In the sacred precincts of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, 10 ambitious projects, including the construction of Ram temple, are progressing concurrently. Over 80 per cent of the Ram temple’s construction has already been accomplished and it has incurred an expenditure of nearly Rs 1,000 crore with 3,500 labourers and artisans toiling hard day and night to bring the divine vision to life.

“The monumental three-storey Ram temple, soaring 161 feet high, is taking its final shape. The ground floor is nearing completion, with only finishing touches remaining, while the first floor is approximately 60 per cent ready, said Champat Rai, secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The cumulative expenditure on these projects has reached about Rs 1,000 crore and the estimated budget for the entire venture, including other associated projects, stands at Rs 1,800 crore. Notably, this surpasses the budgets allocated for the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Mahakal corridor.

Rai said that the construction cost of the temple alone was expected to be Rs 575 crore. Simultaneously, construction activities, such as the pilgrim facilitation centre, public utility facilities, retaining wall, Kuber Tila and beautification of Sheshavtar temple are being carried out, he added.

“A lifelike statue of Ram Lalla, the deity who will reside in the new temple, is under construction. Craftsmen from Karnataka and Rajasthan are diligently sculpting three statues, capturing the child-like softness of Ram Lalla,” Rai said, adding, “A grand procession of Ram Lalla is scheduled in Ayodhya on January 17 to add festive fervour to the city.”

“The temple’s grandeur is set to transcend boundaries, as the doors are undergoing a transformation. A renowned jewellery firm in Delhi has been entrusted with the task of adorning the temple doors with gold,” he said.

“Initially, a 20-gauge copper sheet is being affixed to the doors, followed by a meticulous cleaning process using chemicals and acid. Subsequently, five layers of gold work will be applied, with the deadline for completion of work set for January 5,” he added.

He pointed out that the opulence extends further, as the throne and five domes of the Ram temple are also slated to be coated with gold, elevating it to a distinguished status among the world’s temples in terms of both grandeur and technology.