The construction of the spire (shikhar) of the Ram temple in Ayodhya commenced on Thursday, October 3. The project is anticipated to be completed within 120 days, approximately four months. Once finished, the temple will reach a total height of 161 feet, topped with a Dharma Dhwaj (religious flag) that will add an additional 44 feet to its peak.
Prior to the start of construction, a worship ceremony was conducted at the site to bless the project. The primary stone intended for the top of the spire was honored during this ritual, marking a significant milestone in the temple’s development.
Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Mandir Nirman Samiti, said that construction is progressing steadily and is on track to meet the deadline. He highlighted major milestones, including the Ramlala Pran Pratishtha ceremony held on January 22 this year, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed rituals in honor of Lord Ram. Since that event, approximately over 2 crore devotees have visited the temple.
The spire’s design has been crafted by Sompura architects, finalized earlier by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust. Upon completion, the entire temple, including the spire, will stand at 161 feet. The construction of the spire is a complex task, crucial for temple architecture. Representatives from all involved agencies were present at the start of this construction phase, focusing on both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
The temple complex will also include seven additional temples dedicated to the revered sages—Vasishtha, Kashyap, Atri, Jamadagni, Gautam, Vishwamitra, and Bhardwaj. Collectively known as the Sapt Mandir, these temples are scheduled for completion within the next four months. Statues of all seven sages will be installed in their respective temples.
Mishra mentioned that the construction of these smaller temples is progressing rapidly. Additionally, statues of 24 deities, including Lord Ram and his brothers Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughan, have been completed and will soon be installed in the main temple.
To ensure timely completion, around 1,500 workers from various states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, are currently engaged in the construction of the temple’s spire. The leading construction company, L&T, has outlined an extensive plan to meet the December 2024 deadline for the project’s full completion.
L&T’s strategy includes employing a large workforce to facilitate round-the-clock construction. The Trust has set December 2024 as the target date for the temple’s overall completion, which will encompass the installation of all statues and architectural features.
The ground floor of the Ram temple will house the sanctum sanctorum, which will contain the main deity, Ramlala. The first floor will feature the Ram Darbar, showcasing statues of Lord Ram and his court. Devotees will have the opportunity to ascend to the first floor to worship the Ram Darbar after offering their prayers to Ramlala. Plans for the second floor are still under consideration, with no decisions made regarding the idols to be placed there.
The Ram temple in Ayodhya is progressing on schedule, with the spire expected to be completed in four months. Once finished, this temple will stand as a symbol of devotion and national pride, designed to attract millions of devotees from around the world.
