What is the History Of Ram Mandir Ayodhya

When did Ayodhya Ram Mandir start? 

5 August 2020

5 August 2020: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking a historic accomplishment for his party. He had siad that a grand temple would be constructed for 'Ram Lalla', the infant Ram, who had been living in a tent for years.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: History, Facts, Constructional Aspects and Other Features

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir has drawn a lot of controversy for years due to the alleged misuse of donations, sidelining of major activists, and politicisation of the temple by different political parties. This year, the ancient city of Ayodhya will resonate with chants and celebrations as it witnesses the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, near the banks of the holy river Saryu Ayodhya city is situated. Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple located in this city, and the site is believed to be Ram Janmabhoomi. The grand opening date of Ayodhya Ram temple is scheduled for the 24th of January 2024. 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir History

The origin of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic, Ramayana. According to the epic, Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama. However, over the centuries, various structures were built and demolished at the site. 

In the 16th century, Mughal Emperor Babur, during his series of temple raids across northern India, attacked and destroyed the ancient temple, including the Janmasthan temple located in the site. Later, the Mughals constructed Babri Masjid mosque on the same site, which is believed to be the site of the Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Rama.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Controversy

In the late 20th century, the Babri Masjid, which stood at the disputed site, became a focus point of tensions between Hindus and Muslims religion. Several critics also claim that the location of present-day Ayodhya was originally a Buddhist site, based on its similarity to Saketa described in Buddhist texts. 

In 1855, civil administration divided the mosque premises into two parts: one for Muslims and the other for Hindus. In 1883, the Hindus introduced an effort to build a temple on the platform. Later, they took the matter to court when the administration denied them permission to construct the temple, but the court dismissed the matter.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction

Following the Supreme Court’s verdict, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction started in full swing. The land was allocated to the Ram Mandir Trust, empowering the Government of India to oversee the formation of the Ayodhya Ram temple. 

Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction commenced shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony, and the Ayodhya Ram Mandir foundation stone was laid on the 5th of August 2020. The architectural design is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, with a special unique inscription, “Jai Shree Ram”, used in constructing the temple.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Design

The chief architect of the Ayodhya Ram temple is Chandrakant Sompura, who is from Ahmedabad and was assisted by his two sons, Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura. With some changes from original, a new design was prepared by the Sompuras family in 2020, per the Hindu texts, the Vastu shastra and the Shilpa shastras.

 The 2.7-acre main Ayodhya Ram temple complex will be home to the holy idol of Lord Rama. On a raised platform Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction is being done and spans three levels. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is being built on the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastras, an ancient Indian architectural science.