The ancient city of Saket or Ajodhia, now Ayodhya, is ready to restore the legacy of Lord Ram on Monday after a wait of around five centuries. Today, it narrates the story of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, which is ideologically synced with the incumbent government’s motive of a strong nation.
The Ram Mandir is not just a monument in Ayodhya; it is a living testament to the unifying power of faith. Every stone, carving, bell, and fabric tells a story of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that transcends geographical boundaries and unites hearts in a collective spiritual journey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative resonates deeply with this notion and is a testament to the unwavering faith and generosity that transcends state borders, uniting a nation in the pilgrimage for a temple.
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the echoes of Ram’s name have woven a tapestry of devotion across India. The majestic temple stands tall as a symbol of India’s unity and devotion, not just in grandeur, but also in the tapestry of contributions woven across States and borders.
The core of the temple stands majestic, covered in the pristine white elegance of Rajasthan’s Makrana marble. Karnataka’s Charmouthi sandstone, when it comes to the exquisite carvings of deities, takes centre stage. Pink sandstone from Rajasthan’s Bansi Paharpur has been utilised in the entrance gate’s imposing figures.
The contributions go far beyond building materials. Gujarat’s generosity extends to the divine melody that will echo through its halls, gifting a majestic 2100 kg Ashtadhatu bell. Alongside this divine bell, Gujarat also presents a 700 kg chariot carrying a special “nagada”, crafted by the All India Darbar Samaj.
The black stone used for Lord Ram’s idol originates from Karnataka. From the Himalayan foothills, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura have offered intricately carved wooden doors and handcrafted fabrics, standing as gateways to the divine realm.
The list of contributions does not end as brassware hails from Uttar Pradesh, while polished teakwood arrives from Maharashtra. The story of the Ram Mandir is not just about materials and geographical origins. It is about the countless thousands of talented craftsmen and artisans who have poured their hearts, souls, and skills into this sacred endeavour.
The temple has received technical assistance from at least four leading National Institutes of CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) and DST (Department of Science & Technology) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, in addition to certain inputs from other institutions like IITs as well as ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
CSIR-CBRI Roorkee has played a major role in contributing to the construction of the Ram Temple. CSIR-NGRI Hyderabad provided significant inputs on foundation design and seismic safety. DST-IIA Bengaluru offered technical support on the Sun’s path for Surya Tilak, and CSIR-IHBT Palampur has contributed to making tulips bloom for the divine Ram Mandir Praan Pratishthaa ceremony.
A unique feature is the Surya Tilak mechanism, designed in such a way that the Sun’s rays will fall on the forehead of Lord Ram’s Idol at 12 noon on Sriram Navami day every year for about 6 minutes.
Ram Navami, celebrated on the ninth day of the first month of the Hindu calendar, which is usually in March-April, marks the birthday of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.