Know All About the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Yatra and Location
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple being built in the city of Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This temple is dedicated to the god Rama, who is one of the most widely revered Hindu deities. The construction of this grand temple has been a dream for millions of Hindus across India and the world for many decades.
The temple is located on a piece of land that was previously home to the Babri Masjid, a mosque that was demolished in 1992 by Hindu activists who believed the site was the birthplace of Lord Rama. This led to widespread riots and violence across India. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the disputed land should be given to a trust to build the Ram Mandir.
Many Hindu devotees believe visiting and worshiping at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a sacred pilgrimage known as the Ram Mandir Yatra. Yatra means journey or pilgrimage in Hindi. It is expected that once the temple is complete, millions of pilgrims will flock to Ayodhya every year to take part in this holy yatra.
The temple itself is being constructed to be a massive three-story stone structure covering an area of 2.7 acres with multiple domes and towers. It is being built in the classic Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture according to the designs and specifications outlined in ancient Hindu texts.
Some of the key features of the Ram Mandir include:
A high central shikhar or spire over the sanctum sanctorum which will soar to a height of 161 feet (49 meters).
Five smaller shikharas surrounding the central spire, each 91 feet (28 meters) high.
A massive sculpted ram statue in front of the main entrance.
An elaborate carved facade and walls depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Multiple smaller temples and shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities within the complex.
The Ram Mandir complex is designed to accommodate up to 100,000 visitors per day during peak festival seasons. It will have designated areas for rituals, a museum depicting the history of Ayodhya, a digital theater, a 'Valmiki Bhavan' library, and accommodation for pilgrims.
The construction work on the Ram Mandir is being overseen by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust appointed by the Indian government. The overall cost is estimated around 1,100 crore Indian rupees (over $130 million). The target is for the first phase to be completed by January 2024 so that devotees can start having darshan (sacred viewing) of the deity idols installed inside.
With the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inching closer to reality, it represents the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream for the Hindu faithful across India and around the world.