About Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Ayodhya
The Sacred Sanctuary of Lord Rama
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya stands as one of the most revered spiritual destinations in the world. Located on the banks of the holy Saryu River, this magnificent temple complex marks the exact birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, as celebrated in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana.
Spanning over 70 acres, the temple complex is designed in the classic Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. Crafted meticulously without the use of steel or iron, the structure relies entirely on pink sandstone quarried from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan, white Makrana marble, and durable granite. The main temple structure is supported by over 392 intricately carved stone pillars and features 44 ornate teakwood doors plated with gold leaf.
Key Architectural Highlights
- Five Grand Mandapas (Halls): The temple features five beautiful domes or halls—Nritya Mandapa, Rang Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Prarthana Mandapa, and Kirtan Mandapa.
- Shri Ram Lalla Idol: At the heart of the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) rests the exquisite 51-inch dark stone idol of 5-year-old Ram Lalla (child Rama), sculpted with breathtaking grace by artist Arun Yogiraj.
- Parkota Wall: A rectangular compound wall called Parkota surrounding the main shrine stretches over 732 meters, adorned with shrines dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, Maharishi Vashistha, Maharishi Vishwamitra, Shabari, and Nishadraj.
Visiting the temple offers an overwhelmingly emotional and serene experience for pilgrims. Walking through the paved walkways lined with floral decorations and chanting voices creates an atmosphere of deep divinity and peace.
History
Centuries of History and Devotion
The history of Ram Janmabhoomi is deeply intertwined with ancient scriptures, medieval traditions, and modern Indian history. According to the Ramayana, Ayodhya was founded by Manu and served as the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty, where Lord Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya.
Chronological Milestones
- Ancient & Medieval Period: For centuries, pilgrims venerated the birthplace of Shri Ram. Archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) revealed structural remains belonging to early centuries BCE, along with monumental temple foundations dating back to the 10th-12th century Chandela/Gahadavala period.
- The Colonial & Post-Independence Era: The site was a focal point of long-standing religious and legal claims spanning over a century.
- Landmark Supreme Court Verdict (2019): On November 9, 2019, a historic unanimous judgment by a 5-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India handed over the entire 2.77-acre disputed land to a trust created by the Government of India for the construction of the Ram Temple.
- Bhoomi Pujan (2020): Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the foundation stone laying ceremony (Bhoomi Pujan) on August 5, 2020.
- Pran Pratishtha (2024): The historic consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) of Shri Ram Lalla was grandly celebrated on January 22, 2024, marking a historic moment for millions across the globe.