Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya: The Grand Temple of Lord Rama
The Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a grand temple dedicated to Lord Rama. Learn about its history, significance, architecture, location, best time to visit, and more.
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The Legend of Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya
The Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh is one of the most sacred temples for Hindus across India and around the world. As per Hindu mythology, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama, one of the major deities in Hinduism and the epic protagonist of the Ramayana.
Ram Mandir literally translates to Rama's Temple. The grand temple is currently under construction and will have majestic architecture befitting the epic legend it commemorates. Devotees believe it stands on the hallowed ground where Lord Rama was born millions of years ago during the Treta Yuga.
The Legacy of Rama and His Reign in Ayodhya
Lord Rama holds a deeply significant place in Hinduism and Indian culture. He is revered as an ideal king, moral exemplar, dutiful son and husband, and divine incarnation of Vishnu born to uphold dharma.
The Shri Ram Mandir stands as a commemoration of Rama's reign from Ayodhya when he returned after 14 years of exile. According to the Valmiki Ramayana, Rama was crowned king after being welcomed back by the joyous people of Ayodhya.
Lord Rama's Exemplary Reign as King
Rama rajya refers to the peaceful, prosperous and righteous period when Lord Rama ruled as king from Ayodhya. During this time, dharma, moral values and ethics prevailed.
Key aspects of Rama's rule include:
- Upholding religious freedom - did not distinguish between faiths
- Ensuring social equality - did not discriminate between rich and poor
- Effective justice system - no crime under his watch
- Gender equality - empowered roles for women
- Abundant resources for all citizens - no scarcity
- Spreading knowledge and ethics - patron of learnings
Rama rajya demonstrates Lord Rama's ability as a wise statesman, just ruler and restorer of morality and prosperity in the kingdom.
The Maryada Purushottam and Divine Incarnation
Beyond being a great king, Lord Rama is worshipped by Hindus as the Maryada Purushottam - the perfect upholding the moral code of conduct. He is the ideal son, husband, brother and leader who demonstrated dignity and virtue in all aspects of life.
Most importantly, Rama is an avatar of Vishnu who incarnated on earth to destroy evil. His purpose was to annihilate the demon Ravana, restore balance by defeating adharma, and lead by shining example through his righteous words and actions.
For devotees, the Shri Ram Mandir allows paying respect to Rama in the very land he once walked, epitomizing the virtues and divinity Lord Rama represents.
Celebrating Shri Ram Mandir and Ram Navami
The annual celebration of Ram Navami holds great fervor across India, commemorating Lord Rama's birth. Here is what you need to know about celebrating Ram Navami and the culture around it:
Ram Navami Traditions and Rituals
- Devotees fast, keep vigil, pray and chant Rama slokas the entire night of Ram Navami eve.
- Temples are decorated with flowers and colorful lights. Figurines of baby Rama are placed in cradles and rocked by devotees.
- The next day, devotees wear new clothes after taking ritual baths and visits temples for Rama darshan.
- Pandits recite the Ramayana and chant mantras. Special havans and pujas are conducted for Lord Rama.
- Prasad, charity and community meals are often organized in the name of Lord Rama.
In Ayodhya, millions gather at the Sarayu river for a holy dip and to celebrate the birth of their beloved deity.
Global Celebrations of Lord Rama's Legacy
In Nepal, Ram Navami coincides with the national and ancient Nepali festival of Navabarsha, their new year.
Trinidad, Fiji and South Africa have notable Rama Navami celebrations stemming from colonial-era migration of Indians carrying their cultural traditions.
Indian communities across USA, Canada, UK, Australia also celebrate Lord Rama's birthday with pujas, parades and youth events like dance-drama competitions on Ramayana themes.
The global mark of Ram Navami shows the importance of Lord Rama throughout the Indian diaspora. The Shri Ram Mandir carries profound meaning even for Hindus settled worldwide.
The Significance of the First Ram Navami at Ayodhya Ram Mandir
The inauguration of the new Ram Mandir is expected to coincide with the festival of Ram Navami. This will be of huge spiritual significance and a very auspicious occasion for pilgrims.
The energy and atmosphere of the very first Ram Navami celebrations at the completed temple site in Ayodhya will be momentous. Devotees waiting centuries for a new Ram Mandir will flock for Ram darshan and performing rituals in the sacred destination of Lord Rama's birth.
The inaugural rituals, aarti and thousands participating in this holy tradition will likely make this Ram Navami historic and unforgettable. By converging at the Shri Ram Mandir, devotees can gain once-in-a-lifetime merit by commemorating Lord Rama at his janmabhoomi on the divine day of his descent upon earth.
The History and Significance of Ram Mandir
Hindus have long celebrated Lord Rama and his connection to Ayodhya. Historical texts like the Skanda Purana (c. 6th-8th century CE) provide detailed descriptions of the magnificence of the Rama temple in Ayodhya. Archaeologists have also uncovered evidence of ancient temple ruins at the site.
By the 16th century, the first Mughal Emperor Babur constructed a mosque known as the Babri Masjid on the site after demolishing an existing Ram Mandir. This triggered centuries of conflict over the disputed religious site between the Hindu and Muslim communities.
In the 1980s, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) began a campaign for rebuilding the Ram Mandir, spurring a nationwide momentum that culminated in the landmark Supreme Court verdict of 2019. The SC allotted the disputed land for construction of a new Rama temple.
For devotees of Lord Rama, the Shri Ram Mandir marks the holy birthplace of their revered deity. Reconstruction of the grand temple has therefore become a matter of joy, faith, and national pride for many across India and for Hindus worldwide.
Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya - An Architectural Marvel
The new Shri Ram Mandir is being constructed on a sprawling 67-acre site. Its design combines ancient temple architecture with modern technology and sustainability features.
Some key facts about the temple's design:
- Built from carved red Rajasthan sandstone and carved white marble from Makrana, Kota
- Three-story structure with 5 domes reaching 161 feet in height
- Total built-up area of 2.7 lakh sq ft able to accommodate 10,000 devotees
- Sanctum sanctorum houses idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman
- Surrounding parikrama path for devotees to circumambulate the temple
- Advanced earthquake resistance, equipped with seismic isolation bearings
- Solar power, LED lights, and climate control systems make it eco-friendly
- Elaborate stone carvings, statues, and Islamic-style dome architecture decorate the mandir
- The Shri Ram Mandir combines grandeur, sanctity, and sustainability to create a one-of-a-kind temple that draws from India's diverse cultural heritage.
The Ideal Time to Visit Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya
The Shri Ram Mandir is currently still under construction in Ayodhya, with estimates to open by end 2023 or early 2024.
The ideal times to visit after completion are:
Ram Navami (April), Lord Rama's birth celebration
Diwali (Oct-Nov), commemorating Lord Rama's return from exile
Chaitra Navaratri (March-April), the beginning of the Hindu New Year
The winter months from October to February are also pleasant to visit when the weather is cooler. Summer heat from March to June can be avoided.
Having awareness of the significant spiritual dates and festivals can help you plan your visit during the most auspicious days celebrated at the temple.
Getting to Ram Mandir Ayodhya
The sacred city of Ayodhya is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, about 6 kilometers from Faizabad. Here is how to get there:
By Air - The nearest airport is Faizabad Airport, about 7km away. Lucknow Airport is 130km away. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to reach Ayodhya.
By Train - Ayodhya is well connected by rail to most major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Lucknow etc. Ayodhya Railway Station is the main station.
By Road - A network of national highways and state roads connect Ayodhya to other parts of UP like Lucknow (135km away), Gorakhpur (160km away), Allahabad (200km away) etc. You can take buses, taxis or private vehicles.
Once in Ayodhya, local transport like auto-rickshaws, buses, tongas are available to reach the temple site.
Where to Stay in Ayodhya
Some recommended places to stay when visiting Ayodhya and the Ram Mandir:
Hotels - Try hotels like Hotel Handi Resort, Hotel Panchsiddhi, Hotel Raj Hans etc. Many are located close to the temple site.
Dharamshalas - Many budget dharamshalas in Ayodhya offer affordable stays for pilgrims, like Niskriti Ram Dham.
UP Tourism Hotels - UP State Tourism's hotels like UPSTDC Hotel Perch and Trident are reliable options.
Book hotels in advance during peak seasons or festivals. Staying near the Ram Janmabhoomi temple site allows easy access for devotees.
FAQs about Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya
Q1. Where exactly is the Ram Mandir located?
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir is located in the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Sarayu River. The precise address is Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh - 224123.
Q2. What is the historical significance of Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
As per Hindu beliefs, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram. The significance comes from the belief that the Ram Mandir stands at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the exact spot where Lord Ram was born.
Q3. How old is the temple and when will construction be finished?
While an exact date is not known, evidence suggests a temple existed at the site in the 12th century. The new temple construction began in 2020 and is expected to be completed by 2023 end or 2024.
Q4. What are the timings to visit the Ram Mandir?
The Ram Mandir opens from sunrise to sunset daily. Once open to the public, darshan timings are expected to be from 6am to 12 noon and 2pm to 9pm. The aarti may be around dawn and dusk time.
Q5. What is special about the new Shri Ram Mandir's design?
The new temple will be a stone structure built with carved Rajasthan sandstone and marble. It has a 3-story design and 5 domes making it 161 ft tall. The carvings, columns, sculptures highlight ornate Hindu temple architecture.
The Ram Mandir combines ancient architecture with modern amenities like earthquake resistance and eco-friendly solar power.
Q6. What rituals can one do at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
Key rituals that devotees can perform include taking a holy dip in the Sarayu river, doing parikrama of the temple, offering prayers to Lord Rama, seeing the idol decorations, attending the morning and evening aarti, chanting devotional hymns, etc.
Q7. How much will be the entry fee to visit Shri Ram Mandir?
The trust has not announced an entry fee for devotees yet. It is likely to be free or nominal. There may be special rates for accessing certain areas. Accurate information will be updated once the mandir is open to the public.
Q8. What are the other significant temples in Ayodhya?
Some other major temples in Ayodhya are the Hanuman Garhi temple, Kanak Bhawan temple, Nageshwarnath temple, and the Tulsi Smarak temple. The Dashrath Mahal temple (Raja Ram's original palace) is also located nearby.
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