The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 27th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The Right and the Future of India’s Masjids 

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent attempts to allude to the Ram Mandir in the ongoing election campaign as his major achievement indicates the Bharatiya Janata Party’s desire to seek electoral benefits from the subject.

• Shri Ram Mandir, also known as Ayodhya Ram Mandir, stands as a Hindu temple situated in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Shri Rama, it is believed to have been constructed at Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Shri Rama. This architectural marvel embodies the rich cultural and spiritual legacy associated with Lord Rama, bearing immense cultural and religious significance for the Hindu community.

Important Facts about Ram Mandir

• Chief Architects: The chief architects involved in the construction are Chandrakant Sompura and his two sons - Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura.
• Design Advisors: The design advisors include institutions like IIT Guwahati, IIT Chennai, IIT Bombay, NIT Surat, Central Building Research Institute Roorkee, National Geo Research Institute Hyderabad, and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics.
• Construction Company: Larsen and Toubro (L&T) is the construction company responsible for the project.
• Project Management Company: Tata Consulting Engineers Limited (TCEL) is overseeing the project management.
• Sculptors: The sculptors working on the project are Arun Yogiraaj (Mysore), Ganesh Bhatt, and Satyanarayan Pandey.
• Total Area: The total area of the project is 70 acres, with 70% dedicated to green space.
• Temple Area: The temple occupies 2.77 acres of land.
• Temple Dimensions: The temple's dimensions are as follows: Length - 380 ft, Width - 250 ft, Height - 161 ft.
• Architectural Style: The temple is built in the Indian Nagar style.
• Architectural Highlights: The temple features 3 stories (floors), 392 pillars, and 44 doors.
• Bhoomi Pujan: The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 5th August 2020.
• Proposed Date of Inauguration: The temple is scheduled for inauguration on 22nd January 2024.

Image of Ram Mandir

Major Construction Materials Used

• Bansi Paharpur Pink Sandstone from Rajasthan's Bharatpur district has been utilized in the main temple structure.
• Granite Stones have been employed in the plinths.
• White Makrana and Colored Marbles have been incorporated for the inlay work.
• Teakwood has been utilized for the construction of the temple doors.
• Special Bricks inscribed with "Shri Ram" have been utilized in its construction. These bricks, known as Ram Shilas, establish a connection with the stones used in the construction of Ram Setu, blending contemporary craftsmanship with ancient symbolism.

Other Materials Used:

• Shaligram Rock
• Copper Plates
• Gold
• Ashtdhatu
• These bricks, known as Ram Shilas, connect modern craftsmanship with ancient symbolism, reminiscent of the stones used in the construction of Ram Setu.

The Main Temple

• The main temple is constructed in the Nagara Style, a traditional Indian architectural style known for its intricate designs and ornate structures.

Nagara Style

• The original blueprint for the Ram Mandir was crafted in 1988 by the esteemed Sompura family from Ahmedabad.
• In 2020, the design underwent modifications aligned with Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra, ancient Indian architectural and design principles. This adjustment aimed to harmonize aesthetic beauty with timeless wisdom.
• The Sompura family, renowned for their temple construction expertise, has a celebrated history of designing prominent Indian temples like Somnath, instilling a sense of historical continuity and artistic grandeur in the architecture of the Ram Mandir.

Main Features of the Temple

• The temple structure comprises three stories, each meticulously crafted to immerse devotees in different phases of Lord Rama's divine narrative.
• The ground floor of the temple is intricately designed to narrate the stories of Lord Rama's birth and childhood, offering visitors a glimpse into his early life.
• The first floor replicates Lord Rama's Darbaar, recreating a setting reminiscent of his royal court.
• Within the temple, there are five distinct Mandaps or halls - Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthna Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap - each serving a specific ceremonial or devotional purpose.

Architectural Design of Ram Mandir

• This temple design is a blend of beauty and ancient knowledge, influenced by the Sompura family known for crafting famous Indian temples like Somnath.
• The Sompura family's involvement adds a historical and artistic essence to the architectural design of the Ram Mandir.

Ram Mandir Structure

• The Ram Mandir is structured into three floors, each representing a stage of Lord Rama's divine journey.
• The ground floor narrates the story of Lord Rama's birth and childhood.
• The first floor resembles Lord Rama's Darbaar, creating a divine ambiance.

Mandir Components

• The temple comprises five Mandaps: Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthna Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap.

• The temple boasts a total of 44 doors, with some slated to be coated with 100 kg of gold.
• The main entrance, known as the Singh Dwar, is adorned with statues and busts of significant figures from the Ramayana.
• The pillars and walls within the temple are embellished with sculptures of deities and elaborate carvings that depict India's rich historical narratives.
• On the parikrama path, 100 events from Valmiki's Ramayana are intricately engraved on the pathways and columns, offering a visual narrative of the Ram Katha.

The Ram Mandir Temple Complex

• The temple is enclosed by a rectangular compound wall known as Parkota, measuring 732 meters in length and 14 feet in width.
• The temple complex includes various religious structures:
  • Four corner temples dedicated to Surya Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Ganesh Bhagwan, and Lord Shiva.
  • A temple of Maa Annapurna in the northern section and a temple of Lord Hanuman in the southern section.
  • A historic well named Sita Koop nearby, tracing its origins to ancient times.
  • Proposed temples for Maharishi Vashishtha, Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Maharishi Agastya, Nishad Raj, Devi Ahilya, and Mata Shabri.
  • Kuber Tila in the southwestern area, featuring a restored ancient temple of Lord Shiva and a bronze idol of the Ramayana character 'Jatayu'.

Infrastructure Within the Temple Complex

• A sewage treatment plant
• A water treatment plant
• A fire service
• An independent power station
• A Pilgrims Facility Centre with a 25,000-person capacity, offering medical and locker facilities
• A separate block with bathing areas, washrooms, washbasins, open taps, etc.

Protective Measures and Amenities

• Installation of around 200 KA light arresters to prevent lightning damage, inspired by incidents in Mathura and Kashi
• A museum exhibiting artifacts related to Lord Ram and the Ramayana, making the complex not just a religious hub but also a cultural and educational center

Infrastructure of the Temple Complex

• The complex houses various independent facilities:
  • A sewage treatment plant
  • A water treatment plant
  • A fire service
  • An independent power station
  • A Pilgrims Facility Centre with a capacity for 25,000 individuals, offering medical and locker services
  • A separate section with bathing areas, washrooms, washbasins, and open taps
  • Approximately 200 KA light arresters have been installed to prevent lightning damage
  • A museum is present, exhibiting artifacts related to Lord Ram and the Ramayana

Major Facilities in the Ram Mandir Complex

• A sewage treatment plant
• A water treatment plant
• A fire service
• An independent power station
• A Pilgrims Facility Centre of 25,000 capacity to provide medical facilities and locker facilities to the pilgrims
• A separate block with a bathing area, washrooms, washbasin, open taps, etc.
• Learning from the damage caused by lightning strikes to some old temples in Mathura and Kashi, around 200 KA light arresters have been installed over the temple structure
• The temple complex includes a museum showcasing artifacts related to Lord Ram and the Ramayana. Thus, more than just a religious center, the Ram Mandir has been envisioned as a cultural and educational center as well

The Ram Mandir Time Capsule and Bell

• A time capsule has been securely positioned about 2,000 feet beneath the temple, housing a copper plate engraved with significant details about the Ram Mandir, Lord Rama, and Ayodhya. Its primary aim is to safeguard the temple's identity for posterity, ensuring it endures the test of time without fading into obscurity.

The Temple's Resilience and History

• The temple stands as an earthquake-resistant marvel, boasting an approximate age of 2,500 years, a testament to enduring architectural prowess.
• The idols within are crafted from ancient Shaligram Rocks, dating back an astounding 60 million years, sourced from the Gandaki River in Nepal, underscoring the temple's historical and geological significance.

The Magnificent Bell of the Ram Mandir

• The Bell, a masterpiece in itself, is forged from Ashtadhatu, a blend of eight metals including Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Iron, and Mercury, exemplifying exceptional craftsmanship and metallurgical expertise.
• Weighing a substantial 2100 Kg, the resonance of this Bell reverberates across distances, carrying its melodious chimes up to a remarkable 15 Km, a testament to its acoustical grandeur.

The Nagara Style of Temple Architecture

The Nagara Style of Temple Architecture is a distinctive architectural style that emerged around the 5th century AD in North India and has since been widely prevalent in the region. While sharing some fundamental characteristics with all Hindu temples, this style also exhibits unique features that set it apart.

Basic Elements of Hindu Temple

Hindu temples, including those built in the Nagara style, consist of several essential elements that define their structure and purpose:

•  Sanctum Sanctorum: Also known as Grabhgriha, this small room houses the primary deity of the temple. It is the innermost sanctum and the holiest space in the temple.
•  Mandapa: A hall or portico that serves as an assembly area for worshippers and leads to the Sanctum Sanctorum. It is often used for religious rituals and gatherings.
•  Shikhara: A spire that resembles a mountain and crowns the temple's main shrine. The Shikhara can have various shapes, ranging from pyramidal to curvilinear, adding to the temple's grandeur.
•  Vahana: The mount or vehicle associated with the temple's main deity. Placed in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum, it symbolizes the deity's presence and is an object of reverence for devotees.

Prominent Features of Nagara School of Architecture

• Nagara School of Architecture is characterized by the Panchayatan Style, where the main shrine is positioned on a rectangular plinth at the center of the temple complex. Additionally, four smaller subsidiary shrines are constructed at the four corners of the temple complex.
• Outside the Garbhagriha, one can commonly find images of river goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, placed for reverence and symbolism.
• Temples in the Nagara School are typically built on elevated platforms, emphasizing their grandeur and sacredness.
• The entrance of these temples features a pillared approach, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and providing structural support.
• The distinctive Shikhara design includes a horizontal fluted disc at its vertical end, known as Amalak, with a Kalash (spherical structure) placed atop it.
• Encircling the sanctum sanctorum is an ambulatory passageway called the Pradakshina Path, facilitating circumambulation as a form of worship.

Significance of Ram Mandir's Construction

• Religious Significance: The completion of the Ram Mandir construction marked the conclusion of longstanding religious conflicts between Hindus and Muslims, fostering religious unity and harmony.
• Cultural Significance: Ayodhya and the Ram Mandir stand as symbols of India's rich historical and cultural legacy. Building the temple signifies a commitment to honoring and safeguarding the country's cultural heritage.
• Promotion of Social Service: The establishment of numerous charitable organizations in the temple's vicinity is anticipated. These institutions will actively engage in promoting social welfare and community service.
• Economic Significance: As a prominent Hindu shrine, the Ram Mandir is poised to drive tourism in the Ayodhya region, thereby fueling economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and bolstering local businesses.
• Infrastructural Significance: The construction of the Ram Temple has kickstarted infrastructural advancements in Ayodhya. The region is set to witness the development of crucial infrastructure like roads, airports, and industrial establishments, fostering overall progress and modernization.

Ram Mandir and Ayodhya's Rejuvenation

• The construction of the Ram Temple marks a significant turning point for Ayodhya, transitioning it from an ancient city to a modern cultural and spiritual center.
• More than three lakh devotees are anticipated to visit Ayodhya daily, prompting the development of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan for the city.
• Drawing inspiration from global and Indian models like Vatican City, Cambodia, Jerusalem, Tirupati, and Amritsar, the plan emphasizes various aspects, including:
  • Minimization of congestion to enhance accessibility and movement within the city.
  • Efficient utilization of land resources for sustainable development.
  • Emphasis on Dharamshalas (inns) and homestays to cater to the accommodation needs of visitors.
  • Upgrading infrastructure while preserving the historical and cultural essence of Ayodhya.
• The government has initiated over 200 development projects valued at Rs 30,923 crores to revitalize Ayodhya.

Development of Ayodhya City Infrastructure

• Modern infrastructure in Ayodhya, including roads, bridges, sewage systems, and utilities, is being enhanced to meet the needs of the growing population and tourism.
• A beautification initiative has been undertaken to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal, covering areas like old Ashrams, ancient ponds, and temples, with the goal of making Ayodhya "the most beautiful city in the world by 2024."
• The construction of the Maryada Purshottam Shri Ram International Airport is underway to facilitate better connectivity and accessibility.

Ayodhya City Revitalization Projects

• The Ayodhya Junction is being rejuvenated, and six Vande Bharat and two Amrit Bharat trains have been introduced.
• Roads leading to the Ram Temple are being widened to ensure smooth traffic flow, including important routes like Ram Janmabhoomi Path, Bhakti Path, and Ram Path corridor.
• Construction and widening of National Highways and key city roads are in progress, such as the Lucknow-Ayodhya section of NH-27 and the Ayodhya bypass on NH-27.
• New riverfronts are being developed, along with the rehabilitation of existing ghats, like the 7 KM stretch from Guptar Ghat to Naya Ghat modeled after the Gomti River Front, which will also feature a luxury cruise from Naya Ghat.
• Several township and residential projects, including the Greenfield Township Project and Vashishtha Kunj Residential Project, are underway.
• Theme parks, resorts, and hotels are being established in Ayodhya to enhance tourism and recreational opportunities.

Development Plans in Ayodhya City

• Several key roads in Ayodhya are earmarked for expansion, including Ram Janmabhoomi Path, Bhakti Path, and Ram Path corridor.
• The city will witness the construction and widening of vital routes like the Lucknow-Ayodhya section of NH-27 and the Ayodhya bypass on NH-27.
• New riverfronts are in the works, with the Guptar Ghat to Naya Ghat stretch undergoing development inspired by the Gomti River Front, along with plans for a luxury cruise from Naya Ghat.
• Various township and residential projects such as the Greenfield Township Project and Vashishtha Kunj Residential Project are on the agenda.
• Exciting additions to the city include theme parks, resorts, and hotels to enhance its appeal.

Road Widening and Infrastructure

• Upgrade of vital roads like Ram Janmabhoomi Path, Bhakti Path, and Ram Path corridor is prioritized for better connectivity.
• Focus also lies on enhancing National Highways such as the Lucknow-Ayodhya section of NH-27 and the Ayodhya bypass on NH-27.

Riverfront Development

• The 7 KM stretch from Guptar Ghat to Naya Ghat is transforming to mirror the Gomti River Front's grandeur, with plans for a luxurious cruise from Naya Ghat.

Urban Infrastructure Projects

• A range of township and residential projects including the Greenfield Township Project and Vashishtha Kunj Residential Project are in the pipeline.

Tourism and Leisure

• Exciting additions to Ayodhya's landscape comprise theme parks, resorts, and hotels, enriching the city's tourism offerings.

Learnings from the Ram Mandir Construction Project

• Effective Planning and Execution: The project emphasized meticulous planning and seamless execution to ensure timely completion. For instance, detailed blueprints and schedules were meticulously followed, reflecting a disciplined approach.
• Community Collaboration: Collaboration with the local community played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of ownership and unity. By involving various stakeholders, the project garnered widespread support and participation.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The construction project showcased a deep understanding of cultural sensitivities and historical significance. Architectural elements were designed to honor traditions and heritage, symbolizing a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Emphasis on quality craftsmanship was evident throughout the project, with skilled artisans and craftsmen showcasing their expertise. Intricate carvings and detailed workmanship reflected a commitment to excellence.

Constructional Aspects

• The temple complex places significant emphasis on environmental and water conservation. For instance, approximately 70% of the temple area is dedicated to green spaces.
• To promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact, the construction incorporates locally sourced materials and energy-efficient design elements.

Conservation and Preservation

• A symbolic act of preservation involves burying a Time Capsule beneath the temple, signifying a commitment to safeguarding the temple's cultural and historical value for future generations.

Transparency

• During the temple's construction, there was a strong emphasis on transparency, ensuring that progress reports were openly shared with devotees to keep them engaged and informed.

Cultural Diplomacy

• As a gesture of cultural diplomacy, soil from Thailand will be used in the consecration ceremony of Lord Rama's statue. This practice not only enhances the universal appeal of Ayodhya but also symbolizes the transcendence of Lord Rama's legacy beyond geographical boundaries.

In essence, the Ram Mandir signifies more than just a religious edifice. It represents a fusion of faith, history, and architectural excellence. The temple serves as a testament to Lord Rama's enduring legacy and the collective spirit of the nation. Expected to guide the spiritual and cultural aspirations of future generations, the temple's construction marks the onset of India's cultural rejuvenation.