History of Shri Ram Mandir, Ayodhya – Mythology and Legends

The Ram Mandir

The Ram Mandir, a significant Hindu temple, is presently under construction in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated at the historical Ram Janmabhoomi site, believed to be the birthplace of Rama, a key deity in Hinduism, the temple carries immense cultural and religious significance. The Babri Masjid previously occupied this location. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust oversees the construction. The temple’s groundbreaking ceremony, officiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, occurred on August 5, 2020. This initiative marks a significant step in realizing a long-standing cultural aspiration, embodying the devotion and importance attached to the Ram Janmabhoomi site within the Hindu community.

History

Ancient and Medieval Periods:
Rama, revered as an incarnation of Vishnu, holds a central place in Hindu worship. According to the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, Ayodhya is identified as Rama’s birthplace. In the 16th century, the Mughals constructed the Babri Masjid at the same site, creating a juxtaposition of religious significance. Approximately 230 years later, religious violence erupted, with the first documented instance dating back to 1853. This historical period underscores the complex interplay of religious and cultural narratives surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi, encapsulating a long-standing and contentious history.

Modern

1980s and Onwards:
In the 1980s, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), part of the Hindu nationalist Sangh Parivar, initiated a movement to reclaim the disputed Ayodhya site for Hindus. The goal was to erect a temple dedicated to the infant Rama (Ram Lalla) on this contested spot. In November 1989, the VHP laid the temple foundations adjacent to the Babri Masjid. The situation escalated on December 6, 1992, when a rally organized by the VHP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) turned violent, resulting in the forceful demolition of the mosque.

During the 1980s, the VHP fundraised and collected bricks inscribed with ‘Jai Shree Ram.’ The Shilanyas (foundation stone ceremony) was granted permission by the Rajiv Gandhi government. On November 9, 1989, a group of VHP leaders and Sadhus laid the foundation stone adjacent to the disputed land, leading to the construction of the singhdwar (main entrance) of the sanctum.

The demolition triggered intercommunal rioting, causing the death of at least 2,000 people and sparking riots across the Indian subcontinent. In July 2005, terrorists attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the Babri Mosque site, resulting in casualties.

Archaeological excavations in 1978 and 2003 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered evidence of Hindu temple remains at the site. However, historians have debated these findings. Legal disputes ensued, culminating in the 2019 Supreme Court verdict, which handed over the disputed land to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust for the construction of the Ram temple. The trust was established, and five acres of land were allocated for a new mosque 22 km away in Dhannipur village. On February 5, 2020, it was announced in the Indian Parliament that the Modi government had approved a plan for the temple’s construction.

Deity

Ram Lalla Virajman, the infant manifestation of Rama and an avatar of Vishnu, is the principal deity at the temple. This representation is unique because Ram Lalla is considered a “juristic person” by the law. Triloki Nath Pandey, a senior VHP leader, represented Ram Lalla in court. The attire worn by Ram Lalla was crafted by tailors Bhagwat Prasad and Shankar Lal, the latter being a fourth-generation tailor dedicated to Rama’s idol.

As envisioned by the temple trust, the final architectural design includes dedicated spaces for temples honoring Surya, Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, and Brahma within the temple grounds. The sanctum of the temple will house two idols of Ram Lalla, with one representing the deity at the age of five. This comprehensive blueprint reflects the diverse spectrum of Hindu deities and reinforces the sacredness of the temple as a center for multifaceted worship.

Architecture

The original design for the Ram temple was conceptualized in 1988 by the Sompura family of Ahmedabad, renowned temple architects with a lineage spanning at least 15 generations. Spearheaded by chief architect Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his sons Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, the temple’s design aligns with Hindu architectural principles derived from vastu shastra and the Shilpa Shastras.

The proposed temple, set to be 235 feet wide, 360 feet long, and 161 feet high, will rank as the world’s third-largest Hindu shrine upon completion, designed in the Gujara-Chaulukya style of Northern Indian temple architecture. A model of the temple was unveiled during the Prayag Kumbh Mela in 2019.

The main temple structure will feature three storeys, built on a raised platform, and include five mandapas in the middle of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and the entryway. The mandapas will be dedicated to Kudu, Nritya, Rang, Kirtan, and Prarthana, adorned with shikhara in Nagara style, with the tallest shikhara above the Garbhagriha.

The temple will boast a total of 366 columns, each featuring 16 idols representing various incarnations of Shiva, the 10 Dashavataras, the 64 Chausath Yoginis, and the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati. The sanctum sanctorum will follow an octagonal design, in accordance with temple design scriptures dedicated to Vishnu.

Spanning 10 acres, the temple complex will include 57 acres of developed land featuring a prayer hall, a lecture hall, educational facilities, a museum, a cafeteria, and other amenities. The temple committee anticipates that over 70,000 people will be able to visit the site. Larsen & Toubro has generously offered to oversee the design and construction of the temple free of cost and has been appointed as the project’s contractor. Additionally, esteemed institutions such as the Central Building Research Institute, National Geophysical Research Institute, and Indian Institutes of Technology in Bombay, Guwahati, and Madras are contributing their expertise in areas like soil testing, concrete, and design.

The construction materials will include 600 thousand cubic feet of sandstone from the Bansi pahadpur village mountain in Rajasthan. In a noteworthy departure, the temple will abstain from using iron in its construction, relying instead on ten thousand copper plates to fuse the stone blocks. A culturally significant contribution comes from Thailand, symbolically participating in the inauguration of the Ram Temple by sending soil to the Ram Janmabh

Timeline of Ongoing Construction

In March 2020, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust initiated the initial phase of constructing the Ram Temple, a project overseen by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. However, the progress faced a temporary setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India, leading to a suspension of construction activities. On March 25, 2020, amidst this pause, Ram’s idol was relocated to a temporary location in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

To prepare for the resumption of temple construction, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad organized a ‘Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan’ on April 6, 2020. During this event, individuals gathered at various locations to chant the Vijay Mahamantra – Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram, with the aim of ensuring “victory over hurdles” in the temple’s construction.

A significant development unfolded with the official announcement that January 22, 2024, has been scheduled for the installation of the Lord Ram idol in the Garbhagriha of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Kshetra Trust, confirmed this noteworthy milestone. Furthermore, on October 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a formal invitation to attend the consecration ceremony of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, set for January 22, 2024 (Monday).

Ayodhya as the Sacred Abode

The Ram Janmabhoomi movement in India stands out as a significant political and cultural force in recent history. It has not only shaped Indian politics but also deeply influenced the social fabric of the nation. From its inception in the 1980s to the recent Supreme Court verdict favoring the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, the movement has gained popularity and support. Central to the movement is the belief that the birthplace of Lord Ram, revered by Hindus, is at the Ayodhya site where the Babri Masjid once stood. The dispute dates back to the 19th century, but it gained momentum in the 1980s, becoming a potent force in Indian politics.

Several factors contribute to the rise of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Firstly, it capitalizes on the deep religious sentiments of the majority Hindu population in India. Lord Ram, a revered deity in Hinduism, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. The movement taps into this sentiment, presenting the dispute as a matter of faith and identity, mobilizing people on a massive scale. Secondly, it projects itself as a struggle against historical injustices. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 symbolized, for many, reclaiming a lost heritage. This narrative resonates with a significant section of the Indian population proud of their cultural and historical roots.

The consequences of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement are profound, impacting Indian society, politics, and foreign policy. Communal divisions have sharpened, with the Hindu-Muslim divide becoming more pronounced. Religious tensions and communal violence have led to loss of lives and displacement. The movement’s influence on India’s political landscape is evident, with the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, building its base on the Ram temple issue. This has marginalized secular and progressive voices, eroding the space for dissent in Indian politics.

The movement also has implications for India’s foreign policy and global image, raising concerns about majoritarianism and religious intolerance. India’s secular and pluralistic credentials are questioned, impacting its standing on the global stage.

In conclusion, the rise of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement reflects various social, political, and cultural factors. It taps into religious sentiments, presents itself as a struggle against historical injustices, and exploits social and economic fault lines to mobilize support. The challenge now is to bridge divides, foster understanding, and promote inclusivity to heal the wounds caused by the movement and restore India’s secular and pluralistic foundations.

Bhoomi Poojan ceremony

Bhoomi Poojan

On August 5, 2020, Narendra Modi, accompanied by prominent figures like Mohan Bhagwat and Anandiben Patel, performed the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, marking the official resumption of temple construction. Preceding the groundbreaking ceremony were three days of Vedic rituals, culminating in the installation of a 40 kg (88 pounds) silver brick as the foundation stone by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On August 4, the Ramarchan Puja, symbolizing the worship of Shri Ram’s feet, was conducted to invoke the presence of major deities into the temple.

To prepare for the Bhoomi Pujan, soil and holy water were collected from various sacred sites across India, including the Triveni Sangam of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj, the Kaveri river at Talakaveri, and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam. Additionally, soil was sourced from Hindu temples, Gurudwaras, Jain Temples, and the four pilgrimage locations of Char Dham, symbolizing a collective blessing for the temple.

On August 5, Prime Minister Modi sought blessings at Hanumangarhi by offering prayers to Hanuman. Subsequently, the groundbreaking and foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Ram Mandir took place, featuring speeches by notable figures such as Yogi Adityanath, Mohan Bhagwat, Nritya Gopal Das, and Narendra Modi. Commencing his speech with ‘Jai Siya Ram,’ Prime Minister Modi urged those present to join him in chanting ‘Jai Siya Ram.’ The ceremony marked a significant moment in the journey of constructing the Ram Temple.

2021- Present

In August 2021, a designated public observation site was established to witness the ongoing development of the Ram Temple. After the groundbreaking ceremony, around 40 feet (12 m) of debris was cleared, and the remaining soil was compacted. The foundation, consisting of 47-48 layers, each one foot high, was constructed using roller-compacted concrete, reaching completion by mid-September 2021. Progress experienced setbacks due to electricity supply issues in Mirzapur, affecting the cutting of the sandstone. By early 2022, the temple trust unveiled a 3D video showcasing the envisioned construction, and in January 2023, two Shaligram rocks, aged 60 million years and weighing 26 tonnes and 14 tonnes, were sourced from the Gandaki river in Nepal to carve the idol of Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum. As of May 2023, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust reported the completion of 70% of the groundwork and 40% of the roof work. In preparation for the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony in Ayodhya, the Uttar Pradesh government allocated ₹100 crore for ‘Ramotsav,’ a series of religious events spanning 826 local bodies across Uttar Pradesh, and the Ram Paduka Yatra. These events, starting in December 2023, will lead up to grand celebrations from Makar Sankranti on January 14/15 until the inauguration of the Ram temple on January 22. The yatra will follow the Ram Van Gaman Path, retracing Ram’s 14-year exile from Ayodhya.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Ceremony – Overview

Donations

The temple trust launched a nationwide ‘mass contact and contribution campaign’ with the ambitious goal of reaching 550-600 million people. Voluntary donations, starting from ₹10 and higher, were accepted. On January 15, 2021, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the contribution toward the construction of the Ram Mandir, donating ₹501,000. Subsequently, leaders and notable personalities across the nation followed suit. By April 2021, approximately ₹5,000 crore had been collected from donations nationwide

. Nearly 150,000 VHP activists actively participated in the donation collection process. Notably, the temple trust also received contributions from members of the Muslim and Christian communities, reflecting diverse support. While some industrialists offered to undertake the construction of the temple, these proposals were declined, considering public sentiments.

The transparency of the fund collection process faced scrutiny, with former Karnataka Chief Ministers HD Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah raising questions. Instances of alleged bullying were reported, leading to the suspension of the headmistress of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh school. In response to corruption allegations, Tata Consultancy Services was brought in to digitize the accounts, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the financial management of the project.

In popular culture

Slogans
“Mandir wahi banayenge” (transl. The temple will be built exactly there) is a widely recognized expression in Hindi and has emerged as one of the most popular slogans associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the construction of the Ram Mandir. Its usage dates back to as early as 1985–86 but gained significant popularity in the 1990s, with various adaptations and variations. The slogan has evolved into a symbol of hope and has become ingrained in cultural festivities. It has also found its way into stand-up comedy, jokes, and memes, reflecting its widespread cultural impact. In 2019, the slogan was even used in the Parliament of India, highlighting its political significance.

Media houses have also incorporated the slogan into their discourse. Beyond its positive connotations, the slogan has been employed both as a threat and as a vow, underscoring the complex emotions associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Noteworthy variations of the slogan include one used by Lal Krishna Advani: “Saugandh Ram ki Khat-e hain; Hum Mandir Wahin Banayegein” (transl. We take a vow of Rama that we will build the temple exactly there). Other adaptations include “Wahin Banega Mandir” (transl. A temple will be built there), “Jaha Ram Ka Janma Hua Tha, Hum Mandir Wahi Banayenge” (transl. The temple will be built where Ram was born), “Ram Lalla Hum Aayenge; Mandir Wahi Banayenge” (transl. Ram Lalla, we will come, the temple will be built there), and “Pehle mandir, fir sarkaar” (transl. First the temple, then the government). Each variation carries its own nuances, contributing to the multifaceted nature of the slogan in expressing the sentiments associated with the Ram Mandir movement.

Archaeological Survey of India – Evidences

History
Ancient and Medieval Periods:
Rama, revered as an incarnation of Vishnu, holds a central place in Hindu worship. According to the ancient Indian epic, Ramayana, Ayodhya is identified as the birthplace of Rama. However, during the 16th century, the Mughals constructed the Babri Masjid at the same site, marking a juxtaposition of religious significance. The contested nature of the site became evident approximately 230 years after the construction of the Babri Masjid, with the first documented instance of religious violence dating back to 1853. This historical period underscores the complex interplay of religious and cultural narratives surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi, encapsulating a long-standing and contentious history.

Modern
In the 1980s, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a part of the Hindu nationalist Sangh Parivar, initiated a movement to reclaim the disputed site in Ayodhya for Hindus. The objective was to erect a temple dedicated to the infant Rama (Ram Lalla) on this contested spot. In November 1989, the VHP laid the foundations of a temple on land adjacent to the Babri Masjid. The situation escalated on December 6, 1992, when a rally organized by the VHP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), involving 150,000 volunteers or kar sevaks, turned violent.

The crowd overwhelmed security forces, leading to the forceful demolition of the mosque. During the 1980s, the VHP undertook fundraising efforts and collected bricks inscribed with ‘Jai Shree Ram.’ The Rajiv Gandhi government granted permission for the Shilanyas (foundation stone ceremony), with the ceremony initially planned to be conducted outside the disputed site. However, on November 9, 1989, a group of VHP leaders and Sadhus laid the foundation stone adjacent to the disputed land, leading to the construction of the singhdwar (main entrance) of the sanctum.

The demolition resulted in months of intercommunal rioting between India’s Hindu and Muslim communities, causing the death of at least 2,000 people and sparking riots across the Indian subcontinent. In the aftermath, Hindu temples in Pakistan and Bangladesh were attacked. On July 5, 2005, terrorists attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the Babri Mosque site.

All attackers were killed in a gunfight with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and one civilian died in the grenade attack. The CRPF suffered casualties as well. Archaeological excavations in 1978 and 2003 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered evidence of Hindu temple remains at the site. However, historians have debated these findings. Legal disputes ensued, leading to the passage of the Acquisition of Certain Area at Ayodhya Ordinance in 1993. The resolution of the Ayodhya dispute came with the 2019 Supreme Court verdict, which decided to hand over the disputed land to a trust formed by the Indian government for the construction of a Ram temple.

The trust, named the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, was established, and five acres of land were allocated for a new mosque 22 km away in Dhannipur village. On February 5, 2020, it was announced in the Indian Parliament that the Modi government had approved a plan for the construction of the temple.

Deity

Ram Lalla Virajman, the infant manifestation of Rama and an avatar of Vishnu, serves as the principal deity at the temple. The unique aspect of this representation lies in the fact that Ram Lalla is considered a “juristic person” by the law and was involved as a litigant in the court case over the disputed site in 1989. Triloki Nath Pandey, a senior VHP leader, represented Ram Lalla in court and was considered as his closest ‘human’ friend. The attire worn by Ram Lalla was skillfully crafted by tailors Bhagwat Prasad and Shankar Lal, the latter being a fourth-generation tailor dedicated to Rama’s idol. As envisioned by the temple trust, the final

architectural design includes dedicated spaces for temples honoring Surya, Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, and Brahma within the temple grounds. The sanctum of the temple will house two idols of Ram Lalla, with one of them being a representation of the deity at the age of five. This comprehensive blueprint reflects the diverse spectrum of Hindu deities and reinforces the sacredness of the temple as a center for multifaceted worship.

Architecture

The original design for the Ram temple was conceptualized in 1988 by the Sompura family of Ahmedabad, renowned temple architects with a lineage spanning at least 15 generations and over 100 temples globally, including the Somnath temple. Spearheaded by the chief architect Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his sons Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, the temple’s design has undergone some modifications from the original, aligning with Hindu architectural principles derived from the vastu shastra and the Shilpa Shastras. The proposed temple, set to be 235 feet (72 m) wide, 360 feet (110 m) long, and 161 feet (49 m) high, will rank as the world’s third-largest Hindu shrine upon completion, designed in the Gujara-Chaulukya style of Northern Indian temple architecture. A model of the temple was unveiled during the Prayag Kumbh Mela in 2019.

The main temple structure will feature three storeys, built on a raised platform, and include five mandapas in the middle of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and the entryway. The mandapas will be dedicated to Kudu, Nritya, Rang, Kirtan, and Prarthana, adorned with shikhara in Nagara style, with the tallest shikhara above the Garbhagriha. The temple will boast a total of 366 columns, each featuring 16 idols representing various incarnations of Shiva, the 10 Dashavataras, the 64 Chausath Yoginis, and the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati. The sanctum sanctorum will follow an octagonal design, in accordance with temple design scriptures dedicated to Vishnu.

Spanning 10 acres (0.040 km2), the temple complex will include 57 acres (0.23 km2) of developed land featuring a prayer hall, a lecture hall, educational facilities, a museum, a cafeteria, and other amenities. The temple committee anticipates that over 70,000 people will be able to visit the site. Larsen & Toubro has generously offered to oversee the design and construction of the temple free of cost and has been appointed as the project’s contractor. Additionally, esteemed institutions such as the Central Building Research Institute, National Geophysical Research Institute, and Indian Institutes of Technology in Bombay, Guwahati, and Madras are contributing their expertise in areas like soil testing, concrete, and design. The construction materials will include 600 thousand cubic feet of sandstone from the Bansi pahadpur village mountain in Rajasthan.

In a noteworthy departure, the temple will abstain from using iron in its construction, relying instead on ten thousand copper plates to fuse the stone blocks. A culturally significant contribution comes from Thailand, symbolically participating in the inauguration of the Ram Temple by sending soil to the Ram Janmabhoomi, building on their prior gesture of sending water from two rivers in Thailand to honor the temple.

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Hindi
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