick layer of rolled compacted concrete, which includes 56 layers of compacted concrete made from fly ash, dust, and chemicals.
The ground below the temple was unsturdy and flaky as it was made of mostly sand and the Sarayu River flowed near the site long ago. “The soil was excavated to about 15 metres. An engineered soil was laid in the area to a depth of 12-14 meters, no steel rebars were used, and the 47 layered bases were compacted to make it solid rock-like,” Director of the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, Dr Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla was quoted as saying.
A granite plinth, 21 feet thick, serves as additional reinforcement for this sturdy base and is intended to keep moisture out of the temple.
Reports further said that the foundation’s pillars are likened to those supporting mammoth bridges over mighty rivers, ensuring the temple’s robustness against seismic activity. The temple’s design is capable of enduring an earthquake of up to magnitude 6.5.
Furthermore, the temple incorporates a unique noon reflection mechanism, ‘Surya Tilak’ mirror, a lens-based apparatus, designed by CBRI and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), directing sunlight onto the idols’ foreheads at noon during Ram Navami, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees.
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