Ayodhya Ram Mandir FAQs: From guest list to cost of making - All that you need to know

The Nagara style emerged in North India around the late Gupta period. Typically, temples made in this style of architecture are built on a raised platform along with the sanctum sanctorum, above which stands the most distinguished feature of the Nagara style.

Sacred rituals leading up to the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22 began in Ayodhya long before the day arrived, which signifies a crucial moment in India's cultural and religious landscape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strictly following an 11-day code leading up to the consecration ceremony. It includes penance and purifying the mind and body with meditation and special 'satvik' diet that bars onion, garlic and several other items.

Here're answers to a list of questions that would come up in your mind frequently.

What is the significance of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir?

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram and is considered a sacred site.

The foundation stone for the Ram Mandir was laid on August 5, 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The construction of Ram Mandir was being monitored by a trust- the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which was created by the Centre.

The construction of the Ram Temple began in 2020 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on August 5. The construction of the temple started after the Supreme Court verdict in 2019, where the apex court in a historic judgement handed over the dispute 2.77-acre site in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya town to the Hindu side for the temple construction.

After reaching Ayodhya, arriving at the the Ram Mandir shouldn’t be a difficult ask. Local transport options, including auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws, are readily available. The temple is located on the banks of the Sarayu River, providing a serene backdrop to your spiritual journey.

Ram Mandir will be open for devotees from January 23. The darshan timings are divided into two slots -- from 7 am to 11.30 am and 2 pm to 7 pm.

Ram Lalla aarti is scheduled three times a day. Devotees can participate in the aarti at 6:30 am, 12:00 noon, and 7:30 pm. One requires a pass made by the Trust, for which you must provide ID proof.

Chandrakant Sompura is the main architect of Sri Ram Mandir. Sompura comes from a long line of temple architects and is the 15th generation of the family hailing from Ahmedabad. He recently disclosed his three-decade involvement in the project. The original design was devised in 1988 by the Sompura family of Ahmedabad. The Sompuras have contributed to the design of over 100 temples worldwide for at least 15 generations, including the Somnath temple.

Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra general secretary, Champat Rai,  said the construction plan was discussed with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) over 15 years ago. The construction agency had promised to build the temple.

General entry to the temple is free. Three different types of "Aartis" will be performed at the temple for which passes will be issued free of cost. Only those having passes will be allowed to attend as per the following timings. Only thirty persons can attend each aarti.

The Mandir is built in the traditional Nagara style and has a length (east-west) of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and a height of 161 feet. Nagara architecture is a style of temple architecture originating in North India.

One can transfer the money to the official account of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust overseeing the construction work of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The Trust has made arrangements for online donations via its official website.

The Temple Museum in Ayodhya will narrate the sacred stories of major temples across the country and introduce visitors to the fundamental concepts of Sanatan Dharma. It will be divided into 12 galleries, each showcasing the artistic mastery and inspiring a sense of pride and reverence among the spectators. These galleries will also explore the scientific and philosophical aspects of temple architecture.

Here is a list of  events leading up the consecration ceremony on January 22:

To enter the Ram temple of Ayodhya, you will have to take care of the security standards. Electric items like mobile phones, earphones, or any other gadgets are prohibited while entering the temple. Traditional Indian attire can be worn during the inauguration of the Ram temple. Men can wear a dhoti or kurta-pajama. Whereas women can wear salwar suits or sarees. However, there is no dress code imposed by the Ram Temple Trust regarding this.

Ayodhya, formerly known as Saketa, holds immense religious and historical importance as the birthplace of the Lord Rama. According to Hindu mythology, Ayodhya was the capital of the ancient Kosala ruled by King Dasharatha. The temple inauguration holds significance for Hindus worldwide as it is a milestone reached after the successful culmination of a decades-long movement for the construction of the temple. The construction of the Ram Temple began in 2020. It started after the Supreme Court verdict in 2019, where the apex court in a historic judgement handed over the dispute 2.77-acre site in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya town to the Hindu side for the temple construction. The Muslims were given an alternative land to build a potential mosque.

The construction of the three-storeyed Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by December this year, said temple construction committee chairperson Nripendra Misra.