As the grand temple for Ram Lalla in Ayodhya nears completion, it stands as a testament to the fusion of traditional Indian heritage architecture and cutting-edge science. Shri Nripendra Misra, chairperson of the temple construction committee, emphasizes that the temple has been meticulously crafted to endure for over a thousand years, with contributions from top Indian scientists and the integration of ISRO technologies.
The architectural brilliance is credited to Chandrakant Sompura, a heritage temple designer from a family tradition spanning 15 generations. Mr. Sompura expresses that the Shri Ram Temple is a rarely seen, splendid creation, not only in India but anywhere on Earth. The temple spans 2.7 acres, with a built-up area of 57,000 square feet across three floors, reaching a height of 161 feet, approximately 70% of the Qutab Minar’s height.
What sets this temple apart is the absence of iron or steel in its construction, as their lifespans are limited to 80-90 years. Instead, the structure relies on the very best quality granite, sandstone, and marble. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director of the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, highlights that no cement or lime mortar is used in the joints. A lock and key mechanism, employing grooves and ridges, secures the construction.
CBRI has played a pivotal role in the project, ensuring the structural design is earthquake-resistant for a return period of 2,500 years. Facing the challenge of sandy and unstable ground, an engineered soil was laid, followed by a 1.5-meter thick M-35 grade metal-free concrete raft. The foundation was further fortified with a 6.3-meter thick solid granite stone plinth.
The visible part of the temple is crafted from ‘Bansi Paharpur’ pink sandstone from Rajasthan, while the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with white Makrana marble, also from Rajasthan. CBRI conducted in-depth analyses, choosing a model that preserves the Nagara style of architecture, ensuring both performance and architectural integrity. The dry-jointed structure, designed for a 1,000-year lifespan, consists solely of interlocked stone, without steel reinforcement.
Dr. Sharda Srinivasan, an archaeologist from the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, notes that the temple combines heritage architecture methods, such as the Mortis and Tenon technique, with modern finite element analysis, sophisticated software tools, and 21st-century building codes.
Ramancharla asserts that the Ram Mandir, with its heritage architecture base and modern engineering, is poised to endure for more than a thousand years. The collaborative effort of architects, scientists, and builders has given rise to a marvel that seamlessly merges India’s rich cultural heritage with the advancements of the present age.