Story behind Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bricks
Source Image: Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra
Rama Temple is a symbol of great cultural and spiritual value. Rama Temple is constructed on the Janmabhoomi of Lord Rama.
The construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has been quite the journey, overcoming numerous architectural obstacles. For millions, it is more than just a building—it is a symbol that holds immense value. Following traditional principles and bringing back the good old traditional architecture vibes is the main goal of the project.
In this detailed guide, with the help of intricate details, we will explore the challenges faced by Ayodhya Ram Mandir during construction and materials selection.
The construction of the Ram Mandir started on August 5, 2020. The inauguration ceremony was conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant milestone in the realization of this sacred project.
The Design and Facts
The design of the Mandir is in the Nagara style.
The architectural plans were designed thirty years ago by the Sompura family, under the direction of Ashish Sompura.
Ram Mandir, Ayodhaya is a perfect example of sustainable design. As this stands on 4 pillars of sustainability, those are environmental, economic, cultural and social.
The 2.7-acre temple is divided into three stories, with the bottom floor illustrating the life of Lord Ram and the first floor displaying the magnificence of Lord Ram's Darbaar.
Measurements: 360 feet long, 235 feet wide, and 161 feet tall, including the summit. There are twelve gates and three stories.
The temple's 360 Nagar-style pillars enhance its aesthetic appeal and display the skill of its architecture.
A copper plate engraved with details about the temple, Lord Ram, and Ayodhya will be found in a time capsule buried 2,000 feet below the temple, safeguarding its identity for future generations.
Ram Mandir, Ayodhaya is a perfect example of sustainable design. As this stands on 4 pillars of sustainability, those are environmental, economic, cultural and social.
1
Challenges and Solutions
Foundation Laying of Ram Mandir Source Image: PTI
A. Primary Obstacle
The soil near the Sarayu River in Ayodhya was the main obstacle in the construction of the Ram Mandir's foundation.
There was only loose sand which was unsuitable for the installation of a Pile foundation.
B. Innovative Engineered Remedy
Engineers and professionals from various IITs, developed a solution, that required deep excavation down to a depth of 15 meters.
The difficult soil was swapped out with a designed alternative to guarantee the longevity and stability of the foundation, ie. RCC (Roller Compacted Concrete).
An intricate plan was put into action, involving the application of 47–56 layers of thick, 15 meter thick roller-compacted concrete.
This reinforced the base, and in just 14 days, an artificial stone form was produced.
C. Structure base
Use of a granite plinth that is 21 feet thick, a 2.5-meter Raft, and Bans Paharpur Stone above the plinth.
These features served as barriers against moisture and other environmental factors in addition to providing structural support.
D. Resistance to seismic waves
The temple's structural resilience to seismic activity up to 50 times stronger than prior earthquakes was guaranteed by organizations such as CBRI.
E. Collaborative Efforts
There was a lot of coordination and collaboration with experts from other professions during the construction of the Ram Mandir foundation.
Organizations such as CBRI and IITs contributed by offering expert counsel in difficult situations.
F. Expertise in Materials Science
The application of a soil mixture filtered with fly ash and a particular type of cement improved the properties of the foundation, demonstrating a mastery of materials science.
G. Participation Across the Nation
In order to highlight the collaborative component, 4 lakh bricks that were collected from 5 lakh villages around India were used.
represented cooperation and involvement from the entire country in the enormous effort.
The building of the Ram Mandir foundation is a monument to the combined expertise and cooperation needed to finish such a massive project.
2
Material Choice
Pink Sandstone Source Image: India TV
A. Introduction
The materials are very smart-fully and skillfully selected, sourced and sculpted by various organisations and artisans. Sculpting idols is an age-old craft with a long history and deep cultural value. In this piece, we go into the painstaking process of selecting materials for idols, emphasizing three particular materials that have undergone extensive testing.
B. List of Materials
High Grade “Rolled Compacted Concrete” without Steel- for foundation
Pink Sand Stone- Main structure
Granite Stone- for plinth
Shaligram Rock- from Gandaki River bank, Nepal
Teak wood- for doors
Copper Plates- for proper placement of carved stones to construct pillar.
Gold and Ashtdhatu for Bell
No iron used
White Makarana- for inlay work
C. Testing and Selection
A thorough evaluation method involved testing stones from Jaipur and South India for carbon reaction and water absorption.
All stones were subjected to extensive testing, which included measurements of density, porosity, compressive strength, structural strength, tensile strength, water absorption, and modulus of rupture.
Extensive strength testing were performed by NIRM, Mysore on stones that came from the South and Jaipur. One marble from Jaipur and two Krishna Shilas from Karnataka made the final cut.
D. Material Selection
For Idols
Main Idol sculpted by famous Indian artisan, Arun Yograj. Idol is 51 inches tall.
Jaipur Marble- Because of its perfect white surface and capacity to highlight fine details, artisans enjoy working with the timeless and elegant Jaipur marble, which is used to create idols.
Nellikaru rocks (Krishna Shila)- Also known as Krishna Shila: Because of its striking resemblance to Lord Krishna, this hardy stone from Karnataka is utilized extensively for idol sculpture in South India and holds cultural significance.
For Foundation
Roller-compacted concrete (RCC)- Also known as rolled concrete (rollcrete), is a special type of concrete combination. Fly ash is frequently used in place of some of the Portland cement.
Shri Ram' bricks - Echoing an ancient custom from the construction of Ram Setu, the sacred inscription "Shri Ram" is carved on the bricks used to build the Ram Mandir.
Granite- 21' feet thick Grey Granite is used above engineered foundation, to protect temple from soil moisture.
No steel or iron- Avoids use iron on purpose to extend life, since iron has a finite shelf life of approximately 90 years. The temple is carefully planned to last for a millennium
For Structure
Bansi Paharpur Pink Sand Stone, Rajasthan- This is the primary building material for the Ram Mandir, 700–1,000 million-year-old, which is carve able yet weather-resistant qualities.
Makrana Marble from Rajasthan- Not been used as a load bearing stone but only as a decorative material, especially in the garba-griha or sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The marble is at least 1,450 million years old, cientists at NIRM estimate.
No iron in structure too.
Craftsmanship
For days on end, the 3500 committed laborers labored nonstop to finish the enormous job.
Orissan artists showcased their skill as artists by delicately carving figures on the pillars, demonstrating their artistic proficiency.
Rajasthani artisans used copper clips instead of iron to overlay stones, ensuring precise alignment and structural integrity without any gaps between the stones.
The laborers' efforts were carefully examined and certified by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), guaranteeing that every detail—from precise stone placement to elaborate figures—was executed flawlessly. This demonstrates their dedication to excellence.
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