Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Temple — Attraction in Uttar Pradesh

Ram Janmabhoomi (literally, "Rama's birthplace") is the site that is believed to be the birthplace of Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The Ramayana states that the location of Rama's birthplace is on the banks of the Sarayu river in a city called "Ayodhya".

Ram Janmabhoomi



Ayodhya

Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)

Alternative nameBirth place of lord RamLocationAyodhyaRegionUttar PradeshCoordinates26.7956°N 82.1943°ESite notesOwnershipShri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra1]

Some Hindus claim that the exact site of Rama's birthplace is where the Babri Masjid once stood in the present-day Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. According to this theory, the Mughals demolished a Hindu shrine that marked the spot, and constructed a mosque in its place. People opposed to this theory state that such claims arose only in the 18th century, and that there is no evidence for the spot being the birthplace of Rama.

The political, historical and socio-religious debate over the history and location of the Babri Mosque, and whether a previous temple was demolished or modified to create it, is known as the Ayodhya dispute.

In 1992, the demolition of the Babri Masjid by Hindu nationalists triggered widespread Hindu-Muslim violence.

Several other sites, including places in other parts of India, Afghanistan, and Nepal, have been proposed as birthplaces of Rama.

The five judges Supreme Court bench heard the title dispute cases from August to October 2019.[2 On 9 November 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the land to be handed over to a trust to build the Hindu temple. It also ordered to the government to give alternate 5 acre land to Sunni Waqf Board to build the mosque.[4] On 5 February 2020, the trust known as Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra was created by the Government of India. The trust will oversee the construction of the Ram Mandir. The foundation stone for construction of the temple was laid on 5 August 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[5]

Babri Masjid site

Further information: Baqi Tashqandi



Ayodhya disputed site map

The Ramayana, a Hindu epic whose earliest portions date back to 1st millennium BCE, states that the capital of Rama was Ayodhya.[6] According to the local Hindu belief, the site of the now-demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya is the exact birthplace of Rama. The Babri mosque is believed to have been constructed during 1528–29 by a certain 'Mir Baqi' (possibly Baqi Tashqandi), who was a commander of the Mughal emperor Babur (r. 1526–1530).[7] However, the historical evidence for these beliefs is scant.[8]

In 1611, an English traveller William Finch visited Ayodhya and recorded the "ruins of the Ranichand [Ramachand] castle and houses". He made no mention of a mosque.[9] In 1634, Thomas Herbert described a "pretty old castle of Ranichand [Ramachand]" which he described as an antique monument that was "especially memorable".[10] However, by 1672, the appearance of a mosque at the site can be inferred because Lal Das's Awadh-Vilasa describes the location of birthplace without mentioning a temple or "castle".[11] In 1717, the Moghul Rajput noble Jai Singh II purchased land surrounding the site and his documents show a mosque.[12] The Jesuit missionary Joseph Tiefenthaler, who visited the site between 1766 and 1771, wrote that either Aurangazeb (r. 1658–1707) or Babur had demolished the Ramkot fortress, including the house that was considered as the birthplace of Rama by Hindus. He further stated that a mosque was constructed in its place, but the Hindus continued to offer prayers at a mud platform that marked the birthplace of Rama.[13] In 1810, Francis Buchanan visited the site, and stated that the structure destroyed was a temple dedicated to Rama, not a house. Many subsequent sources state that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a temple.[13]

Police officer and writer Kishore Kunal states that all the claimed inscriptions on the Babri mosque were fake. They were affixed sometime around 1813 (almost 285 years after the supposed construction of the mosque in 1528 CE), and...

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya – A Divine Legacy

Introduction Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya is one of the most sacred and historically significant temples in India. It marks the birthplace of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and stands as a symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural heritage. This grand temple is not just a place of worship but a spiritual and national icon that attracts millions of devotees from across the world.

Religious and Historical Significance

Ayodhya is one of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism, and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is its holiest site. According to Hindu scriptures, this is the exact location where Lord Ram was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya. The temple represents the epic journey of Ramayana, a scripture that has shaped the spiritual and moral values of Hindu culture for centuries.

Historically, the site has been a focal point of religious devotion and cultural identity for Hindus. After centuries of devotion and legal battles, the foundation stone for the grand temple was laid on August 5, 2020, and the temple was inaugurated in January 2024. This marked the fulfillment of a centuries-old dream of millions of devotees.

Temple Architecture and Design

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is a magnificent architectural marvel, built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, which is traditional to North India. Some key highlights include:

Grand Structure: The temple stands at 161 feet in height and is built on a massive platform, symbolizing strength and stability.

Ornate Carvings: Every pillar and wall of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

Sanctum Sanctorum: The main sanctum houses a divine idol of Ram Lalla (infant Lord Ram), radiating a powerful spiritual presence.

Pillars and Domes: The temple has three floors with 392 intricately carved pillars and five domes, symbolizing the grandeur of Indian temple architecture.

Materials Used: Built with pink sandstone from Rajasthan, the temple is designed to stand for thousands of years. No iron or steel has been used in its construction, ensuring longevity and authenticity.

Spiritual Experience and Darshan

Visiting Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is an experience of unparalleled devotion. Devotees enter the temple premises through beautifully constructed pathways, chanting the sacred name of Lord Ram. The divine aura of the Ram Lalla idol, glowing with divinity, instills a deep sense of peace and devotion.

The temple complex is designed to accommodate lakhs of visitors daily, ensuring a smooth darshan experience. The morning and evening aartis are truly mesmerizing, with bhajans, bells, and chants filling the air, creating an unforgettable spiritual ambiance.

Cultural and National Importance

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is not just a religious site but a symbol of India’s cultural and civilizational identity. It unites millions of devotees, representing faith, perseverance, and the spiritual strength of Sanatan Dharma. The temple also boosts tourism, bringing pilgrims and visitors from around the world to witness the grandeur of Ram’s birthplace.

With the construction of the temple, Ayodhya has transformed into a global spiritual hub, attracting scholars, saints, and tourists interested in the legacy of Lord Ram and the Ramayana.

Facilities for Devotees

The temple complex is designed to offer the best facilities to visitors, including:

Spacious pathways and queue systems for smooth darshan

Free prasad distribution for devotees

Pilgrim assistance centers for guidance and support

Accommodation and dharamshalas for visitors

Security arrangements ensuring a safe and peaceful visit

Additionally, the government and temple authorities have developed better roadways, railway connectivity, and an international airport in Ayodhya to make the pilgrimage accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

A visit to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is more than just a pilgrimage—it is a soul-stirring experience that deepens one’s connection with Lord...

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir stands as a testament to faith, architectural grandeur, and historical significance. Having recently been inaugurated, it has quickly become a pivotal pilgrimage site and a landmark monument in India. Aesthetics and Massive Scale: The temple's beauty is rooted in its traditional Nagara style of architecture, a classical North Indian temple design characterized by its towering spires (shikharas) and intricate carvings. Crafted primarily from pink sandstone sourced from Rajasthan, the temple presents a majestic and aesthetically pleasing sight. Every detail, from the delicate filigree work to the vibrant paintings, is said to reflect immense devotion and artistic mastery. Its sheer size is truly impressive. Spanning an area of approximately 28,000 square feet, the main temple measures a staggering 380 feet long (east to west), 250 feet wide, and rises to a height of 161 feet. It's a three-storied structure, with each floor boasting a palatial 20 feet in height. The temple is supported by a remarkable 392 pillars and features 44 doors, contributing to its grand and accessible design. The main entrance, the Singh Dwar, is approached by an ascent of 32 stairs, promising a grand entry for devotees. The entire complex is enclosed by a rectangular compound wall called Parkota, measuring 732 meters in length, further emphasizing its massive scale. Beyond the main temple, the complex includes five mandapas (pavilions) – Nritya (dance), Rang (color), Sabha (assembly), Prarthna (prayer), and Kirtan (chanting) – each serving a distinct purpose and adding to the architectural richness. The use of varied materials from across India, like granite from Karnataka, teakwood from Maharashtra, and bells from Tamil Nadu, highlights a pan-Indian collaborative effort in its construction. Significance: The Ayodhya Ram Mandir holds profound significance for millions of Hindus worldwide: Birthplace of Lord Rama: At its core, the temple is believed to stand on the sacred site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and the central figure of the epic Ramayana. This belief makes it an exceptionally revered pilgrimage destination, offering a tangible connection to their beloved deity. Symbol of Faith and Devotion: For centuries, the site has been a focal point of religious fervor. The construction and consecration of the temple represent the culmination of a long-standing aspiration and profound devotion for countless devotees, symbolizing the triumph of faith. Cultural Heritage and Identity: Lord Rama embodies virtue, righteousness (dharma), and ideal human qualities for millions. The temple, therefore, is not merely a religious structure but also a powerful symbol of India's cultural identity and collective heritage, reflecting the ethos shaped by the Ramayana. National Unity and Integration: After decades of complex history and disputes surrounding the site, the temple's construction is viewed by many as a step towards healing historical wounds and fostering a sense of national unity and integration, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds under a shared cultural and spiritual narrative. Spiritual Pilgrimage: Visiting the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is more than just a trip; it's a spiritual pilgrimage for devotees seeking solace, guidance, and a deeper connection with the divine. The serene and spiritual atmosphere, combined with the grandeur of the temple, creates a truly transformative experience. In essence, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a magnificent architectural marvel that embodies the deep-rooted faith and cultural spirit of India, standing as a beacon of spirituality and a testament to a...