The Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Current Status of Construction on the Controversial Temple

Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction status 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction status : The construction of a grand Ram Mandir (temple) in the holy city of Ayodhya has been a divisive issue in India for decades. With the recent Supreme Court verdict allotting the disputed land for the construction of the temple, work is now underway to build a magnificent temple for Lord Ram on his believed birthplace. 

 A Brief History of the Ayodhya Dispute

The Babri Masjid mosque stood at the disputed Ramjanmabhoomi site in Ayodhya since 1528. Many Hindus believed it was built after demolishing a pre-existing Ram temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram. The archaeological excavations at the site in 2003 indicated evidence of a pre-existing structure before the Babri Masjid. 

In 1949, idols of Lord Ram appeared inside the Babri Masjid, following which the site was legally disputed between Hindus and Muslims. The Babri Masjid was demolished by Hindu kar sevaks in 1992, triggering communal riots across India. After a protracted legal battle, the Supreme Court in 2019 ruled in favor of building a Ram temple at the disputed site.

 Timeline of the Ayodhya Verdict and Start of Construction

November 2019: Supreme Court rules in favor of a Ram temple, allotting alternative land for a mosque.

February 2020: Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust formed to oversee temple construction.

March 2020: Temple construction ceremony held, with PM Modi attending. 

August 2020: Bhoomi Pujan ceremony performed by PM Modi, marking the start of construction.

September 2020: Larsen & Toubro begins levelling of temple site.

January 2022: Construction of temple pillars and foundation begins.

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 Current Status of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction

As of February 2024, the construction of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is underway in full swing. Key updates on the progress of the temple construction are:

 Temple Design and Layout

• The temple is being constructed on a sprawling 67-acre complex in Ayodhya.
• It will be built in Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. 
•  The temple will be 161 feet tall, almost double the height of the original design.
• The construction area is estimated to be around 5 lakh square feet.
• It will have 5 domes instead of 3 as per initial plans.

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 Construction Timeline

• The total construction is estimated to take around 3.5 years.
• The ground floor of the temple may be completed by early 2024. 
• The overall construction is targeted for completion by December 2025.

 Construction Progress

• The temple plinth or foundation is nearly ready, made of thick concrete.
•  Columns, pillars and walls of the ground floor have started coming up. 
•  Intricately carved pink sandstone from Rajasthan being used for the main temple. 
• White marbles from Makrana, Rajasthan being used in the sanctum sanctorum.
• Construction work is progressing rapidly, despite delays caused by record rains and floods in 2022.

 Facilities at the Complex

•  It will have 3 floors with over 600 rooms for worshippers.
• A grand statue of Lord Ram will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum. 
• The complex will have a Yagya Mandap, Museum, Research Centre, and Library.
•  It will also host a large kitchen to serve free meals to thousands of devotees. 
• Ashrams, hotels, administration block and security centers are also being built.

 Significance of the Ram Mandir for Hindus

The Ram Janmbhoomi temple is of immense religious significance for crores of Hindus worldwide:

•  It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, one of the most revered deities of Hinduism.
• Ayodhya itself is considered one of the seven most holy cities for Hindus along with Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi and others. 
• The construction of a grand temple at this holy site has been a long-standing demand of Hindu groups.
•  Many Hindus believe that a magnificent Ram temple will lead to prosperity and cultural reawakening.
•  The temple town of Ayodhya is expected to attract a large number of pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad.  

 Controversy and Criticism

The construction of the Ram temple remains controversial and has drawn some criticism:

• Muslim groups demanded that the Babri Masjid site be left undisturbed. 
• Some secular historians questioned the veracity of the Ram temple existing at the site before Babri Masjid.

• Critics argue that enormous sums are being spent on temple construction when the funds could have been used for more pressing development needs. 
•  There are also concerns that communal tensions may be aggravated due to the disputed history of the site.

However, with the unanimous Supreme Court verdict and later consensus among both Hindu and Muslim litigants, the path was cleared for the temple construction at the holy site.

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 Impact on Ayodhya's Development 

The Ram Mandir project is expected to significantly boost the economy and infrastructure of Ayodhya:

• The temple trust has unveiled a plan to transform Ayodhya into a global heritage city. 
•  Roads, riverfront, airport, railway station and other facilities are being upgraded.
•  The state government is also undertaking massive beautification and development projects.
• Thousands of new jobs are expected to be created, especially in tourism and hospitality. 
•  Ayodhya is gearing up to receive a huge influx of tourists and pilgrims from across the globe. 
•  The city is expanding with new hotels, restaurants and transportation services to meet the anticipated demand.
•  The Ram Mandir is estimated to generate annual revenue of over Rs 2,500 crores for Ayodhya.
•  Several new Hindu temple projects are also being planned in the city.

 Challenges Ahead

While the temple construction is progressing as planned, several challenges lie ahead:

1. Ensuring timely completion of the massive and intricate project. 
2.  Maintaining peace and harmony in view of the disputed history of the site.
3.  Managing law and order issues as crowds swell.
4. Preparing infrastructure to meet demands of crowds up to 500,000 per day.
5.  Protecting the temple complex and Ram janmbhoomi site.
6. Conducting the construction in an eco-friendly manner.

The Ram Mandir project will undoubtedly transform the temple town of Ayodhya. However, the responsible government agencies and temple trust will have to ensure that it becomes a symbol of India's cultural heritage without reigniting communal tensions. Careful temple town planning and prudent security steps will be vital for its success.

 Conclusion

The construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is a historic endeavor for Hindus who have waited several decades to see Lord Ram enthroned in a fitting temple at his revered janmbhoomi site. The state-of-the-art temple complex promises to make Ayodhya one of the most prominent centers of faith in the Hindu world. However, the potentially divisive nature of the project will require wisdom and restraint from all parties involved. The successful completion of the Ram Mandir, delivered peacefully and adhering to the highest standards of construction, would indeed be a victory for communal harmony in India.

FAQs about Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Who is funding the construction of the Ram Mandir?

The Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust mandated by the Central Government is responsible for fundraising and temple construction. Funds come from voluntary donations by devotees from India and abroad.

What will happen to the demolished Babri Masjid site? 

As per Supreme Court directives, the Sunni Waqf Board will be allotted 5 acres of land in Ayodhya to build a new mosque at a prominent site.

 When will the Ayodhya Ram Mandir be open to public?

The Ram Mandir is slated to open its doors to devotees and visitors by December 2025 after the completion of construction.

How can I donate for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction?

You can donate online at the trust website or via bank transfer. Special donation drives are carried out across India to collect funds from devotees.

 What are the main hurdles in the Ram Mandir construction? 

Challenges like securing high-quality stone, disruption of work due to rains, and ensuring timely availability of construction material have slowed down the pace of construction. However, builders are working to accelerate the work.

The construction of the long-awaited Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has begun in right earnest, with the foundations and lower levels of the grand temple now clearly visible. Despite delays caused due to record rainfalls, the construction work has picked up pace and devotees are hopeful that Lord Ram will finally have a fitting temple at his holy birthplace. The grand temple complex will transform Ayodhya into an important center of faith and pilgrimage for Hindus globally.