In the realm of Ayodhya, where the grand temple for Ram Lalla, the infant Lord Ram, now stands, an extraordinary blend of traditional Indian heritage architecture seamlessly intertwines with scientific prowess. This union, meticulously orchestrated, ensures the temple’s endurance for centuries to come.
“The temple, a testament to timeless endurance, has been crafted to endure for over a millennium,” declares Shri Nripendra Misra, the esteemed chairperson of the temple construction committee under the aegis of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya.
Architectural Brilliance by Chandrakant Sompura
The architectural masterpiece, adhering to the Nagar Shaily principles of northern Indian temple design, is the brainchild of Chandrakant Sompura. Hailing from a lineage spanning 15 generations dedicated to designing heritage temples, Sompura articulates, “In the annals of architecture, the Shri Ram Temple stands as an unparalleled, splendid creation—unrivaled not only in India but across the globe.”
Unparalleled Construction with ISRO Technologies
Top Indian scientists, contributing to the temple’s iconic stature, have integrated cutting-edge ISRO technologies into its construction. The total temple area spans 2.7 acres, with a built-up area of approximately 57,000 square feet, culminating in a majestic three-floor structure.
Exquisite Material Selection and Structural Design
Rejecting the use of iron or steel, deemed to have a limited life span, Nripendra Misra affirms that the temple’s height will reach 161 feet—70% of the Qutab Minar’s height. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director of the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, emphasizes the exclusive use of the finest granite, sandstone, and marble. Cement and lime mortar find no place in the joints; instead, an intricate lock-and-key mechanism, employing grooves and ridges, constructs the entire edifice.
Ingenious Solutions for Unstable Ground
A unique challenge arose due to the sandy and unstable ground beneath the temple, a consequence of the nearby Sarayu River. To address this, the scientists executed a groundbreaking solution. The soil, excavated to a depth of 15 meters, was replaced with engineered soil, creating a solid rock-like foundation. A 1.5-meter-thick M-35 grade metal-free concrete raft further fortified the structure, complemented by a plinth of 6.3 meters thick solid granite from southern India.
Aesthetic Elements and Computer-Aided Precision
The visible part of the temple, constructed with ‘Bansi Paharpur’ pink sandstone from Rajasthan, boasts 160 columns on the ground floor, 132 on the first, and 74 on the second, all intricately carved. The sanctum sanctorum is adorned with white Makrana marble from Rajasthan, the same material that graced the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Architectural Evolution with Safety at the Forefront
The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), deeply involved in the project since early 2020, assures that the temple’s structural design, adhering to the Nagara style, ensures both performance and architectural integrity.
In-depth analysis, incorporating around 50 computer models, guarantees resilience against a seismic event with a return period of 2,500 years. CBRI proudly asserts that the dry-jointed structure, designed for a millennium-long existence, solely relies on interlocked stones without steel reinforcement.
Heritage Influence in Modern Times
Dr. Sharda Srinivasan, an archaeologist from the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, contextualizes the temple’s architectural style, reminiscent of dry masonry from earlier periods.
She highlights traditional methods such as the Mortis and Tenon joining technique, devoid of mortar, and the trabeate system employing lintels and horizontal beams. These features resonate in the colossal sandstone Ram Temple, showcasing the enduring strength of sandstone in supporting a trabeate structure.
A Future of Timeless Endurance
Ramancharla concludes, affirming that while the temple draws inspiration from heritage architecture, its blueprint is defined by modern finite element analysis, sophisticated software tools, and adherence to 21st-century building codes. He confidently declares, “Based on the current state of art knowledge, the Ram Mandir is poised to endure for well beyond a millennium—a gratifying experience and a rare learning opportunity in a lifetime.”
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