The construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, dedicated to Ram Lalla, the infant form of Lord Ram. Is an exemplary fusion of traditional Indian heritage architecture and contemporary scientific construction techniques. This grand temple stands not only as a symbol of religious significance. But also as an engineering marvel designed to endure for centuries.
Architectural Design and Heritage Legacy:
The architectural design of the Ayodhya Ram Temple adheres to the Nagar Shaily, representing the northern Indian temple designs. Chandrakant Sompura, a seasoned architect with a family tradition spanning 15 generations in heritage temple structures, conceptualized this unique creation. With over 100 temple design by the Sompura family, the Ram Temple is hail as a rare seen, splendid creation in the annals of architecture.
Mr. Sompura emphasize, “In the annal of architecture, Shri Ram Temple will be a rare seen, unique kind of splendid creation ever conceptualiz not only in India but at any place on Earth.” The temple’s total area spans 2.7 acres, with a built-up area of approximately 57,000 square feet, structured across three floors.
Materials and Construction Quality:
One of the remarkable features of the Ayodhya Ram Temple is the absence of iron and steel in its construction. According to Shri Nripendra Misra, the chairperson of the temple construction committee, iron’s limited lifespan of 80-90 years prompted the exclusion of these materials. Instead, the temple boasts the very best quality granite, sandstone, and marble. The joints, eschewing cement or lime mortar, employ a lock and key mechanism using grooves and ridges throughout the entire structure.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director of the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, highlights the temple’s earthquake-resistant design. The structural integrity is ensur through a dry-jointed structure, design to withstand a return period earthquake of 2,500 years. The foundation was a unique challenge due to the sandy and unstable ground below the temple.
Scientific Foundation:
To address the unstable ground, the construction team undertook an ingenious approach. The soil for the entire temple area was excavat to a depth of 15 meters, and an engineer soil was laid in the area to a depth of 12-14 meter. No steel re-bars were use, and the 47-layer base were compact to create a solid rock-like foundation. On top of this, a 1.5-meter-thick M-35 grade metal-free concrete raft was laid for reinforcement. Further enhancing the foundation’s strength, a plinth of 6.3-meter-thick solid granite stone from southern India was added.
According to Ramancharla, “The temple may have heritage architecture as its base, but most modern finite element analysis, sophisticated software tools, and 21st-century building codes define the Ram Temple.”
Visible Structure and Architectural Integrity:
The part of the temple visible to visitors is crafted from pink sandstone called ‘Bansi Paharpur,’ extracted from Rajasthan. The CBRI notes that the ground floor comprises 160 columns, the first floor has 132, and the second floor has 74, all made of sandstone and intricately carved on the outside. The sanctum sanctorum is adorned with white Makrana marble from Rajasthan. Reminiscent of the material used in the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal.
The chosen architectural model, preserving the Nagara style, ensures both performance and architectural integrity. The structure, designed for a 1000-year lifespan, consists solely of interlocked stone, without steel reinforcement. CBRI has actively contributed to the project, providing structural design, design of the ‘Surya Tilak’ mechanism, design vetting of the temple foundation, and structural health monitoring.
Expert Perspectives:
Dr. Sharda Srinivasan, an archaeologist specializing in heritage metals at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, emphasizes the traditional dry masonry style, noting the use of interlocking grooves and pegs. Dr. Ramancharla asserts, “There can be no doubts that based on the current state of the art knowledge, the Ram Mandir will surely survive more than a thousand years.”
The construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple stands as a testament to India’s rich architectural heritage. And its ability to seamlessly integrate traditional techniques with modern scientific advancements. The meticulous planning, quality materials, and innovative solutions. Employed in its construction ensure that the temple will not only endure the test of time. But also serve as a beacon of cultural and engineering excellence for generations to come.
conclusion
The Ayodhya Ram Temple, with its unique blend of tradition and technology, stands tall as a symbol. Of devotion, architectural brilliance, and India’s ability to bridge the gap between the ancient and the modern. As the world eagerly awaits the completion and consecration of this grand structure. It reflects a timeless connection between spirituality and craftsmanship. The Ayodhya Ram Temple is not merely a physical edifice but a living testament to the enduring spirit of a nation.
