The Ram Janmabhoomi and Ram Lalla Temple of Ayodhya is a testament to science and faith. The impartial work done at the site of erstwhile Babri Masjid by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) enabled the Hindus of India to reclaim the original site as a Temple. In 2019 the Supreme Court verdict declared the site of religious importance to Hindus and confirmed the presence of a temple under the masjid. Consequently, the Indian Muslim community made peace with the verdict on the basis of conclusive evidence presented in the court. Discover the remains of Hindu history found at the temple site and keep pace with the modern temple’s construction.
The buried temple of Ram Lalla
Professor B.B. Lal headed the first ASI excavation of the Babri Masjid site in 1976. Along with twelve students, including the renowned Shri K.K. Muhammed, of the Institute of Archaeology, Delhi Professor Lal discovered temple ruins under the Masjid. This team of archeologists found 12 support pillars from the 12th century, known as Kasoti pillars, attached to the piers of the Masjid. These pillars had the distinct ‘Purna Kalasha’ inscribed on them. This carving is part of the ‘Ashta Mangal Chinha’ distinctly related to Hindu temples and religion.
In 2003, Professor Mani and his team from ASI conducted the second excavation of the site. This excavation revealed an increase in the total number of pillars from 14 to 50. Additionally, they found an ornate Makar Pranali in the location, this was a typical temple construction to rid the temple of the Abhishekh Jal in a hygienic way. This construction is unique to Hindu temples. Moreover, the excavation of Amalka disc, portions of the temple Shikhara, and 263 other terracotta objects associated with temples solidified the proof of the existence of Ram Lalla Temple at the site.
The most important discovery was of the ‘Vishnu Hari Sheela Phalak’. This was an inscribed stone that was found inside the masjid premises. The stone slab is 5 feet in length and 2 feet in breadth. It has a 20-line Sanskrit inscription that states that the temple is built in the honor of the man who defeated Bali and the ten-headed one, Dashanan or Ravana.
The inscription describes the man as God Vishnu himself. The inscription is written in the 12th century Devanagari script.
The New Temple Complex at Ram Janmabhoomi
As per the guidelines of the Supreme Court of India an independent temple trust was established. The trust’s assignment was to build a temple complex on behalf of all Hindus. In addition to the main Ram Temple; the temple complex will also house other temples for Maharishi Valmiki, Shabri, Nishad Raj, Acharya Vashisht, Rishi Vishwamitra, Ahalya, and Agastyamuni. These temples will represent the journey of Lord Ram in his 14-years of exile. It will celebrate the worship of Lord Ram as ‘Maryada Purushottam’.
The total cost of the temple on completion will be approximately Rupees 1800 crore. Currently, almost 70% of the temple construction is complete. The temple site has a team of more than 300 workers that work in shifts around the clock to accomplish the task. Construction material from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh was brought to build the temple. The temple will not use Iron and steel as construction material. A technique from London helped increase the stability of the temple plinth. Additionally, the Astronomical Institute of Pune and IIT Madras were consulted for the construction of the temple.Â
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti in 2024 the temple will open its doors for all devotees. Modern technology will assist in matters of security and management of devotees. The temple complex should last for thousands of years. Hindus hope for everlasting blessings from all communities for the successful completion of the temple.
Conclusion
The Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Complex is a symbol of faith, unity, and cultural heritage of Sanatana Dharma followers. Moreover, the construction of this temple complex signifies the triumph of truth, justice, and righteousness for Hindus all over the world. Additionally, the Ram Lalla temple is the culmination of the belief of a billion people in their religion for thousands of years altogether. Its importance is no less than that of Mecca or Medina for Muslims. Hindus wait with baited breath to feel the divinity of Lord Ram in the Modern Ram Temple of Ayodhya.