A sample on Ram Mandir construction that a company rejected stating AI content

 company

Ironically, the content is scored "100% human" by an AI-detector tool. So, friends, please go through it and let me know whether it sounds inhuman or superhuman.

#Ayodhya #Ram mandir #Indian Religion #Indian Culture # architecture

Ram Mandir at Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya: An Architectural Masterpiece

Susan. J. Lewandowski, a famous scholar, once stated that “All things are one, everything is connected” on the core principle of any Hindu temple. Those symmetry-driven, geometrical shapes in Hindu temples often confirm the same. Ram Mandir’s chief architect Chandrakant Sompura might have had similar thoughts when he first visited the temple site more than 30 years ago. That day, Ashok Singhal, the late chief of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad was with him. Sompura recollected with CNBC that he measured the site area with footsteps as a disguised devotee. The original plan for this 161ft “Nagara style” temple included two domes, multiple pillars, and turrets. However, Sompura and his sons later added 3 more domes to the original plan.

Architectural style

The “Nagara” or Northern style is quite different from the “Dravida” (Southern) style or 

the “Vesara” (Mixed) style. Generally, the Northern style includes a larger shrine and adjacent mandapa. Mandir’s Tower or “Shikhara” elevates into a progressive convex curve. Moreover, the elevation from the square plan offers a cruciform shape. Ram mandir also shows an absence of boundary walls which are major parts of the “Dravida” style.

Figure 1. Ram Mandir’s “Nagara” style architecture

The temple has a resemblance to the Khajuraho temple, a major “Northern” style masterpiece. Particularly, the tower confirms the resemblance. The 3-storey temple that is devoted to the infant avatar of Lord Rama is 360ft and 235 ft in length and width respectively. Additionally, the elements of the “Vastushastra” and the “Shilpashastra” highlight themselves in 360 pillars of 8 ft radius in the temple floors. The main tower (the tallest one) has the shape of a curved pyramid with an “Amalaka” on a “Kalasha”.

Construction materials

The materials cover a diverse range of elements from different parts of India. For example, the bottom support or “Plinth” is made of Mirzapuri pink stones. But, the surface construction is made of Rajasthani “Banshi” stones and Sandstones. Interestingly, more than 2 lakh, “Shri Rama” inscribed bricks are used to complete the construction.

 

Entrance

The entrance gate or “Shingha Dwar” is a sight with Jai-Bijay engravings and two black-stone pillars. Moreover, both sides of the main entrance have images of the mythological “Garud” and lions. The Southern entrance gate’s outer wall has a stone engraving of a boar. The internal black stone pillars show engravings of the Lotus, “Tandhava”, Lord Krishna, and Lord Hanuman.

Mandapas

Between the entrance and the tall tower, there are 5 Mandapas. They are Kudu mandapa,

Nritya mandapa, Rang mandapa, Kirtan mandapa and Prarthana mandapa. The last type of mandapa or Prarthana mandapa can be seen in both sides.

Figure 2. The Mandapas of Ram Mandir

A 16ft wide staircase leads to the mandapas and finally to “Ram Lala”.

Sanctum Sanctorum/Garbha Griha

It seems the Garbha Griha is the largest Sanctum Sanctorum in India with its 20 x 20 ft dimension. From inside, the devotees can feel the Octagonal shape of the tower and the intricate details of the engravings. The square base and rectilinear outline of the tower confirm the “Phamsana-style” of the tower. In the center, “Ram Lala” is seated on a Silver throne. However, the main temple also has Lord Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. On the platform outside the Sanctum Sanctorum, under the auspicious tree, “Panchmukhi Mahadev, Parvati, Ganesh and Nandi” idols can be seen. There are “Sita-koop” for saints and “Sita-Rasoi” for the Lord’s footprint outside the said. Ram Lala also has a “Darbar” in the temple.

Figure 3. The Garbha Griha Interior

Conclusion

The temple is built on the controversial (demolished) Babri masjid site and often raises questions about secular India. Ram Mandir supporters argue that the temple of Lord Rama at his birthplace does not suppress secularism. However, the architectural point of view confirms the same as a “Nagara-style” legacy and a key cultural component.

FAQ

Who is Ram Lala?

Ans: The Hindu Puran (mythology) confirms that Lord Rama is the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu. He was born in Ayodhya to fight the injustice of Kreta Yuga. Ram Lala indicates his infant manifestation. Ram Lala is quite similar to Bal Gopala, the infant avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Where is the Ram Mandir situated?

Ans: It is situated in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Why is the Ram Mandir important to Hindus?

Ans: Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, the Kreta Avatar, makes the temple important to Hindus. The geographical and mythological significance of the place ensures positive energy and auspicious elements. In simple Debnagari, this is called “Sthan Mahatmya”.

What is the easiest way to Ram Mandir?

Ans: The temple is 10 minutes away from the Ayodhya Junction Railway Station, Tiraha by car. A drive from the Railway Station Road to Ayodhya Dhaam Road and next to Theri Bazar will help reach the destination.

Why is the Nagara-style construction employed?

Ans: The construction style is the most convenient one according to the Shilpa Shastra. For instance, the Garbha Griha dimensions and face are best employed by this style.

What is the significance of Mandapas?

Ans: They are significant for performing important daily and special rituals, religious songs, and dances for the deity. Moreover, they make a cleansed path to the Garbha Griha of a temple. So, they tend to make devotees feel ready before the “Darshna” or auspicious sight, and “Parthana” or Prayer.

What is the significance of Garbha Griha?

Ans: It is the home of the primary deity and devotees go there for the “Darshna” and the “Parthana”. Hindu mythology states that this place is where the primary deity eats, sleeps, takes rest, and listens to the prayers of the devotees. As a result, there are certain times (for example, morning 5 am -10 am or evening 6 pm -9 pm) to enter the place.

Is the place worth visiting?

Ans: Although you are not religious, the architectural and geographical viewpoints of the place may attract you. So, you should visit at least once.

 References

 https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/major-indian-temple-architecture-styles/#:

https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/meet-chandrakant-sompura-the-chief-architect-behind-the-construction-of-the-ram-temple-18614221.htm

https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/this-is-how-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-will-look-269080-2020-08-04

https://13angle.com/architecture-of-ram-mandir-and-their-top-13-interesting-facts/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/nagara-style-of-architecture-for-ayodhyas-ram-temple/articleshow/77272513.cms