According to the Indian Express, preparations for a significant event at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are underway, as the temple is set to host another consecration ceremony in the coming month. Unlike the grand “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony held on January 22, 2024, which was attended by over 8,000 people and led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this event will be a more subdued affair. The ceremony will mark the coronation of Lord Ram as King, coinciding with the installation of the Ram Durbar, or royal court, on the first floor of the temple.
Ram Temple’s Construction About to Completed
The construction of the Ram Temple, which began in 2020 following a Supreme Court ruling, is nearing completion. The court’s decision led to the formation of a committee to oversee the building process, currently chaired by Nripendra Misra, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Misra recently confirmed that the construction of the temple complex is expected to be completed by the end of this month, with the remaining work on the parkota, or compound wall, set to conclude before the end of the year.
The temple complex, built in the traditional Nagara style, spans an impressive 380 feet in length, and 250 feet in width, and stands 161 feet tall. It is supported by 392 intricately carved pillars and 44 doors. As the structure nears completion, the final touches, including the installation of all statues inside and outside the rampart, are expected to be finished by the end of April. Misra noted that approximately 20,000 cubic feet of stone remains to be laid, with the temple expected to be ready by April 15.
An Important Part of the Project to be Installed
In addition to the main temple, a significant part of the project includes the installation of the Ram Durbar. The royal court, being sculpted in Jaipur by a team of 20 craftsmen led by Prashant Pandey, is carved from white Makrana marble. This installation will complement the existing 51-inch-tall idol of Ram Lalla, created by artist Arun Yogiraj, which depicts Lord Ram as a toddler.
The ongoing work at the Ram Temple complex also includes the installation of a large statue of Saint Tulsidas, the revered author of the Ramcharitmanas, the most popular version of the Ramayana. The area surrounding the temple, covering approximately 20 acres, will also be beautified to maintain harmony with nature.
Ramkatha Katha Museum Being Developed
Further enriching the cultural and historical experience, an International Ramkatha Museum is being developed around 4 km from the temple. This museum will feature immersive exhibits, including a hologram bringing Lord Ram’s story to life, a section dedicated to the 200-year-long Ram Temple movement, and artifacts unearthed during archaeological excavations at the site. These additions will offer a comprehensive view of the historical and spiritual significance of the Ram Temple.
As the temple construction draws to a close, the upcoming consecration ceremony will be an important milestone in the temple’s journey, capping off a significant chapter in its long-awaited development.
