At the end of a two-day meeting to take stock of the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, construction works on the three-floor superstructure has started in full swing and is expected to open for devotees by December of 2023.

The Ram Temple will comprise of a Garbh Griha and five Mandaps at the ground floor. The superstructure is being built on a 24-foot-high plinth which will directly bear the load of the temple.

The construction of the plinth which had begun in February this year is now complete. The consortium of engineers of the Ram temple had selected granite stone for the plinth work as most of the ancient temples were built on natural rocky strata.

According to the chairman of the construction committee Nripendra Mishra, the superstructure of the Parkota is proposed to be constructed by using carved Red Rajasthan Sandstone from Bansi Paharpur in the Bharatpur district. The construction work of the RCC retaining the wall and foundation of Parkota is well in progress according to the schedule.

The granite stone was transported with the help of Container Corporation of India and Indian Railways. The completion schedule of the plinth work was reduced by two months due to the cooperation of the Indian Railways.

Meanwhile, a Pilgrimage Facilitation Centre is also being built for the ease of devotees and will consist of facilities including depositing shoes and other personal belongings, waiting halls for 5,000 devotees, drinking water, toilets, and other utilities.

The master plan in the remaining area of the complex is under finalization in which temples of Rishi Valmiki, Acharya Vashisth, Rishi Viswamitra, Agastya Rishi, Nishad, Jatayu, and Mata Sabri have been planned.

The plans also include additional facilities like Yagna Mandap, Sant Niwas, museum, research centre, and library, with maximum focus on green areas which would be devotee friendly.

The darshan of Ram Lalla will be opened for devotees by December 2023. The general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Champat Rai tweeted, “Shri Ram Bhakts will be able to have darshan of Lord Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. The construction work of the first floor of the temple will be completed and the temple will be consecrated at the auspicious time as soon as the sun sets.”

It may be noted that present estimates indicate that the total cost incurred for the construction of the temple and the complex will be around Rs 1800 crores.