The Ram Mandir Construction Committee: Overseeing the Building of a Historic Temple in Ayodhya

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh has been a emotionally charged issue in India for decades. With the Supreme Court verdict in 2019 settling the land dispute and clearing the way for construction, a Ram Mandir Construction Committee was formed to oversee the building of this iconic Hindu temple. 

The Ram Mandir Construction Committee

An Overview of the Ram Mandir and Its Significance

The Ram Mandir is intended to be built on the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya, where devotees believe Lord Ram was born. Ayodhya is considered to be the birthplace and spiritual home of Ram, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. 

The original Ram Mandir on this site was demolished in 1992. Since then, there has been a protracted legal battle between Hindu and Muslim groups over ownership of the land. The Supreme Court verdict in November 2019 ruled in favor of the Hindu litigants, stating a temple should be built on the disputed site. 

The Ram Mandir Construction Committee

The Ram Mandir carries huge emotional and symbolic significance for many Hindus globally. The construction is seen as righting a historical wrong and enabling a temple to Ram to be re-established in His sacred birthplace. Many Hindus revere Ram as an exemplary divine figure and an embodiment of virtue and righteous conduct.

Read more about the height of ayodhya Ram mandir 

The Formation of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust

To oversee the construction of the new temple, the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust was formed in early 2020. This trust has been tasked with the management of the entire 70 acre Ram Janmabhoomi site.

The 15 members of the trust include Hindu spiritual leaders, legal experts, and government nominees. Notable members are Jagatguru Shankracharya Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj and Swami Govinddev Giri Ji Maharaj. 

On August 5 2020, the groundbreaking ceremony or ‘bhoomi pujan’ for the Ram Mandir was carried out in Ayodhya with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the first brick. The date coincided with the foundations originally being laid for the destroyed Babri Masjid in 1528.

The Ram Mandir Construction Committee

 Donations and Fundraising for the Ram Mandir

An estimated cost for constructing the temple is ₹300-400 crore (~US$44-59 million). The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust has been entrusted with raising donations from the public for this initiative. 

In July 2020, a mass contact and contribution campaign was launched by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) to raise funds for the Ram Mandir construction. Donations are being collected from individuals, organizations, and temple trusts across India and internationally. 

The Ram Mandir Construction Committee

Crowdfunding platforms have also been leveraged. In January 2021, nearly ₹2,500 crore had reportedly already been collected through donations. Large contributions have been pledged by business tycoons such as Anil Agarwal and Subrata Roy towards the building of the temple.

The Proposed Design and Layout of the Ram Mandir 

Several designs have been considered for the new Ram Mandir. In December 2020, detailed maps and layout plans were shared with the media by the treasurer of the trust. 

The temple will be built in a Nagara architectural style with multiple tiers and pillars, spanning an area of 2.7 acres. Along with the main temple, several other structures are planned within a 67 acre land parcel. These include:

• A grand gateway, museum, research center, auditorium, cow shelter, and library
•  An ashram, guest house, food court, and devotion complex  
• A memorial dedicated to the struggled to build the temple 
• A riverfront 
• Parking for 3000 vehicles and shelters for pilgrims 

Read more about ayodhya Ram mandir current status 

The Ram Mandir is envisioned as a monument of national pride and identity that will attract pilgrims from India and worldwide. The overall complex around the temple is intended to facilitate the devotees expected to visit Ayodhya.

The Ram Mandir Construction Committee

 Timeline for Completion of the Ram Mandir

The Ram Mandir is estimated to take 3-3.5 years to complete construction. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to some delays in the planned timeline.

In mid-2021, soil testing and foundation laying commenced after clearance was obtained from the National Technical Advisory Committee. Larsen & Toubro has been appointed to construct the temple.

The sanctum sanctorum and main shrine are scheduled to be completed by December 2023. The entire temple and surrounding complex will likely be finished between 2025-2026. This would allow the public inaugural celebrations or ‘Pran Pratishta’ to be held in 2025.

The construction of the Ram Mandir will mark the culmination of a decades long quest to rebuild a sacred site of tremendous importance for Hindus globally. The Ram Janmabhoomi temple is set to be an architectural jewel that upholds India’s cultural heritage for generations to come.

The Ram Mandir Construction Committee

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Ram Mandir Construction Committee

Here are some common questions about the trust overseeing the Ram Mandir building:

1.  Who are the main members of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee? 

• The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust which oversees construction includes notable Hindu spiritual leaders like Swami Govinddev Giri Ji Maharaj and VHP leaders Champat Rai and Nripendra Mishra.

2.What is the budget for building the Ram Mandir?

• The total budget is estimated to be around ₹300-400 crore (US$44-59 million). This is being raised through public donations. 

 3.How can people donate for the Ram Mandir construction?

Donations can be made online through the trust website or bank transfers. Physical donations are also being collected through the VHP contact drive.

 4.When will the construction of the Ram Mandir be completed?

• The construction timeline is 3-3.5 years. It is likely to be finished between 2025-2026 before the public opening celebrations.

 5.What facilities will be built around the main Ram Mandir?

• Apart from the temple, the plan includes a museum, research center, auditorium, food court, guest house, parking, and more on the 67 acre site.

6. Will there be any memorial about the demolished Babri Masjid? 

• There are no plans to build a memorial to the demolished mosque which once stood at the site as per the available information.

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be an famous landmark for Hindus across India and worldwide once its construction is completed in the next few years. The temple complex will aim to provide spiritual comfort to devotees of Lord Ram visiting His sacred janmabhoomi.