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{{short description|Temple of the Hindu deity Rama in Ayodhya, India}}
{{short description|Temple of the Hindu deity Rama in Ayodhya, India}}
{{other uses}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| image              =
| image              = Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya Dham.jpg
| alt                = Ram Mandir at Ayodhya
| alt                = Ram Mandir at Ayodhya{{efn|name=CIVNOT}}
| caption           = Ram Janambhoomi Mandir
| caption             = Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, India
| coordinates        = {{coord|26.7956|82.1943|type:landmark_region:LK|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates        = {{coord|26.7956|82.1943|type:landmark_region:IN-UP|display=inline,title}}
| map_type          = Uttar Pradesh #India
| location          = [[Ayodhya]]{{efn|name=CIVNOT}}
| location          = [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], [[Ayodhya]]
| deity              = ''[[Balak Ram (idol)]]'' (infant form of [[Rama]])
| state              = [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| functional_status  = * Completed, 25 November 2025
| country            = [[India]]
* (consecrated {{start date and age|2024|01|22|df=y|p=n|br=n}}<ref>{{cite news|title='Prana Pratishta' at Ram Mandir to be held on January 22: Nripendra Misra|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/prana-pratishta-at-ram-mandir-to-be-held-on-january-22-nripendra-misra-123121000419_1.html|work=Business Standard|date=10 December 2023|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231062947/https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/prana-pratishta-at-ram-mandir-to-be-held-on-january-22-nripendra-misra-123121000419_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>)
| elevation_m        =
| architect        = Sompura family{{efn|Chandrakant Sompura<ref>{{Cite news |last=Umarji |first=Vinay |date=15 November 2019 |title=Chandrakant Sompura, the man who designed a Ram temple for Ayodhya |work=Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/chandrakant-sompura-the-man-who-designed-a-ram-temple-for-ayodhya-119111501801_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530024929/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/chandrakant-sompura-the-man-who-designed-a-ram-temple-for-ayodhya-119111501801_1.html |archive-date=30 May 2020}}</ref><br />Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura<ref name="pandey-2020" />}}
| deity              = ''Ram Lalla'' (infant form of [[Rama]])
| architecture_style = [[Maru-Gurjara architecture]]
| festivals          =  
| groundbreaking    = {{start date and age|2020|08|05|df=y|p=n|br=n}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Gaur|first=Vatsala|title=PM Modi lays foundation stone of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, says wait of centuries has ended|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/first-bricks-laid-for-ram-temple-pm-modi-says-wait-of-centuries-has-ended/articleshow/77373354.cms|work=The Economic Times|date=5 August 2020|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231062949/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/first-bricks-laid-for-ram-temple-pm-modi-says-wait-of-centuries-has-ended/articleshow/77373354.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
| temple_quantity    = 1 central temple with 6 more joined around it as one temple complex
| temple_board      = [[Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra]]
| monument_quantity  =
| site_area        = {{convert|2.7|acre|order=flip}}<ref name="mint-2022" />
| inscriptions      =
| length                = {{convert|360|ft|m|order=flip}}
| functional_status  = Under construction
| width                = {{convert|235|ft|m|order=flip}}
| year_completed    = {{start date and age|2024|01|22|df=y|p=n|br=n}}<ref>{{cite news|title='Prana Pratishta' at Ram Mandir to be held on January 22: Nripendra Misra|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/prana-pratishta-at-ram-mandir-to-be-held-on-january-22-nripendra-misra-123121000419_1.html|work=Business Standard|date=10 December 2023|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231062947/https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/prana-pratishta-at-ram-mandir-to-be-held-on-january-22-nripendra-misra-123121000419_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|height_max={{convert|161|ft|m|order=flip}}<ref name="mint-2022" />
| creator          = [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]]
|native_name=''Rāma Maṁdira''|native_name_lang=hi|country={{flag|India}}|state={{flagicon image|Flag of Uttar Pradesh.svg}} [[Uttar Pradesh]]|district=[[Ayodhya district]]}}
| architect        = [[Sompura family]]{{efn|Chandrakant Sompura<ref name="architect">{{Cite news |last=Umarji |first=Vinay |date=15 November 2019 |title=Chandrakant Sompura, the man who designed a Ram temple for Ayodhya |work=Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/chandrakant-sompura-the-man-who-designed-a-ram-temple-for-ayodhya-119111501801_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530024929/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/chandrakant-sompura-the-man-who-designed-a-ram-temple-for-ayodhya-119111501801_1.html |archive-date=30 May 2020}}</ref><br />Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura<ref name="NDTVIncr20ft20" />}}
<!--Kindly discuss any change to the lede in the talk page before editing. -->
| architecture_style = [[Nagara style]]
 
| architecture_type = [[Hindu temple architecture]]
The '''Ram Mandir''' (<!-- Do not add the Hindi name as per the WP: NOINDICSCRIPT policy. -->[[ISO 15919|ISO]]: {{Transliteration|hi|iso|Rāma Maṁdira|italics=inherit}}, {{literal translation|Rama Temple}}) is a [[Hindu temple|Hindu temple complex]] in [[Ayodhya]],{{efn|Not to be confused with [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)]]|name=CIVNOT}} [[Uttar Pradesh]], India.<ref name="the new york times-2024">{{Cite web |date=22 January 2024 |title=Why India's New Ram Temple Is So Important |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/world/asia/india-ram-temple-ayodhya.html |access-date=29 February 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206160611/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/world/asia/india-ram-temple-ayodhya.html |url-status=live|quote="Ram is one of the most revered gods among India’s Hindus, who make up about 80 percent of a total population of 1.4 billion"}}</ref><ref name="bbc news-2024">{{Cite web |date=22 January 2024 |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: India PM Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68003095 |access-date=29 February 2024 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-UK |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122144228/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68003095 |url-status=live|quote="Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a grand temple to Hindu god Ram in the flashpoint city of Ayodhya."}}</ref> Many [[Hindus]] believe that it is located at the site of [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], the [[myth]]ical birthplace of [[Rama]], a principal [[Hindu deities|deity]] of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="bbc-2019">{{Cite web |date=16 October 2019 |title=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277.amp |access-date=8 September 2023 |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907194334/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277.amp |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=7 May 2020 |title=Land levelling for Ayodhya Ram temple soon, says mandir trust after video conference |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/may/07/land-levelling-for-ayodhya-ram-temple-soon-says-mandir-trust-after-video-conference-2140354.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122919/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/may/07/land-levelling-for-ayodhya-ram-temple-soon-says-mandir-trust-after-video-conference-2140354.html |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=8 May 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><!--Kindly discuss any change to the lede in the talk page before editing. -->
| groundbreaking    = {{start date and age|2020|08|05|df=y|p=n|br=n}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Gaur|first=Vatsala|title=PM Modi lays foundation stone of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, says wait of centuries has ended|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/first-bricks-laid-for-ram-temple-pm-modi-says-wait-of-centuries-has-ended/articleshow/77373354.cms|work=The Economic Times|date=5 August 2020|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231062950/https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/first-bricks-laid-for-ram-temple-pm-modi-says-wait-of-centuries-has-ended/articleshow/77373354.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
| temple_board      = [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]]
The temple was inaugurated on 22 January 2024 in an elaborate ceremony led by [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi|Modi]], in which the Hindu priests performed religious rituals for ''[[Ram Mandir Prana Pratishtha|prāṇa pratiṣṭhā]]'' ({{translation|consecration}}) of the deity.<ref name="bbc news-2024" /><ref name="the new york times-2024" /><ref name="reuters-2024">{{Cite web |date=22 January 2024 |title=India's Modi leads consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-counts-down-opening-grand-ram-temple-ayodhya-2024-01-22 |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=Reuters |language=en-US |quote="Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration on Monday of a grand temple to the Hindu god Lord Ram on a site believed to be his birthplace"}}</ref> On the first day of its opening, the temple received a rush of over half a million visitors.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five lakh visitors and counting On Day 1 after Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-opens-public-devotees-9123100/ |work=The Indian Express |date=24 January 2024 |access-date=8 April 2024 |quote="Five lakh visitors and counting- On Day 1 after Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration, a rush for first darshan" |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409035849/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-opens-public-devotees-9123100/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The temple continues to have a high number of daily visitors reportedly between 100,000 and 150,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Visiting Ram Temple in Ayodhya - the guidelines - no mobile phones |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-visit-guidelines-what-to-carry-aarti-timings-9211777/ |work=The Indian Express |date=13 March 2024 |access-date=8 April 2024 |quote="A little over a month since the inauguration of the Ram temple.. the temple is witnessing an average of 1-to-1.5 lakh pilgrims on a daily basis" |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409035850/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-visit-guidelines-what-to-carry-aarti-timings-9211777/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ram Mandir has become one of the top religious tourism places in India, drawing over 135.5 million visitors in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-02 |title=Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir becomes UP’s most visited attraction of 2024; outshines the Taj Mahal |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-becomes-ups-most-visited-attraction-of-2024-outshines-the-taj-mahal/articleshow/116851743.cms |access-date=2025-11-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The temple construction was completed on 25 November 2025 with an event marked by hoisting of the ''[[Dharma Dhwaj|Dharma Dhwaja]]'' (sacred flag).<ref name ="TOI-Nov-25">{{Cite web |date=2025-11-25 |title=PM Modi Ayodhya Ram Temple Flag Hoisting Live: PM Narendra Modi hoists sacred flag at Ayodhya's Ram Temple |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ayodhya-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-saffron-flag-hoisting-live-updates-pm-narendra-modi-vivah-panchami/liveblog/125553524.cms |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
| website          = {{URL|https://srjbtkshetra.org/|Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra}}
<!--Kindly discuss any change to the lede in the talk page before editing. -->
| footnotes        =
 
| site_area        = {{convert|2.7|acre}}<ref name=":dimensions" />|height_max={{convert|161|ft|m}}<ref name=":dimensions" />
The site of the temple had been the subject of communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India, as it was the former location of [[Babri Masjid]], built around 1528. In the 1850s, a fence was erected and Hindus were allowed to worship in the outer courtyard.<ref name ="BBC-Ram-Timeline">{{Cite news |title=Timeline: Ayodhya holy site crisis |publisher=BBC News |date=29 September 2010 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210110209/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1949, the ''[[Murti]]'' ({{translation|sacred idol}}) of [[Rama]] was placed inside the fence.<ref name ="BBC-Ram-Timeline"/> In 1980s, a campaign was launched by [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP) to claim the site for Hindus<ref name ="BBC-Ram-Timeline"/>, which led to the structure being attacked and [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid|demolished]] in 1992.<ref name="kunal-2016" /><ref name="sethi-2021">{{cite book |last=Sethi |first=M. |title=Communities and Courts: Religion and Law in Modern India |publisher=Taylor & Francis |series=Routledge South Asian History and Culture Series |year=2021 |isbn=978-1-00-053785-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MVtQEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT154 |page=154 |access-date=13 January 2024 |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113155847/https://books.google.com/books?id=MVtQEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT154 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="lal-2019">{{Cite web |last=Lal |first=Makkhan |date=20 March 2019 |title=Historical texts prove that a temple was destroyed in Ayodhya to build the Babri Masjid |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/historical-texts-prove-that-a-temple-was-destroyed-in-ayodhya-to-build-the-babri-masjid/208224/ |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |department=Opinion |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224105211/https://theprint.in/opinion/historical-texts-prove-that-a-temple-was-destroyed-in-ayodhya-to-build-the-babri-masjid/208224/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, the [[Supreme Court of India]] delivered [[2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute|the verdict]] to give the [[Ayodhya dispute|disputed land]] to Hindus for construction of a temple, while Muslims were given land nearby to [[Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid|construct a mosque]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 October 2019 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |access-date=2 January 2024 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live}}</ref> The court referenced a report from the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) as evidence of a pre-existing non-[[Islam]]ic structure beneath the demolished Babri Masjid.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 October 2019 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |access-date=27 December 2023 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live}}</ref><!--Kindly discuss any change to the lede in the talk page before editing. -->
}}
 
On 5 August 2020, the ''bhūmi pūjana'' ({{Translation|ground breaking ceremony}}) for the commencement of the construction of Ram Mandir was performed by PM Modi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 September 2021 |title=Six temples of different deities in Ayodhya Ram temple's final blueprint |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |agency=PTI |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/six-temples-of-different-deities-in-ayodhya-ram-temples-final-blueprint/article36425034.ece |url-status=live |access-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122054459/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/six-temples-of-different-deities-in-ayodhya-ram-temples-final-blueprint/article36425034.ece |archive-date=22 November 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The temple construction was supervised by the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]] Trust. On 22 January 2024, Modi served as the ''Mukhya Yajamāna'' ({{translation|chief patron}}) of rituals for the event and performed the ''[[Ram Mandir Prana Pratishtha|prāṇa pratiṣṭhā]]'' ({{translation|consecration}}) of the temple.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2024 |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir LIVE updates: PM Modi in garbha griha, rituals start |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-live-updates-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-narendra-modi-speech-22-january-2024-101705843465943.html |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122032256/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-live-updates-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-narendra-modi-speech-22-january-2024-101705843465943.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2024 |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates, Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Ceremony: Chief Yajman Narendra Modi takes 'sankalp' for consecration ceremony at Ram temple in Ayodhya, Ganesh puja under way |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-news-live-updates-ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-pran-pratistha-january-22-ram-janmbhoomi-pm-modi/liveblog/107035131.cms |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122061115/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-news-live-updates-ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-pran-pratistha-january-22-ram-janmbhoomi-pm-modi/liveblog/107035131.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> The ''prana pratishtha'' ceremony was held in the ''[[garbhagriha]]'' ([[sanctum sanctorum]]) where the infant form of [[Rama]] deity, referred as  ''Ram Lalla'' ({{literal translation|Child Rama}}) was sanctified and worshipped with religious rituals.<ref name="HT-Mandapa">{{Cite web |title=Ram Temple sanctum sanctorum likely to be built by end of the year |date=13 June 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |access-date=29 January 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906112533/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 November 2023 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple will open to the public on this date |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/consecration-22-inauguration-devotees-may-visit-ayodhya-ram-temple-from-january-23-says-sri-vishwaprasanna-tirtha/article67539534.ece |access-date=10 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210064053/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/consecration-22-inauguration-devotees-may-visit-ayodhya-ram-temple-from-january-23-says-sri-vishwaprasanna-tirtha/article67539534.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ram Temple Consecration: PM Modi's Full Schedule For Ayodhya Temple Event |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-pm-modis-full-schedule-for-ayodhya-temple-event-4907800 |access-date=22 January 2024 |website=NDTV |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122020501/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-pm-modis-full-schedule-for-ayodhya-temple-event-4907800 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
The temple is designed in the [[Nagara Style|Nagara style]] of [[Hindu temple architecture]].<ref name="sampal-2020" /> The temple's main structure includes ''garbha griha'' (sanctum sanctorum) and five ''[[mandapa]]s'' (domes), with [[shikhara]]s (towers).<ref name="HT-Mandapa"/><ref name ="TH-Archi">{{Cite news |title=Ram temple to be grander than planned earlier: Architect |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 July 2020 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620205021/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> The presiding deity, Ram Lalla is centrally located in the sanctum sanctorum, on the ground floor, while the first floor houses the Ram Darbar, including Ram, [[Sita]], Lakshman, and [[Hanuman]].<ref name = "IE-2025">{{Cite web |date=25 November 2025 |title=Lord Shri Ram is soul of India: PM Modi and RSS chief Bhagwat hoist saffron flag at Ram Mandir | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/narendra-modi-ram-mandir-flag-hoisting-rituals-10384763/ |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The temple complex includes six smaller temples of [[Surya]] (Sun), Goddess Durga (Bhagwati), [[Ganesh]], and [[Shiva|Shiva]] at its four corners, while Maa Annapurna and Hanuman temples are on its the northern and southern sides.<ref name = "IE-2025"/><ref name = "IE-Archi">{{Cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=The Ayodhya Ram temple: 4 mandirs at each corner, 5 mandaps and emphasis on green cover |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-mandaps-green-cover-architecuture-9096270/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123034350/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-mandaps-green-cover-architecuture-9096270/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
== Background ==
=== Significance of Rama ===
[[File:PM at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024 (cropped).jpg|thumb|''Ram Lalla'', the five-year old form of [[Rama]] is the principal deity of the Ram Mandir.]]
 
Rama is a prominent [[Hindu deity]] who is regarded as a {{IAST|Pūrṇāvatāra}} ({{literal translation|complete [[avatar]]}}) of the God [[Vishnu]].{{efn|The avatars of Vishnu are of two types. {{IAST|Pūrṇā}} and {{IAST|Amśa}} ({{literal translation|A part}}). In the former, Vishnu himself was supposed to have descended on Earth from his [[Vaikuntha|abode]] while in the latter, an equivalent part (or a copy) of him was sent to take the incarnation. [[Nrisimha]], [[Rama]] and [[Krishna]] are said to be the Purnavataras of Vishnu.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Purnavatara, Pūrṇāvatāra, Purna-avatara: 5 definitions|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/purnavatara|access-date=15 February 2024|website=Wisdom Library|date=23 May 2018|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215075743/https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/purnavatara|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Some Hindus view Rama as [[Para Brahman]] ({{literal translation|The ultimate [[Brahman]]}}). Rama holds immense significance in [[Hinduism]]. According to [[Hindu mythology]], the Rama avatar is not supposed to exhibit any of Vishnu's divine potencies, and he leads his life as a human.<ref>{{Cite book|first=R.K.|last=Narayan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FZTc1xwm8XEC|title=The Ramayana|publisher=Penguin Publishing Group|date=2006|access-date=15 February 2024|isbn=9781440623271|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215080349/https://books.google.com/books?id=FZTc1xwm8XEC|url-status=live}}</ref> As Rama is said to have possessed sixteen ideal qualities, Hindus view Rama as {{IAST|Puruṣottama}}  ({{literal translation|Ideal man}}), {{IAST|Vigrahavān dharmaḥ}} ({{literal translation|Embodiment of [[Dharma]]}}), and {{IAST|Ādi Puruṣa}} ({{Literal translation|First man|Primordial being}}).<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 May 2023|work=[[Eenadu]]|title=శ్రీ రామునిలో ఉన్న 16 గుణాలు.. మీకు తెలుసా?|url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-article/temples/significance-of-sri-rama-navami-and-inspiration-from-lord-rama-in-telugu/0703/123054910|access-date=15 February 2024|language=Te|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215075742/https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-article/temples/significance-of-sri-rama-navami-and-inspiration-from-lord-rama-in-telugu/0703/123054910|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|first=Krishnan|last=Aravamudan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ|title=Pure Gems of Ramayanam|publisher=Partridge India|date=2014|access-date=15 February 2024|isbn=9781482837209|page=12|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092734/https://books.google.com/books?id=CJe9BAAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|As per Valmiki Ramayana, Rama had sixteen qualities. Rama was said to be {{IAST|1.'''guṇavān''', 2.'''vīryavān''', 3.'''dharmajñaḥ''',  4.'''kṛtajñaḥ''', 5.'''satyavākyaḥ''', 6.'''dṛḍhavrataḥ''', 7.'''cāritraḥ''', 8.'''sarvabhūteṣu hitaḥ''', 9.'''vidvān''', 10.'''samarthaḥ''', 11. '''priyadarśanaḥ''', 12.'''ātmavān''',  13.'''jitakrodhaḥ''', 14.'''dyutimān''', 15. '''anasūyakaḥ''', and 16.'''jātaroṣasya saṃyuge devāśca bibhyati'''.}}}} According to the [[Hindu epic]] ''[[Ramayana]]'', Rama was born in a mythical city named [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |title='Faith in Ram's birthplace based on Valmiki Ramayana' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/faith-in-rams-birthplace-based-on-valmiki-ramayana-775047.html |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228211440/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/faith-in-rams-birthplace-based-on-valmiki-ramayana-775047.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Ayodhya|present-day city of Ayodhya]], which emerged in the second century CE, is a separate settlement and not the same as the Hindu mythical city of the same name.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gopal |first1=Sarvepalli |last2=Thapar |first2=Romila |last3=Chandra |first3=Bipan |last4=Bhattacharya|first4=Sabyasachi |last5=Jaiswal |first5=Suvira |first6=Harbans |last6=Mukhia |first7=K. N. |last7=Panikkar |first8=R. |last8=Champakalakshmi |first9=Satish |last9=Saberwal |first10=B. D. |last10=Chattopadhyaya |first11=R. N. |last11=Verma |first12=K. |last12=Meenakshi |first13=Muzaffar |last13=Alam |first14=Dilbagh |last14=Singh |first15=Mridula |last15=Mukherjee |first16=Madhavan |last16=Palat |first17=Aditya |last17=Mukherjee |first18=S. F. |last18=Ratnagar |first19=Neeladri |last19=Bhattacharya |first20=K. K. |last20=Trivedi |first21=Yogesh |last21=Sharma |first22=Kunal |last22=Chakravarti |first23=Bhagwan |last23=Josh |first24=Rajan |last24=Gurukkal |first25=Himanshu |last25=Ray |title=The Political Abuse of History: Babri Masjid-Rama Janmabhumi Dispute |journal=Social Scientist |volume=18 |issue=1/2 |year=1990 |jstor=3517330 |doi=10.2307/3517330 |pages=76–81}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Hans T. Bakker |author-link=Hans T. Bakker |title=Ayodhya |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r8rIygAACAAJ |year=1984 |publisher=Institute of Indian Studies, University of Groningen |pages=9–12}}</ref> Present-day Ayodhya was named "Saketa" until it was renamed in the fifth century CE by a king of the [[Gupta Empire]] who wished to associate himself with the mythical birthplace of Rama.<ref>{{cite book | last =Dumper | first =Michael | year =2020 | title =Power, Piety, and People: The Politics of Holy Cities in the Twenty-First Century | publisher =Columbia University Press}}</ref>
 
=== Deity ===
{{See also|Balak Ram}}
The Ram Mandir is being built to commemorate the birth of Rama: therefore, the presiding deity of the temple is supposed to be the infant form of [[Rama]], an [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]]. Rama in that infant form was referred as  ''Ram Lalla'' ({{literal translation|Child Rama}}) by [[Tulsidas]]. However, the idol of Rama that was placed in 1949 referred to as ''Ram Lalla Virajman'' ({{literal translation|Installed Child Rama}}) by local Hindus.<ref name="news18-2019">{{Cite web |date=9 November 2019 |title=Ayodhya Case Verdict: Who is Ram Lalla Virajman, the 'Divine Infant' Given the Possession of Disputed Ayodhya Land |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ayodhya-case-verdict-who-is-ram-lalla-virajman-the-divine-infant-given-the-possession-of-disputed-ayodhya-land-2379679.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928112944/https://www.news18.com/news/india/ayodhya-case-verdict-who-is-ram-lalla-virajman-the-divine-infant-given-the-possession-of-disputed-ayodhya-land-2379679.html |archive-date=28 September 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=News18}}</ref> ''Ram Lalla'' was a [[litigant]] in the court case over the disputed site in 1989, being considered a "juristic person" by the law.<ref name="pandey-2020" /> He was represented by Triloki Nath Pandey, a senior VHP leader who was considered ''Ram Lalla'''s closest 'human' friend.<ref name="news18-2019" /> As a new idol of the deity got installed in the sanctum sanctorum as the ''{{IAST|Mūlavirāt mūrti}}'' (lit. The main presiding deity),{{efn|The presiding deity is also referred by other names such as {{IAST|Acala mūrti}} (lit. Immovable idol), {{IAST|Dhṛva mūrti}}(lit. Fixed idol) and {{IAST|Mūlavigraha}} (lit. The main idol).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Srivaishnavism and social change|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1I7XAAAAMAAJ|year=1998|publisher=K.P. Bagchi & Company|author=K. Seshadri|isbn=978-81-7074-198-5|page=50|access-date=12 February 2024|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092734/https://books.google.com/books?id=1I7XAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Tirupati: A Guide to Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSTIM7LS9_QC|year=2012|publisher=Random House India|author=[[Kota Neelima]]|isbn=978-81-8400-359-8|access-date=12 February 2024|archive-date=12 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092735/https://books.google.com/books?id=cSTIM7LS9_QC|url-status=live}}</ref>}} the Mandir Trust has informed that the ''Ram Lalla Virajman'' idol of 1949 shall henceforth be used as ''{{IAST|Utsava mūrti}}'' (lit. idol for festivals).<ref>{{cite news |date=3 January 2024 |editor=Maulshree Seth |title='Ram Lalla Virajman' that fought temple suit for decades to be placed as 'festival idol' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-lalla-virajman-that-fought-temple-suit-for-decades-to-be-placed-as-festival-idol-9092621/ |access-date=11 February 2024 |work=The Indian Express |archive-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127042117/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-lalla-virajman-that-fought-temple-suit-for-decades-to-be-placed-as-festival-idol-9092621/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
== History ==
{{See also|Ayodhya dispute}}
{{Ayodhya debate}}
{{Ayodhya debate}}


The '''Ram Mandir''' is a [[Hindu temple]] under construction in [[Ayodhya]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]. It is located at the site of [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], widely believed to be the birthplace of [[Rama]], a principal [[Hindu deities|deity]] of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="bbc1">{{Cite web |date=16 October 2019 |title=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277.amp |access-date=8 September 2023 |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907194334/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277.amp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=7 May 2020 |title=Land levelling for Ayodhya Ram temple soon, says mandir trust after video conference |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/may/07/land-levelling-for-ayodhya-ram-temple-soon-says-mandir-trust-after-video-conference-2140354.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308122919/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/may/07/land-levelling-for-ayodhya-ram-temple-soon-says-mandir-trust-after-video-conference-2140354.html |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=8 May 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
The site is the former location of the [[Babri Masjid]], which was built in the 16th century. The mosque was [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid|attacked and demolished in 1992]].<ref name="kunal-2016" /><ref name="sethi-2021" /><ref name="lal-2019" /> In 2019, the [[Supreme Court of India]] delivered the [[2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute|verdict]] to give the [[Ayodhya dispute|disputed land]] to Hindus for the construction of a temple, while Muslims would be given land elsewhere to [[Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid|construct a mosque]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 October 2019 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |access-date=2 January 2024 |language=en-GB}}</ref>


The site is the former location of the [[Babri Masjid]] which was built in 16th century CE after the demolition of an existing non-Islamic structure. The idols of Rama and Sita were placed in the mosque in 1949, before it was [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid|attacked and demolished in 1992]].<ref name="Kishore" /><ref name="Sethi 2021 p. 154">{{cite book | last=Sethi | first=M. | title=Communities and Courts: Religion and Law in Modern India | publisher=Taylor & Francis | series=Routledge South Asian History and Culture Series | year=2021 | isbn=978-1-00-053785-7 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MVtQEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT154 | page=154 | access-date=13 January 2024 | archive-date=13 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113155847/https://books.google.com/books?id=MVtQEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT154 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lal |first=Makkhan |date=2019-03-20 |title=Historical texts prove that a temple was destroyed in Ayodhya to build the Babri Masjid |url=https://theprint.in/opinion/historical-texts-prove-that-a-temple-was-destroyed-in-ayodhya-to-build-the-babri-masjid/208224/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224105211/https://theprint.in/opinion/historical-texts-prove-that-a-temple-was-destroyed-in-ayodhya-to-build-the-babri-masjid/208224/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, the [[Supreme Court of India]] delivered the [[2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute|verdict]] to give the [[Ayodhya dispute|disputed land]] to Hindus for construction of a temple, while Muslims would be given land elsewhere to [[Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid|construct a mosque]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-10-16 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |access-date=2024-01-02 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live }}</ref> The court referenced a report from the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) as evidence suggesting the presence of a structure beneath the demolished Babri Masjid, that was found to be non-[[Islam]]ic.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-10-16 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |access-date=2023-12-27 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, ASI claims were [[Archaeology of Ayodhya|heavily disputed by critics]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharma |first1=Betwa |title=Babri Revisited: ASI Suppressed Animal Bone Findings At Mosque Site |url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/babri-asi-suppressed-animal-bone-findings-at-mosque-site_in_5c42c412e4b0a8dbe1718924 |website=HuffPost |access-date=January 16, 2024 |date=January 20, 2019 |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116120450/https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/babri-asi-suppressed-animal-bone-findings-at-mosque-site_in_5c42c412e4b0a8dbe1718924 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=thehindu-03Oct10>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article809521.ece| title=Ayodhya verdict yet another blow to secularism: Sahmat|date =3 October 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |access-date=1 November 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101006063051/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article809521.ece| archive-date= 6 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> as contradictory, dubious, and being the product of nationalistic manipulation.<ref name="Habib et al (2010)">{{Cite book |last=Habib |first=Irfan |url=https://archive.org/details/HistoryJudgementOfAllahabadHighCourtInRamjanmabhumibabriMasjidCase/mode/2up |title=History & Judgement of Allahabad High Court in Ramjanmabhumi and Babri Masjid Case |date=3 January 2011 |work=Aligarh Historians Society |access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Archeologist Who Observed Dig Says No Evidence of Temple Under Babri Masjid |url=https://thewire.in/history/babri-masjid-asi-excavation-ayodhya-ram-temple |website=The Wire |access-date=January 17, 2024 |date=December 6, 2022 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401222754/https://thewire.in/history/babri-masjid-asi-excavation-ayodhya-ram-temple |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pankaj |first1=Jayant |title=Rama Janmabhoomi Issue: Exposing the myth behind the narrative |url=https://www.internationalmagz.com/articles/rama-jamnabhoomi-issue |website=The International |access-date=January 17, 2024 |date=December 6, 2021 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529053114/https://internationalmagz.com/articles/rama-jamnabhoomi-issue |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Medieval ===
In 1528, a commander of the [[Mughal Empire]], [[Mir Baqi]], constructed the [[Babri Masjid]] mosque, under the order of Babur. The site chosen for the mosque is identified by many Hindus as [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], the mythical birthplace of Rama.<ref>{{Citation |last=Jain |first=Meenakshi |title=The Battle for Rama – Case of the Temple at Ayodhya |year=2017 |publisher=Aryan Books International |isbn=978-8-173-05579-9 | page =7, 22, 42}}</ref> The earliest record of the mosque may be traced back to 1767, in the [[Latin]] book ''[[Joseph Tiefenthaler#Works|Descriptio Indiae]]'', authored by the [[Jesuit]] [[missionary]] [[Joseph Tiefenthaler]]. According to him, the local population believed that the mosque was constructed by destroying the Ramkot temple, believed to be the fortress of Rama in Ayodhya, and the Bedi, where the birthplace of Rama is situated.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kishore |first=Kunal |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd. |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxix |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Babri mosque to Ram temple: A timeline from 1528 to 2024|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/22/babri-mosque-to-ram-temple-a-timeline-from-1528-to-2024|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=22 January 2024|access-date=22 January 2024|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122093200/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/22/babri-mosque-to-ram-temple-a-timeline-from-1528-to-2024|url-status=live}}</ref>


The ''bhumi pujan'' ({{Trans|ground breaking ceremony}}) for the commencement of the construction of Ram Mandir was performed on 5 August 2020, by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 September 2021 |title=Six temples of different deities in Ayodhya Ram temple's final blueprint |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |agency=PTI |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/six-temples-of-different-deities-in-ayodhya-ram-temples-final-blueprint/article36425034.ece |url-status=live |access-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122054459/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/six-temples-of-different-deities-in-ayodhya-ram-temples-final-blueprint/article36425034.ece |archive-date=22 November 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The temple, currently under construction, is being supervised by the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]] Trust. The inauguration of the temple is scheduled for 22 January 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2023-11-16 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple will open to the public on this date |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/consecration-22-inauguration-devotees-may-visit-ayodhya-ram-temple-from-january-23-says-sri-vishwaprasanna-tirtha/article67539534.ece |access-date=2023-12-10 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210064053/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/consecration-22-inauguration-devotees-may-visit-ayodhya-ram-temple-from-january-23-says-sri-vishwaprasanna-tirtha/article67539534.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Modern ===
[[File:Shri Ram Janambhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya Dham.jpg|thumb|Completed Ram Mandir in 2025]]


The temple has attracted a number of controversies due to alleged misuse of donation, sidelining of its major activists and politicisation of the temple by the BJP.<ref name="news.abplive.com 2019 s132" /><ref name="Verma 2015" /><ref name="Rai 2017 i890" /><ref name="Jaiswal 2020" />
====Disputed location====
The first instance of religious violence was documented in 1853.<ref name ="BBC-Ram-Timeline">{{Cite news |title=Timeline: Ayodhya holy site crisis |publisher=BBC News |date=29 September 2010 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210110209/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 1858, the British administration prohibited Hindus from conducting ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' (rituals) at the contested site. A platform was created for conducting rituals outside the mosque.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxx |language=English}}</ref>


== History ==
''[[Murti]]s'' ({{translation|sacred idols}}) of [[Rama]] and [[Sita]] were installed inside the Babri Masjid on the night of 22–23 December 1949, after which devotees began visiting the site.<ref name="kunal-2016">{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxxii |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Agrawal |first1=S.P. |last2=Aggarwal |first2=J.C. |title=Information India 1990–91 : Global View |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |series=Concepts in communication informatics and librarianship |year=1992 |isbn=978-81-7022-293-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZXFk-DAX8fQC&pg=PA489 |page=489 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081133/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZXFk-DAX8fQC&pg=PA489 |url-status=live}}</ref> By 1950, the state took control of the mosque under Section 145 CrPC and allowed Hindus, not Muslims, to perform their worship at the site.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chatterji |first=R. |title=Wording the World: Veena Das and Scenes of Inheritance |publisher=Fordham University Press |series=Forms of Living |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-8232-6187-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJOUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT408 |page=408 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104110659/https://books.google.com/books?id=CJOUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT408 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{See also|Ram Janmabhoomi|Ayodhya dispute}}
 
In the 1980s, the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), belonging to the [[Hindutva|Hindu nationalist]] family, [[Sangh Parivar]], launched a new movement to reclaim the site for Hindus and to erect a temple dedicated to the infant Rama (''Ram Lalla'') at this spot. The VHP began to collect funds and bricks with "[[Jai Shri Ram]]" written on them. Later, [[Second Rajiv Gandhi ministry|the government]] under Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]] gave the VHP permission for {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Shilanyas}} ({{translation|the [[foundation stone]] ceremony}}) to proceed, with the then [[Home Minister]], [[Buta Singh]], formally conveying the permission to the VHP leader, [[Ashok Singhal]]. Initially, the [[Government of India]] and the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] had agreed that the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|shilanya}}s would be conducted outside of the disputed site. However, on 9 November 1989, a group of VHP leaders and Sadhus laid the foundation stone by digging a {{convert|7|cuft|L|order=flip|abbr=off|adj=on}} pit adjacent to the disputed land. The {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|singhdwar}} ({{translation|main entrance}}) of the [[sanctum sanctorum]] was constructed there.<ref name="the new indian express-2019">{{Cite news |date=11 November 2019 |title=Grand Ram temple in Ayodhya before 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |agency=IANS |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/nov/11/grand-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2022-2060227.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113143002/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/nov/11/grand-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2022-2060227.html |archive-date=13 November 2019}}</ref> The VHP then laid the foundations of a temple on the land adjacent to the disputed mosque.
 
====Demolition of the Babri Masjid====
{{Main|Demolition of the Babri Masjid}}
 
On 6 December 1992, the VHP and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] organised a rally at the site involving 150,000 volunteers, known as karsevaks. The rally turned violent, the crowd overwhelmed the security forces and [[Demolition of the Babri Masjid|tore down the mosque]].<ref name="anderson-1992">{{Cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=John Ward |last2=Moore |first2=Molly |date=8 December 1992 |title=200 Indians killed in riots following mosque destruction |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1992/12/08/200-indians-killed-in-riots-following-mosque-destruction/7ce3e7cf-354d-439c-8c69-b7db290dea3c/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714030046/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1992/12/08/200-indians-killed-in-riots-following-mosque-destruction/7ce3e7cf-354d-439c-8c69-b7db290dea3c/ |archive-date=14 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Fuller |first=Christopher John |title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA262 |page=262 |year=2004 |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821053012/https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA262 |url-status=live |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=0-691-12048-X |archive-date=21 August 2023}}</ref>


=== Ancient and Medieval ===
The demolition of the mosque resulted in several months of [[Religious violence in India|inter-communal violence]] between India's Hindu and Muslim communities, causing the [[Bombay riots|death of an estimated 2,000 people in Bombay]] (now [[Mumbai]]) as a direct consequence, and triggering riots all over the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref name="kidangoor-2020">{{Cite magazine |last=Kidangoor |first=Abhishyant |date=4 August 2020 |title=India's Narendra Modi Broke Ground on a Controversial Temple of Ram. Here's Why It Matters |url=https://time.com/5875380/modi-ram-temple-ayodhya-groundbreaking/ |magazine=Time|access-date=29 January 2024 |quote=For Muslims in India, it is the site of a 16th century mosque that was demolished by a mob in 1992, sparking sectarian riots that led to some 2,000 deaths. |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112152359/https://time.com/5875380/modi-ram-temple-ayodhya-groundbreaking/?amp=true |url-status=live}}</ref> A day after the demolition of the mosque, on 7 December 1992, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that over 30 Hindu temples across [[Pakistan]] were attacked, some set on fire, and one was demolished. Hindu temples in [[Bangladesh]] were also attacked.<ref name="anderson-1992" />
[[Rama]], an incarnation of [[Vishnu]], is a [[Hindu deity]]. According to the ancient Indian epic, [[Ramayana]], Rama was born in [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |title='Faith in Ram's birthplace based on Valmiki Ramayana' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/faith-in-rams-birthplace-based-on-valmiki-ramayana-775047.html |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228211440/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/faith-in-rams-birthplace-based-on-valmiki-ramayana-775047.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


In the 16th century, the temple was attacked and destroyed by [[Babur]] in his series of temple raids across northern India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/historical-texts-prove-that-a-temple-was-destroyed-in-ayodhya-to-build-the-babri-masjid/208224/|title=Historical texts prove that a temple was destroyed in Ayodhya to build the Babri Masjid|first=Makkhan|last=Lal|date=20 March 2019|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224105211/https://theprint.in/opinion/historical-texts-prove-that-a-temple-was-destroyed-in-ayodhya-to-build-the-babri-masjid/208224/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, the [[Mughals]] constructed a mosque, the [[Babri Masjid]], which is believed to be the site of the [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], the birthplace of Rama.<ref name="MeenakshiJain2017">{{Citation |last=Jain |first=Meenakshi |title=The Battle for Rama – Case of the Temple at Ayodhya |year=2017 |publisher=Aryan Books International |isbn=978-8-173-05579-9}}{{page needed|date=December 2021}}</ref> The earliest record of the mosque may be traced back to 1767, in the [[Latin language|Latin]] book ''[[Joseph Tiefenthaler#Works|Descriptio Indiae]]'', authored by the [[Jesuits|Jesuit]] [[missionary]] [[Joseph Tiefenthaler]]. According to him, the mosque was constructed by destroying the Ramkot temple, believed to be the fortress of Rama in Ayodhya, and the Bedi, where the birthplace of Rama is situated.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kishore |first=Kunal |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd. |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxix |language=English}}</ref>
On 5 July 2005, five terrorists attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the site of the destroyed Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. All five were shot dead in the ensuing encounter with the [[Central Reserve Police Force]] (CRPF), while one civilian died in the [[grenade]] attack that the attackers launched to breach the cordoned wall. The CRPF suffered three casualties, two of whom were seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2005 |title=Front Page: Armed storm Ayodhya complex |work=[[The Hindu]] |agency=PTI, UNI |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050708012430/http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm |archive-date=8 July 2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 July 2005 |title=Indian PM condemns the attack in Ayodhya |work=People's Daily Online |agency=Xinhua |url=http://english.people.com.cn/200507/06/eng20050706_194315.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011151654/http://english.people.com.cn/200507/06/eng20050706_194315.html |archive-date=11 October 2012}}</ref>


The first instance of religious violence was documented in 1853.<ref name="bbctimeline">{{Cite news |title=Timeline: Ayodhya holy site crisis |publisher=BBC News |date=29 September 2010 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |access-date=2023-12-24 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210110209/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11436552 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 1858, the British administration prohibited Hindus from conducting ''[[Puja (Hinduism)|puja]]'' (rituals) at the contested site. A platform was created for conducting rituals outside the mosque.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxx |language=English}}</ref>
====ASI excavations====
Reports on two [[archaeological excavations]] in 1978 and 2003 conducted by the ASI claimed to have found evidence indicating that a temple existed on the site.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Santwana |date=6 March 2003 |title=I found pillar bases back in mid-seventies: Prof Lal |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/oldStory/19644/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116055005/http://archive.indianexpress.com/oldStory/19644/ |archive-date=16 January 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2020 |title=Proof of temple found at Ayodhya: ASI report |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/25ayo1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008082504/https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/25ayo1.htm |archive-date=8 October 2020 |access-date=7 October 2020 |website=Rediff |language=en |agency=PTI}}</ref> The claims were [[Archaeology of Ayodhya|heavily disputed by critics]] as contradictory and unreliable.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharma |first1=Betwa |title=Babri Revisited: ASI Suppressed Animal Bone Findings At Mosque Site |url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/babri-asi-suppressed-animal-bone-findings-at-mosque-site_in_5c42c412e4b0a8dbe1718924 |website=HuffPost |access-date=16 January 2024 |date=20 January 2019 |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116120450/https://www.huffpost.com/archive/in/entry/babri-asi-suppressed-animal-bone-findings-at-mosque-site_in_5c42c412e4b0a8dbe1718924 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Ayodhya-verdict-yet-another-blow-to-secularism-Sahmat/article15766526.ece |title=Ayodhya verdict yet another blow to secularism: Sahmat |date=3 October 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006063051/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article809521.ece |archive-date=6 October 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |author=Aligarh Historians Society |url=https://archive.org/details/HistoryJudgementOfAllahabadHighCourtInRamjanmabhumibabriMasjidCase/mode/2up |title=History & Judgement of Allahabad High Court in Ramjanmabhumi and Babri Masjid Case |date=3 January 2011 |access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Archeologist Who Observed Dig Says No Evidence of Temple Under Babri Masjid |url=https://thewire.in/history/babri-masjid-asi-excavation-ayodhya-ram-temple |website=The Wire |access-date=17 January 2024 |date=6 December 2022 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401222754/https://thewire.in/history/babri-masjid-asi-excavation-ayodhya-ram-temple |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pankaj |first1=Jayant |title=Rama Janmabhoomi Issue: Exposing the myth behind the narrative |url=https://www.internationalmagz.com/articles/rama-jamnabhoomi-issue |website=The International |access-date=17 January 2024 |date=6 December 2021 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529053114/https://internationalmagz.com/articles/rama-jamnabhoomi-issue |url-status=live}}</ref> Archaeologist [[K. K. Muhammed]] maintained that remains of a Hindu temple were found in 1978, and accused several historians of averting a settlement for the dispute.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2016 |title=Left historians prevented resolution of Babri Masjid dispute, says KK Mohammed, former ASI regional head |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/left-historians-connived-with-extremists-mislead-muslims-on-babri-issue-says-archaeologist-in-new-book-2592188.html |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103031506/https://www.firstpost.com/india/left-historians-connived-with-extremists-mislead-muslims-on-babri-issue-says-archaeologist-in-new-book-2592188.html |url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Modern ===
====Court rulings====
The ''[[murti]]s'' ({{translation|sacred images}}) of [[Rama]] and [[Sita]] were installed inside the Babri Masjid on the night of 22–23 December 1949 and the devotees began to gather from the next day.<ref name="Kishore">{{Cite book |last=Kunal |first=Kishore |title=Ayodhya Revisited |publisher=Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd |year=2016 |isbn=978-81-8430-357-5 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi |pages=xxxii |language=English}}</ref><ref name="AgrawalAggarwal">{{cite book | last1=Agrawal | first1=S.P. | last2=Aggarwal | first2=J.C. | title=Information India 1990–91 : Global View | publisher=Concept Publishing Company | series=Concepts in communication informatics and librarianship | year=1992 | isbn=978-81-7022-293-4 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZXFk-DAX8fQC&pg=PA489 | page=489 | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081133/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZXFk-DAX8fQC&pg=PA489 | url-status=live }}</ref> By 1950, the state took control of the mosque under section 145 CrPC and allowed Hindus, not Muslims, to perform their worship at the site.<ref name="Chatterji 2014">{{cite book | last=Chatterji | first=R. | title=Wording the World: Veena Das and Scenes of Inheritance | publisher=Fordham University Press | series=Forms of Living | year=2014 | isbn=978-0-8232-6187-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJOUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT408 | page=408 | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104110659/https://books.google.com/books?id=CJOUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT408 | url-status=live }}</ref>
Over the years, various title and legal disputes took place, such as the passage of the Acquisition of Certain Areas at Ayodhya Act in 1993. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the {{convert|2.77|acre|order=flip}} of disputed land be divided into three parts, one going to the [[Rama|Ram Lalla]] or Infant Rama, represented by the [[Hindu Mahasabha]] for the construction of the Ram temple, one going to the Muslim [[Sunni Waqf Board]], and one going to Hindu religious denomination [[Nirmohi Akhara]].<ref name="bbc-2019">{{Cite web |date=16 October 2019 |title=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277.amp |access-date=8 September 2023 |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907194334/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277.amp |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ayodhyabench4.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928085435/http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ayodhyabench4.html|url-status=dead|title=Ram Janm Bhumi Babri Masjid: Gist of Judgments|archivedate=28 September 2011}}</ref> All  three parties involved appealed against the division of disputed land to the Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite news |title=Court orders 3-way division of disputed Ayodhya land |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article804632.ece?homepage=true  |newspaper=The Hindu |date=30 September 2010 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003104001/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article804632.ece?homepage=true |archive-date=3 October 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/cases/babri-masjid-ram-janmabhoomi-case/ |title=Ayodhya Dispute Case Background |website=Supreme Court Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063612/http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/cases/babri-masjid-ram-janmabhoomi-case/ |archive-date=6 January 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


In the 1980s, the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP), belonging to the [[Hindutva|Hindu nationalist]] family, [[Sangh Parivar]], launched a new movement to reclaim the site for Hindus and to erect a temple dedicated to the infant Rama (''Ram Lalla'') at this spot. The VHP began to collect funds and bricks with "[[Jai Shri Ram]]" written on them. Later, [[Second Rajiv Gandhi ministry|the government under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi]] gave the VHP permission for {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Shilanyas}} ({{translation|the [[Cornerstone|foundation stone]] ceremony}}) to proceed, with the then [[Home Minister of India|Home Minister]], [[Buta Singh]], formally conveying the permission to the VHP leader, [[Ashok Singhal]]. Initially, the [[Government of India]] and [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] had agreed that the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|shilanya}}s would be conducted outside of the disputed site. However, on 9 November 1989, a group of VHP leaders and Sadhus laid the foundation stone by digging a {{convert|7|cuft|L|order=flip|abbr=off|adj=on}} pit adjacent to the disputed land. The {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|singhdwar}} ({{translation|main entrance}}) of the [[sanctum sanctorum]] was constructed there.<ref name="NIEBefore2022">{{Cite news |date=11 November 2019 |title=Grand Ram temple in Ayodhya before 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |agency=IANS |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/nov/11/grand-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2022-2060227.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113143002/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/nov/11/grand-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-before-2022-2060227.html |archive-date=13 November 2019}}</ref> The VHP then laid the foundations of a temple on the land adjacent to the disputed mosque. On 6 December 1992, the VHP and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] organised a rally at the site involving 150,000 volunteers, known as [[karsevak]]s. The rally turned violent, the crowd overwhelmed the security forces and [[Demolition of Babri Masjid|tore down the mosque]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=John Ward |last2=Moore |first2=Molly |date=8 December 1992 |title=200 Indians killed in riots following mosque destruction |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1992/12/08/200-indians-killed-in-riots-following-mosque-destruction/7ce3e7cf-354d-439c-8c69-b7db290dea3c/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714030046/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1992/12/08/200-indians-killed-in-riots-following-mosque-destruction/7ce3e7cf-354d-439c-8c69-b7db290dea3c/ |archive-date=14 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Fuller |first=Christopher John |title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA262 |page=262 |year=2004 |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821053012/https://books.google.com/books?id=To6XSeBUW3oC&pg=PA262 |url-status=live |publisher=Princeton University Press |isbn=0-691-12048-X |archive-date=21 August 2023}}</ref>
In the [[2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute|Supreme Court's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute in 2019]], it was decided that the disputed land would be handed over to a trust formed by the [[Government of India]] for the construction of a Ram temple.<ref name="news.18_2023"/><ref name="theprint.india_2021"/>


The demolition of the mosque resulted in several months of [[Religious violence in India|inter-communal violence]] between India's Hindu and Muslim communities, causing the [[Bombay riots|death of an estimated 2,000 people in Bombay]] (now [[Mumbai]]) as a direct consequence, and triggering riots all over the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |last=Kidangoor |first=Abhishyant |date=4 August 2020 |title=India's Narendra Modi Broke Ground on a Controversial Temple of Ram. Here's Why It Matters |url=https://time.com/5875380/modi-ram-temple-ayodhya-groundbreaking/?amp=true |magazine=TIME |access-date=17 November 2020 |quote=For Muslims in India, it is the site of a 16th century mosque that was demolished by a mob in 1992, sparking sectarian riots that led to some 2,000 deaths. |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112152359/https://time.com/5875380/modi-ram-temple-ayodhya-groundbreaking/?amp=true |url-status=live }}</ref> A day after the demolition of the mosque, on 7 December 1992, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported that over 30 Hindu temples across [[Pakistan]] were attacked, some set on fire, and one was demolished. Hindu temples in [[Bangladesh]] were also attacked.<ref name=":0" />
The court referenced the 2003 report from the ASI, as evidence suggesting the presence of a structure beneath the demolished Babri Masjid, that was found to be non-[[Islam]]ic.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 October 2019 |title=Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017092145/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-50065277 |archive-date=17 October 2019 |access-date=27 December 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Daniyal_scroll.in_2019"/>  The Supreme Court, in its [[2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute|landmark judgement]] concluded that the underlying structure beneath the mosque was not an Islamic structure, and also concluded that no evidence was found that a non-Islamic structure was specifically demolished for the construction of the Babri Masjid.<ref name="Daniyal_scroll.in_2019">{{cite web |last=Daniyal |first=Shoaib |title=No, the Supreme Court did not uphold the claim that Babri Masjid was built by demolishing a temple |website=Scroll.in |date=11 November 2019 |url=https://scroll.in/article/943337/no-the-supreme-court-did-not-uphold-the-claim-that-babri-masjid-was-built-by-demolishing-a-temple |access-date=3 February 2024 |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204165034/https://scroll.in/article/943337/no-the-supreme-court-did-not-uphold-the-claim-that-babri-masjid-was-built-by-demolishing-a-temple |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|title=Ayodhya verdict: The ASI findings Supreme Court spoke about in its judgment|date=4 April 2022|newspaper=[[India Today]]|location=New Delhi, India|access-date=22 January 2024|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219085908/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Another salient aspect in the apex court's judgement is on the question on the claim of Hindus that disputed structure as the birthplace of Rama. The court observed that the Hindu claim is 'undisputed' and opined that there is clear evidence that Hindus believed that site to be Rama's  birthplace.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dam|first=Abhirup|title=In search of Ram: The death of wisdom, tradition and philosophy|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/in-search-of-ram-the-death-of-wisdom-tradition-and-philosophy/cid/1721222|work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|date=22 November 2019|access-date=12 February 2024|language=en|archive-date=19 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219175552/https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/in-search-of-ram-the-death-of-wisdom-tradition-and-philosophy/cid/1721222|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ayodhya verdict: The ASI findings Supreme Court spoke about in its judgment|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|work=India Today|date=4 April 2024|access-date=12 February 2024|language=en|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219085908/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-verdict-the-asi-findings-supreme-court-spoke-about-in-its-judgment-1617433-2019-11-09|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 5 July 2005, five terrorists attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the site of the destroyed Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. All five were shot dead in the ensuing encounter with the [[Central Reserve Police Force]] (CRPF), while one civilian died in the [[grenade]] attack that the attackers launched to breach the cordoned wall. The CRPF suffered three casualties, two of whom were seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds.<ref name="article3">{{Cite news |date=6 July 2005 |title=Front Page: Armed storm Ayodhya complex |work=[[The Hindu]] |agency=PTI, UNI |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050708012430/http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm |archive-date=8 July 2005}}</ref><ref name="article4">{{Cite news |date=6 July 2005 |title=Indian PM condemns the attack in Ayodhya |work=People's Daily Online |agency=Xinhua |url=http://english.people.com.cn/200507/06/eng20050706_194315.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011151654/http://english.people.com.cn/200507/06/eng20050706_194315.html |archive-date=11 October 2012}}</ref>
====Terror attack====
{{See also|2005 Ram Mandir attack}}


Two [[Excavation (archaeology)|archaeological excavations]] in 1978 and 2003 conducted by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) found evidence indicating that the Hindu temple's remains existed on the site.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharya |first=Santwana |date=6 March 2003 |title=I found pillar bases back in mid-seventies: Prof Lal |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/oldStory/19644/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116055005/http://archive.indianexpress.com/oldStory/19644/ |archive-date=16 January 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020 |website=The Indian Express Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2020 |title=Proof of temple found at Ayodhya: ASI report |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/25ayo1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008082504/https://www.rediff.com/news/2003/aug/25ayo1.htm |archive-date=8 October 2020 |access-date=7 October 2020 |website=Rediff |language=en |agency=PTI}}</ref> Archaeologist [[K. K. Muhammed]] accused several [[Left-wing politics#Economics|left-leaning]] historians of undermining the findings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-01-21 |title=Left historians prevented resolution of Babri Masjid dispute, says KK Mohammed, former ASI regional head-India News , Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/left-historians-connived-with-extremists-mislead-muslims-on-babri-issue-says-archaeologist-in-new-book-2592188.html |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103031506/https://www.firstpost.com/india/left-historians-connived-with-extremists-mislead-muslims-on-babri-issue-says-archaeologist-in-new-book-2592188.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Over the years, various title and legal disputes took place, such as the passage of the Acquisition of Certain Area at Ayodhya Act in 1993. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the {{convert|2.77|acre}} of disputed land be divided into 3 parts, with {{1/3}} going to the [[Rama|Ram Lalla]] or Infant Lord Rama represented by the [[Hindu Mahasabha]] for the construction of the Ram temple, {{1/3}} going to the Muslim [[Sunni Waqf Board]] and the remaining {{1/3}} going to a Hindu religious denomination [[Nirmohi Akhara]].<ref name="bbc1"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ayodhyabench4.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928085435/http://www.allahabadhighcourt.in/ayodhyabench4.html|url-status=dead|title=Ram Janm Bhumi Babri Masjid: Gist of Judgments|archivedate=28 September 2011}}</ref> All the three parties involved appealed against the division of disputed land to the Supreme Court.<ref>{{cite news |title=Court orders 3-way division of disputed Ayodhya land |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article804632.ece?homepage=true  |newspaper=The Hindu |date=30 September 2010 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003104001/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article804632.ece?homepage=true |archive-date=3 October 2010  |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/cases/babri-masjid-ram-janmabhoomi-case/ |title=Ayodhya Dispute Case Background |website=Supreme Court Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063612/http://scobserver.clpr.org.in/cases/babri-masjid-ram-janmabhoomi-case/ |archive-date=6 January 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 5 July 2005, five [[Lashkar-e-Taiba|Lashkar-e-Taiba's]] terrorists<ref name="article3">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050708012430/http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/06/stories/2005070612430100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2005-07-08|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2005-07-06|title=Front Page : Armed storm Ayodhya complex}}</ref><ref name="article4">{{cite web|url=http://english.people.com.cn/200507/06/eng20050706_194315.html|title=People's Daily Online -- Indian PM condemns the attack in Ayodhya|work=people.com.cn}}</ref> attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the site of destroyed [[Babri Masjid]] in [[Ayodhya]], [[India]]. All five were shot dead in the ensuing gunfight with the [[Central Reserve Police Force|Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)]], while one [[civilian]] died in the [[grenade]] attack that the attackers launched in order to breach the cordoned wall. The CRPF suffered three casualties, two of whom were seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds.


In [[2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute|Supreme Court's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute in 2019]], it was decided that the disputed land would be handed over to a trust formed by the Government of India for the construction of a Ram temple. The trust was eventually formed under the name of the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]]. On 5 February 2020, it was announced in the [[Parliament of India]] that [[Second Modi ministry|the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi]] had accepted a plan to construct the temple. Two days later, on 7 February, five acres of land were allocated for a new [[Ayodhya Mosque, Dhannipur|mosque]] to be built {{cvt|22|km}} away from Ayodhya in [[Dhannipur]] village.<ref>{{cite news|title=From Parliament Floor, PM Modi Announces 15-Member Trust for Ayodhya Ram Temple; 5 Acres Allotted for Masjid|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/modi-announces-setting-up-of-trust-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-2487595.html|work=News18|date=5 February 2020|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231072035/https://www.news18.com/news/politics/modi-announces-setting-up-of-trust-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-2487595.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 February 2020 |title=Dhannipur near Ayodhya already has 15 mosques, local Muslims want hospital and college too |url=https://theprint.in/india/dhannipur-near-ayodhya-already-has-15-mosques-local-muslims-want-hospital-and-college-too/361492/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202103401/https://theprint.in/india/dhannipur-near-ayodhya-already-has-15-mosques-local-muslims-want-hospital-and-college-too/361492/ |archive-date=2 February 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>
====Trust formation and start of construction====
The trust was eventually formed under the name of the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]]. On 5 February 2020, it was announced in the [[Parliament of India]] that [[Second Modi ministry|the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi]] had accepted a plan to construct the temple. Two days later, on 7 February, {{convert|5|acre|ha|order=flip}} of land was allocated for a new [[Ayodhya Mosque, Dhannipur|mosque]] to be built {{cvt|22|km}} away from Ayodhya city in [[Dhannipur]] village.<ref name="news.18_2023">{{cite news|title=From Parliament Floor, PM Modi Announces 15-Member Trust for Ayodhya Ram Temple; 5 Acres Allotted for Masjid|url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/modi-announces-setting-up-of-trust-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-2487595.html|work=News18|date=5 February 2020|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231072035/https://www.news18.com/news/politics/modi-announces-setting-up-of-trust-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-2487595.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="theprint.india_2021">{{Cite web |date=7 February 2020 |title=Dhannipur near Ayodhya already has 15 mosques, local Muslims want hospital and college too |url=https://theprint.in/india/dhannipur-near-ayodhya-already-has-15-mosques-local-muslims-want-hospital-and-college-too/361492/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202103401/https://theprint.in/india/dhannipur-near-ayodhya-already-has-15-mosques-local-muslims-want-hospital-and-college-too/361492/ |archive-date=2 February 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021}}</ref>


== Architecture ==
== Architecture ==
{{See also|Hindu temple architecture}}
{{See also|Hindu temple architecture}}


The original design for Ram Mandir was devised in 1988 by the [[Sompura family]] of [[Ahmedabad]].<ref name="NDTVIncr20ft20">{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Alok |date=23 July 2020 |title=Ayodhya's Ram Temple Will Be 161-Foot Tall, An Increase Of 20 Feet |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-will-be-161-feet-tall-an-increase-by-20-feet-2267315 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825071325/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-will-be-161-feet-tall-an-increase-by-20-feet-2267315 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=23 July 2020 |website=NDTV}}</ref> The Sompuras have contributed to the design of over 100 temples worldwide for at least 15 generations, including the [[Somnath temple]].<ref name="Print15Gens20">{{Cite web |last=Sampal |first=Rahul |date=28 July 2020 |title=Somnath, Akshardham & now Ram Mandir – Gujarat family designing temples for 15 generations |url=https://theprint.in/india/somnath-akshardham-now-ram-mandir-gujarat-family-designing-temples-for-15-generations/469120/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729110356/https://theprint.in/india/somnath-akshardham-now-ram-mandir-gujarat-family-designing-temples-for-15-generations/469120/ |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The chief architect of the temple was Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his two sons, Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, who are also architects.<ref name="NIE3rdLargest20" />
The original design for Ram Mandir was devised in 1988 by the Sompura family of [[Ahmedabad]].<ref name="pandey-2020">{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Alok |date=23 July 2020 |title=Ayodhya's Ram Temple Will Be 161-Foot Tall, An Increase Of 20 Feet |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-will-be-161-feet-tall-an-increase-by-20-feet-2267315 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825071325/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-will-be-161-feet-tall-an-increase-by-20-feet-2267315 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=23 July 2020 |website=NDTV}}</ref> The Sompuras have contributed to the design of over 100 temples worldwide for at least 15 generations, including the [[Somnath temple]].<ref name="sampal-2020">{{Cite web |last=Sampal |first=Rahul |date=28 July 2020 |title=Somnath, Akshardham & now Ram Mandir – Gujarat family designing temples for 15 generations |url=https://theprint.in/india/somnath-akshardham-now-ram-mandir-gujarat-family-designing-temples-for-15-generations/469120/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729110356/https://theprint.in/india/somnath-akshardham-now-ram-mandir-gujarat-family-designing-temples-for-15-generations/469120/ |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The chief architect of the temple was Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his two sons, Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, who are also architects.<ref name="bajpai-2020" />
 
A new design, with some changes from the original, was prepared by the Sompuras in 2020,<ref name="bajpai-2020" /> per the Hindu texts, the [[Vastu shastra]] and the [[Shilpa shastras]].<ref name="misra-2020" /> The temple will be {{convert|250|ft|m}} wide, {{convert|380|ft|m}} long and {{convert|161|ft|m}} high.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 January 2024 |title=Nagara-style architecture, no iron: What the historic Ram temple in Ayodhya will look like |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/nagara-style-architecture-no-iron-what-the-historic-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-will-look-like-13575222.html |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105174610/https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/nagara-style-architecture-no-iron-what-the-historic-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-will-look-like-13575222.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon completion, the temple complex became the [[List of largest Hindu temples|world's third largest Hindu temple]].<ref name="bajpai-2020">{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=5 August 2020 |title=280-feet wide, 300-feet long and 161-feet tall: Ayodhya Ram temple complex to be world's third-largest Hindu shrine |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/Jul/21/280-feet-wide-300-feet-long-and-161-feet-tall-ayodhya-ram-temple-complex-to-be-worlds-third-largest--2172847.html |access-date=17 February 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203120637/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/Jul/21/280-feet-wide-300-feet-long-and-161-feet-tall-ayodhya-ram-temple-complex-to-be-worlds-third-largest--2172847.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is designed in the [[Maru-Gurjara architecture]] of [[Nagara Style|Nagara style]], a type of [[Hindu temple architecture]] found primarily in northern India.<ref name="sampal-2020" /> A model of the proposed temple was showcased during the [[2019 Prayag Kumbh Mela|Prayag Kumbh Mela in 2019]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 February 2020 |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction to begin in April this year: Trustee |work=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ram-temple-work-to-begin-in-april-this-year-trustee-120020601389_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713220403/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ram-temple-work-to-begin-in-april-this-year-trustee-120020601389_1.html |archive-date=13 July 2020}}</ref>


A new design, with some changes from the original, was prepared by the Sompuras in 2020,<ref name="NIE3rdLargest20" /> per the Hindu texts, the [[Vastu shastra]] and the [[Shilpa shastras]].<ref name="NIEMeetSompuras20" /> The temple will be 250 feet wide, 380 feet long and {{convert|161|ft|m}} high.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-04 |title=Nagara-style architecture, no iron: What the historic Ram temple in Ayodhya will look like |url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/nagara-style-architecture-no-iron-what-the-historic-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-will-look-like-13575222.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105174610/https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/nagara-style-architecture-no-iron-what-the-historic-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-will-look-like-13575222.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Once complete, the temple complex will be the [[List of largest Hindu temples|world's third largest Hindu temple]].<ref name="NIE3rdLargest20">{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=21 July 2020 |title=280-feet wide, 300-feet long and 161-feet tall: Ayodhya Ram temple complex to be world's third-largest Hindu shrine |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/21/280-feet-wide-300-feet-long-and-161-feet-tall-ayodhya-ram-temple-complex-to-be-worlds-third-largest-hindu-shrine-2172847.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722221129/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jul/21/280-feet-wide-300-feet-long-and-161-feet-tall-ayodhya-ram-temple-complex-to-be-worlds-third-largest-hindu-shrine-2172847.html |archive-date=22 July 2020 |access-date=23 July 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> It is designed in the [[Gurjar]]a-[[Chaulukya style]] of [[Nagara style]] architecture, a type of [[Hindu temple architecture]] found primarily in northern India.<ref name="Print15Gens20" /> A model of the proposed temple was showcased during the [[2019 Prayag Kumbh Mela|Prayag Kumbh Mela in 2019]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 February 2020 |title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir construction to begin in April this year: Trustee |work=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ram-temple-work-to-begin-in-april-this-year-trustee-120020601389_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713220403/https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ram-temple-work-to-begin-in-april-this-year-trustee-120020601389_1.html |archive-date=13 July 2020}}</ref>
The temple's main structure has been built on a raised platform with three storeys. It has five ''[[mandapa]]s'' in the middle of the ''[[garbhagriha]]'' ([[sanctum sanctorum]]) and on the entrance passage. The Shri Ram Darbar, located on the first floor, comprises five halls – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. In Nagara style, the mandapas are decorated with ''[[shikhara]]s''.<ref name="HT-Mandapa">{{Cite web |title=Ram Temple sanctum sanctorum likely to be built by end of the year |date=13 June 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |access-date=29 January 2024 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906112533/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name ="TH-Archi">{{Cite news |title=Ram temple to be grander than planned earlier: Architect |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 July 2020 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |access-date=24 December 2023 |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620205021/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> Adorned with deity statues, the temple includes dedicated mandirs for [[Surya]], Bhagwati, [[Ganesh]], and [[Shiva|Shiv]] at the corners. Annapurna and [[Hanuman]] temples are on the northern and southern arms. The foundation features a {{convert|14|m|ft|adj=on}}-thick roller-compacted concrete layer resembling artificial rock, with a {{convert|21|ft|m|adj=on}} granite plinth for moisture protection, avoiding iron use. Accessibility is ensured with ramps, lifts, and facilities for the elderly and differently-abled. A pilgrims facility centre for 25,000 people offers medical and locker services. Environmental focus preserves 70% of the {{convert|70|acre|ha|adj=on}} area as green space, emphasising water conservation.<ref name = "IE-Archi">{{Cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=The Ayodhya Ram temple: 4 mandirs at each corner, 5 mandaps and emphasis on green cover |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-mandaps-green-cover-architecuture-9096270/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123034350/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-mandaps-green-cover-architecuture-9096270/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=22 January 2024 |title=With no iron or steel, Ayodhya temple is a study in sandstone |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ayodhya-ram-temple-a-new-age-architectural-marvel-carved-in-stone/article67765899.ece |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129092438/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ayodhya-ram-temple-a-new-age-architectural-marvel-carved-in-stone/article67765899.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 January 2024 |title=Nagara architecture, 392 pillars, 5 mandaps: The key features of Ram Mandir |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nagara-architecture-392-pillars-5-mandaps-decoding-ram-janmabhoomi-mandirs-key-features-101705892188859.html |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129152826/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nagara-architecture-392-pillars-5-mandaps-decoding-ram-janmabhoomi-mandirs-key-features-101705892188859.html |url-status=live}}</ref>


The temple's main structure will be built on a raised platform with three storeys. It will have five ''[[mandapa]]s'' in the middle of the [[garbhagriha]] ([[sanctum sanctorum]]) and on the entrance passage. Three mandapas on one side shall be of [[Gavaksha|Kudu]], [[Nritya]] and Rang, and the two mandapas on the other side will be of [[Kirtan]] and [[Prayer in Hinduism|Prarthana]]. In Nagara style, the mandapas are to be decorated with [[shikhara]].<ref name="thehindusanctum">{{Cite web |title=Ram Temple sanctum sanctorum likely to be built by end of the year |date=13 June 2023 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |access-date=2023-12-24 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906112533/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-in-ayodhya-to-be-inaugurated-in-january-2024-invitation-sent-to-pm-modi-new-delhilucknow-101686596031624.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nagarathehindu">{{Cite news |title=Ram temple to be grander than planned earlier: Architect |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 July 2020 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |access-date=2023-12-24 |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620205021/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ram-temple-to-be-grander-than-planned-earlier-architect/article61677565.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
The temple has a total of 366 columns. The columns have 16 idols each to include the incarnations of [[Shiva]], the 10 [[Dashavatara]]s, the [[Yogini#64 Yoginis|Chausath Yoginis]], and the 12 incarnations of the goddess [[Saraswati]]. The width of the stairs are {{convert|16|ft|m}}. Per scriptures dedicated to the design of temples dedicated to [[Vishnu]], the sanctum sanctorum is octagonal in shape.<ref name="misra-2020">{{Cite web |last=Misra |first=Leena |date=6 August 2020 |title=Meet the Sompuras, master architects who are building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/meet-the-sompuras-master-architects-who-are-building-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-6540155/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806211703/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/meet-the-sompuras-master-architects-who-are-building-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-6540155/ |archive-date=6 August 2020 |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> According to the temple committee, the site has a capability to handle 70,000 visitors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2023 |title=Nripendra Misra, Chairman Of Construction Panel On 'Pran Pratishtha' Of Ram Mandir In Ayodhya |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/nripendra-misra-chairman-of-construction-panel-on-pran-pratishtha-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-404726-2023-11-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203225127/https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/nripendra-misra-chairman-of-construction-panel-on-pran-pratishtha-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-404726-2023-11-06 |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=30 November 2023 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> [[Larsen & Toubro]] offered to oversee the design and construction of the temple free of cost, and became the contractor of the project.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 March 2020 |title=L&T to oversee the construction of Ram temple: Vishwa Hindu Parishad |work=Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/l-t-to-oversee-ram-temple-construction-champat-rai-120030300169_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304170359/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/l-t-to-oversee-ram-temple-construction-champat-rai-120030300169_1.html |archive-date=4 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=29 February 2020 |title=L&T ready to construct Ram temple in Ayodhya for free, say VHP leaders |work=The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2020/feb/29/lt-ready-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-for-free-say-vhp-leaders-2110327.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823054736/https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2020/feb/29/lt-ready-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-for-free-say-vhp-leaders-2110327.html |archive-date=23 August 2020}}</ref> The [[Central Building Research Institute]], [[National Geophysical Research Institute]] and the [[IIT Bombay|Bombay]], [[IIT Guwahati|Guwahati]] and [[IIT Madras|Madras]] [[IITs]] have assisted in areas such as [[soil test]]ing, concrete supply and design.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Avaneesh |date=10 September 2020 |title=Ayodhya Ram Temple construction: L & T reaches out to IIT-M for expert help on design, concrete |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-ram-temple-lt-iit-m-expert-help-design-concrete-6590242/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125184356/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-ram-temple-lt-iit-m-expert-help-design-concrete-6590242/ |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name="rashid-2021">{{Cite news |last=Rashid |first=Omar |date=4 January 2021 |title=Work on Ayodhya Ram temple foundation to begin by January-end, says trust |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/work-on-ayodhya-ram-temple-foundation-to-begin-by-january-end-says-trust/article33492571.ece |url-status=live |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109052524/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/work-on-ayodhya-ram-temple-foundation-to-begin-by-january-end-says-trust/article33492571.ece |archive-date=9 January 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


The building will have a total of 366 columns. The columns will have 16 idols each to include the incarnations of [[Shiva]], the 10 [[Dashavatara]]s, the 64 [[Yogini#64 Yoginis|Chausath Yoginis]], and the 12 incarnations of the goddess [[Saraswati]]. The width of the stairs will be {{convert|16|ft|m}}. Per scriptures dedicated to the design of temples dedicated to [[Vishnu]], the sanctum sanctorum will be octagonal.<ref name="NIEMeetSompuras20">{{Cite web |last=Misra |first=Leena |date=6 August 2020 |title=Meet the Sompuras, master architects who are building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/meet-the-sompuras-master-architects-who-are-building-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-6540155/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806211703/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/meet-the-sompuras-master-architects-who-are-building-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-6540155/ |archive-date=6 August 2020 |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> The temple will be built in {{convert|10|acre|km2}}, and {{convert|57|acre|km2}} of land will be developed into a complex with a prayer hall, a lecture hall, an educational facility and other facilities including a museum and a cafeteria.<ref name="NIEBefore2022" /> According to the temple committee, over 70,000 people will be able to visit the site.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-06 |title=Nripendra Misra, Chairman Of Construction Panel On 'Pran Pratishtha' Of Ram Mandir In Ayodhya |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/nripendra-misra-chairman-of-construction-panel-on-pran-pratishtha-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-404726-2023-11-06 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203225127/https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/nripendra-misra-chairman-of-construction-panel-on-pran-pratishtha-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-404726-2023-11-06 |archive-date=3 December 2023 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref> [[Larsen & Toubro]] offered to oversee the design and construction of the temple free of cost, and became the contractor of the project.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 March 2020 |title=L&T to oversee the construction of Ram temple: Vishwa Hindu Parishad |work=Business Standard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/l-t-to-oversee-ram-temple-construction-champat-rai-120030300169_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304170359/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/l-t-to-oversee-ram-temple-construction-champat-rai-120030300169_1.html |archive-date=4 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=29 February 2020 |title=L&T ready to construct Ram temple in Ayodhya for free, say VHP leaders |work=The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2020/feb/29/lt-ready-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-for-free-say-vhp-leaders-2110327.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823054736/https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2020/feb/29/lt-ready-to-construct-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-for-free-say-vhp-leaders-2110327.html |archive-date=23 August 2020}}</ref> The [[Central Building Research Institute]], [[National Geophysical Research Institute]] and the [[IIT Bombay|Bombay]], [[IIT Guwahati|Guwahati]] and [[IIT Madras|Madras]] [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IITs]] are assisting in areas such as [[soil test]]ing, concrete and design.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishra |first=Avaneesh |date=10 September 2020 |title=Ayodhya Ram Temple construction: L & T reaches out to IIT-M for expert help on design, concrete |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-ram-temple-lt-iit-m-expert-help-design-concrete-6590242/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125184356/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-ram-temple-lt-iit-m-expert-help-design-concrete-6590242/ |archive-date=25 November 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Rashid |first=Omar |date=4 January 2021 |title=Work on Ayodhya Ram temple foundation to begin by January-end, says trust |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/work-on-ayodhya-ram-temple-foundation-to-begin-by-january-end-says-trust/article33492571.ece |url-status=live |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109052524/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/work-on-ayodhya-ram-temple-foundation-to-begin-by-january-end-says-trust/article33492571.ece |archive-date=9 January 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
The construction work has been accomplished with {{Convert|600000|cuft}} of sandstone from [[Baansi]] in [[Rajasthan]].<ref name="misra-2020" /> No iron and steel has been used in the construction of the temple, and the fusing of the stone blocks has required ten thousand copper plates.<ref name ="ANI-Sandstone">{{Cite web |date=20 August 2020 |title=Construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya begins |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/construction-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-begins20200820133647/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122124219/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/construction-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-begins20200820133647/ |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref> In a culturally significant move, [[Thailand]] also symbolically contributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, by sending soil to the [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], building on their prior gesture of sending water from two rivers in Thailand to honour the temple.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ayodhya's Ram Temple To Receive Soil From Thailand Ahead Of Consecration |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhyas-ram-temple-to-receive-soil-from-thailand-ahead-of-consecration-4621617 |access-date=2 December 2023 |website=NDTV |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202065305/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhyas-ram-temple-to-receive-soil-from-thailand-ahead-of-consecration-4621617 |url-status=live}}</ref>


The construction work will be accomplished with {{cvt|600000|cuft}} of sandstone from [[Baansi]] in [[Rajasthan]].<ref name="NIEMeetSompuras20" /> There will be no use of iron in the construction of the temple, and the fusing of the stone blocks will require ten thousand copper plates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2020 |title=Construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya begins |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/construction-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-begins20200820133647/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122124219/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/construction-of-ram-mandir-in-ayodhya-begins20200820133647/ |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=17 November 2020 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref> In a culturally significant move, [[Thailand]] is also symbolically contributing to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, by sending soil to the [[Ram Janmabhoomi]], building on their prior gesture of sending water from two rivers in Thailand to honour the temple.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ayodhya's Ram Temple To Receive Soil From Thailand Ahead Of Consecration |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhyas-ram-temple-to-receive-soil-from-thailand-ahead-of-consecration-4621617 |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202065305/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhyas-ram-temple-to-receive-soil-from-thailand-ahead-of-consecration-4621617 |url-status=live }}</ref>
According to the temple trust, the final blueprint of Ram Mandir included  temples dedicated to [[Surya]], [[Ganesha]], [[Shiva]], [[Durga]], [[Vishnu]] and [[Brahma]] in the temple grounds.<ref name="india today-2021">{{Cite news |date=13 September 2021 |title=6 temples of different deities to be constructed in Ram Janmabhoomi premises |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-temples-different-deities-constructed-ram-janmabhoomi-premises-1852092-2021-09-13 |url-status=live |magazine=India Today |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122054503/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-temples-different-deities-constructed-ram-janmabhoomi-premises-1852092-2021-09-13 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>


=== Deity ===
== Fundraising ==
''Ram Lalla Virajman'', the infant form of [[Rama]], an [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]], is the presiding deity of the temple.<ref name="News18RamLalla19">{{Cite web |date=9 November 2019 |title=Ayodhya Case Verdict: Who is Ram Lalla Virajman, the 'Divine Infant' Given the Possession of Disputed Ayodhya Land |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ayodhya-case-verdict-who-is-ram-lalla-virajman-the-divine-infant-given-the-possession-of-disputed-ayodhya-land-2379679.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928112944/https://www.news18.com/news/india/ayodhya-case-verdict-who-is-ram-lalla-virajman-the-divine-infant-given-the-possession-of-disputed-ayodhya-land-2379679.html |archive-date=28 September 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |website=News18}}</ref> Ram Lalla's dress was stitched by tailors Bhagwat Prasad and Shankar Lal, a fourth generation tailor to Rama's idol.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2020 |title=अयोध्या: 5 अगस्त को इस टेलर का सिला पोशाक पहनेंगे रामलला |trans-title=On 5 August Ram will wear clothes stitched by this tailor |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-ayodhya-tailor-bhagwat-prasad-and-shyam-lal-preparing-cloths-for-ramlala-upat-3187451.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727043827/https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-ayodhya-tailor-bhagwat-prasad-and-shyam-lal-preparing-cloths-for-ramlala-upat-3187451.html |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=27 July 2020 |website=News18 India |language=hi}}</ref> Ram Lalla was a [[litigant]] in the court case over the disputed site in 1989, being considered a "juristic person" by the law.<ref name="NDTVIncr20ft20" /> He was represented by Triloki Nath Pandey, a senior VHP leader who was considered Ram Lalla's closest 'human' friend.<ref name="News18RamLalla19" /> According to the temple trust, the final blueprint includes temples dedicated to [[Surya]], [[Ganesha]], [[Shiva]], [[Durga]], [[Vishnu]] and [[Brahma]] in the temple grounds.<ref name=":5">{{Cite magazine |date=13 September 2021 |title=6 temples of different deities to be constructed in Ram Janmabhoomi premises |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-temples-different-deities-constructed-ram-janmabhoomi-premises-1852092-2021-09-13 |url-status=live |magazine=India Today |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122054503/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/6-temples-different-deities-constructed-ram-janmabhoomi-premises-1852092-2021-09-13 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref> Two idols of ''Ram Lalla'' (one of them being 5 years old) will be placed in the sanctum of the temple.<ref name="auto" />
The Ram Mandir was built with funds gained through international fundraising drives, involving nearly two million volunteers. [[Ramnath Kovind]] was the first to contribute, donating {{INR}}500,000 on 14 January 2021, during his tenure as the <!-- Do NOT add counts or ordinals, as per [[WP:CONSENSUS]] --> [[president of India]].<ref>{{cite news|date=10 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Temple: Nearly Rs 5,000 Crore Donations Received Ahead Of Consecration Ceremony|url=https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-nearly-rs-5000-crore-donations-received-ahead-of-consecration-ceremony-8734580.html|work=News 18|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=12 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212232201/https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-nearly-rs-5000-crore-donations-received-ahead-of-consecration-ceremony-8734580.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Over 127 million donations amounting to approximately {{INR}}50 billion were received by the temple.<ref>{{cite news|date=28 December 2023|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Kashi And Prayagraj Beggars Donate Rs 4 Lakh|url=https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-kashi-and-prayagraj-beggars-donate-rs-4-lakh-8720424.html|work=News 18|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=29 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229082038/https://www.news18.com/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-kashi-and-prayagraj-beggars-donate-rs-4-lakh-8720424.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news|last=Das|first=Yudhajit Shankar|date=22 January 2024|title=How the Ayodhya Ram temple became a mandir of the masses|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sunday-special/story/ram-mandir-inauguration-temple-movement-vhp-rss-fundraising-drive-masses-connected-ayodhya-2482499-2023-12-31|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=9 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209155558/https://www.indiatoday.in/sunday-special/story/ram-mandir-inauguration-temple-movement-vhp-rss-fundraising-drive-masses-connected-ayodhya-2482499-2023-12-31|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kapoor|first=Sheersh|date=22 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: How much money was spent and what does UP stand to gain?|url=https://bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/ayodhya-ram-mandir-how-much-money-was-spent-and-what-does-up-stand-to-gain/107045031#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Economic%20Times,₹3%2C500%20crore%20in%20donations.|work=The Economic Times|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=1 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201162620/https://bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/ayodhya-ram-mandir-how-much-money-was-spent-and-what-does-up-stand-to-gain/107045031#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Economic%20Times,₹3%2C500%20crore%20in%20donations.|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=8 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: 'అయోధ్య' విరాళాల మొత్తం ఇప్పటివరకు ఎంత? అధికమొత్తం ఇచ్చింది ఎవరు?|url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/national/who-donated-most-money-ayodhya-ram-mandir-1910581|language=Telugu|work=[[Sakshi (newspaper)|Sakshi]]|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109023453/https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/national/who-donated-most-money-ayodhya-ram-mandir-1910581|url-status=live}}</ref> Some media outlets in India claimed that the construction of the Ram mandir was one of the world's biggest crowd funded projects.<ref>{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Swadesh|date=10 January 2024|title=This is how world's largest crowdfunding project was achieved in Ayodhya|url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/this-is-how-worlds-largest-crowdfunding-project-was-achieved-in-ayodhya/1912804/|work=[[The Print]]|access-date=13 February 2024|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213094352/https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/this-is-how-worlds-largest-crowdfunding-project-was-achieved-in-ayodhya/1912804/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fundraising by the Mandir trust has ended on 27 February 2021.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gopinathan|first=Meenakshi|date=21 January 2024|title=రామ మందిర నిర్మాణానికి 10 కోట్ల మంది విరాళాలు ఇచ్చారు…45 రోజుల్లో రూ.2500 కోట్లు!|language=Telugu|url=https://telugu.vikatan.com/india/10-crore-people-donated-for-the-construction-of-ram-mandirrs-2500-crore-in-just-45-days|work=[[Vikatan]]|access-date=13 February 2024|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213094351/https://telugu.vikatan.com/india/10-crore-people-donated-for-the-construction-of-ram-mandirrs-2500-crore-in-just-45-days|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2015, the [[Hindu Mahasabha]], among the leading organisation involved in the Ram Mandir issue, alleged the BJP-affiliate [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP) of carrying out donation scam of over {{INRConvert|1400|c}} over the construction of the temple. The VHP denied this allegation.<ref name="verma-2015">{{cite web |last=Verma |first=Lalmani |title=Ram Temple in Ayodhya: Hindu Mahasabha claims VHP 'pocketed' Rs 1,400 cr; Singhal rubbishes charge |website=The Indian Express |date=16 July 2015 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-temple-in-ayodhyahindu-mahasabha-claims-vhp-pocketed-rs-1400-cr-singhal-rubbishes-charge/ |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081135/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-temple-in-ayodhyahindu-mahasabha-claims-vhp-pocketed-rs-1400-cr-singhal-rubbishes-charge/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2019, the national spokesperson of the [[Nirmohi Akhara]], Mahant Sitaram Das, accused the VHP of carrying out a {{INRConvert|1400|c}} scam over the temple.<ref name="newsabplivecom-2019">{{cite web |title=Ram Temple: Nirmohi Akhada accuses VHP of financial scam over funds collected for building mandir |website=news.abplive.com |date=30 January 2019 |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/ram-temple-nirmohi-akhada-accuses-vhp-of-alleged-financial-scam-worth-1400-crores-over-money-collected-for-building-mandir-907460 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326153532/https://news.abplive.com/news/india/ram-temple-nirmohi-akhada-accuses-vhp-of-alleged-financial-scam-worth-1400-crores-over-money-collected-for-building-mandir-907460 |url-status=live}}</ref> Political leaders from opposition parties have also questioned the methods of fund collection.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2021 |title=Ram Mandir: Siddaramaiah questions fund drive, HDK says he was threatened |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-mandir-siddaramaiah-questions-fund-drive-hdk-says-he-was-threatened-143621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217121455/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-mandir-siddaramaiah-questions-fund-drive-hdk-says-he-was-threatened-143621 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johari |first=Aarefa |date=13 February 2021 |title=Ram temple fundraisers leave behind stickers on doors – sparking fear and concern |url=https://scroll.in/article/986670/ram-temple-fundraisers-leave-behind-stickers-on-doors-sparking-fear-and-concern |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216072240/https://scroll.in/article/986670/ram-temple-fundraisers-leave-behind-stickers-on-doors-sparking-fear-and-concern |archive-date=16 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2021 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref>


On 29 December 2023, the selection of the idol of Ram Lalla for the Ayodhya Ram temple was done through a voting process. Karnataka-based sculptor [[Arun Yogiraj]] created the idol of Rama.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-02 |title=Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj's idol of Ram Lalla chosen for Ayodhya's grand temple |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/renowned-sculptor-arun-yogirajs-idol-of-ram-lalla-chosen-for-ayodhyas-grand-temple-101704158517426.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105100604/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/renowned-sculptor-arun-yogirajs-idol-of-ram-lalla-chosen-for-ayodhyas-grand-temple-101704158517426.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=2024-01-02 |title=Ayodhya: THIS statue of Lord Ram selected for consecration ceremony {{!}} See photo |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-this-statue-of-lord-ram-selected-for-consecration-ceremony-see-photo-11704163016995.html |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105173900/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-this-statue-of-lord-ram-selected-for-consecration-ceremony-see-photo-11704163016995.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Now {{!}} |first=Times |date=2024-01-02 |title=Ayodhya Ram Temple: Karnataka sculptor Yogiraj Arun's idol selected for 'Pran Pratishtha' |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-karnataka-sculptor-yogiraj-aruns-idol-selected-for-pran-pratishtha/videoshow/106466463.cms |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=The Economic Times |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105173900/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-temple-karnataka-sculptor-yogiraj-aruns-idol-selected-for-pran-pratishtha/videoshow/106466463.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
The public were warned of instances in which online scammers posed as fundraisers.<ref>{{cite news|date=19 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram temple consecration: Beware of fake donation websites, 'VIP passes' & other online scams|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/technology/ayodhya-ram-temple-consecration-beware-of-fake-donation-websites-vip-pass-online-scams-2856062|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=11 February 2024|archive-date=12 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212232508/https://www.deccanherald.com/technology/ayodhya-ram-temple-consecration-beware-of-fake-donation-websites-vip-pass-online-scams-2856062|url-status=live}}</ref> The temple has also attracted a number of controversies due to alleged misuse of donation, sidelining of its major activists, and politicisation of the temple by the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].<ref name="newsabplivecom-2019" /><ref name="verma-2015" /><ref name="rai-2017" /><ref name="jaiswal-2020" />  


== Construction ==
== Construction ==
{{See also|2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute}}
{{See also|2019 Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya dispute}}
The [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]] trust began the first phase of construction of the Ram Mandir in March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Pratul |date=23 March 2020 |title=1st phase of Ram temple construction begins in Ayodhya |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/23/1st-phase-of-ram-temple-construction-begins-in-ayodhya.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330175900/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/23/1st-phase-of-ram-temple-construction-begins-in-ayodhya.html |archive-date=30 March 2023 |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2020 |title=Ram Mandir Construction: राम मंदिर निर्मितीच्या पहिल्या टप्प्यातील काम सुरू |language=mr |trans-title=Ram Mandir Construction: Ram mandir Foundation Starts First Phase of Work |work=Times Now Marathi |url=https://www.timesnowmarathi.com/india-news-international/article/ram-mandir-foundation-first-phase-of-work-starts-cleaning-of-site-starts/292477 |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018015943/https://www.timesnowmarathi.com/india-news-international/article/ram-mandir-foundation-first-phase-of-work-starts-cleaning-of-site-starts/292477 |archive-date=18 October 2021}}</ref> The [[COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India]] caused a temporary suspension of the construction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=9 April 2020 |title=Ram Mandir plans continue during COVID-19 lockdown, temple trust releases its official Logo |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/09/ram-mandir-plans-continue-during-covid-19-lockdown-temple-trust-releases-its-official-logo-2127639.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414021852/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/09/ram-mandir-plans-continue-during-covid-19-lockdown-temple-trust-releases-its-official-logo-2127639.html |archive-date=14 April 2020 |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 1970 |title=COVID-19: लॉकडाउन खत्म होते ही अयोध्या में शुरू होगा भव्य राम मंदिर निर्माण |trans-title=COVID-19: The Ram Temple construction will begin in Ayodhya after the end of lockdown |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-after-lockdown-ram-mandir-construction-work-will-start-in-ayodhya-upnga-upns-3094651.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509073923/https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-after-lockdown-ram-mandir-construction-work-will-start-in-ayodhya-upnga-upns-3094651.html |archive-date=9 May 2020 |access-date=8 May 2020 |website=News18 India |language=hi}}</ref> On 25 March 2020, Ram's idol was moved to a temporary location in the presence of the [[List of chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]], [[Yogi Adityanath]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rashid |first=Omar |date=25 March 2020 |title=U.P. Chief Minister Adityanath shifts Ram idol amid lockdown |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-chief-minister-adityanath-shifts-ram-idol-amid-lockdown/article31160225.ece |url-status=live |access-date=24 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414223226/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-chief-minister-adityanath-shifts-ram-idol-amid-lockdown/article31160225.ece |archive-date=14 April 2020 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In preparation for the temple's construction, the [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP) organised a '{{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan}}', in which individuals would gather at different places to chant the 'Vijay Mahamantra' – {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram}}, on 6 April 2020. This was said to ensure "victory over hurdles" in constructing the temple.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2020 |title=VHP to organise 'Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan' |work=Outlook |agency=IANS |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vhp-to-organise-vijay-mahamantra-jaap-anushthan/1508964 |url-status=live |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806200651/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vhp-to-organise-vijay-mahamantra-jaap-anushthan/1508964 |archive-date=6 August 2020}}</ref>
The [[Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra]] trust began the first phase of construction of the Ram Mandir in March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Pratul |date=23 March 2020 |title=1st phase of Ram temple construction begins in Ayodhya |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/23/1st-phase-of-ram-temple-construction-begins-in-ayodhya.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330175900/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/03/23/1st-phase-of-ram-temple-construction-begins-in-ayodhya.html |archive-date=30 March 2023 |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2020 |title=Ram Mandir Construction: राम मंदिर निर्मितीच्या पहिल्या टप्प्यातील काम सुरू |language=mr |trans-title=Ram Mandir Construction: Ram mandir Foundation Starts First Phase of Work |work=Times Now Marathi |url=https://www.timesnowmarathi.com/india-news-international/article/ram-mandir-foundation-first-phase-of-work-starts-cleaning-of-site-starts/292477 |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018015943/https://www.timesnowmarathi.com/india-news-international/article/ram-mandir-foundation-first-phase-of-work-starts-cleaning-of-site-starts/292477 |archive-date=18 October 2021}}</ref> The [[COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India]] caused a temporary suspension of the construction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bajpai |first=Namita |date=9 April 2020 |title=Ram Mandir plans continue during COVID-19 lockdown, temple trust releases its official Logo |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/09/ram-mandir-plans-continue-during-covid-19-lockdown-temple-trust-releases-its-official-logo-2127639.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414021852/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/apr/09/ram-mandir-plans-continue-during-covid-19-lockdown-temple-trust-releases-its-official-logo-2127639.html |archive-date=14 April 2020 |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 1970 |title=COVID-19: लॉकडाउन खत्म होते ही अयोध्या में शुरू होगा भव्य राम मंदिर निर्माण |trans-title=COVID-19: The Ram Temple construction will begin in Ayodhya after the end of lockdown |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-after-lockdown-ram-mandir-construction-work-will-start-in-ayodhya-upnga-upns-3094651.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509073923/https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-after-lockdown-ram-mandir-construction-work-will-start-in-ayodhya-upnga-upns-3094651.html |archive-date=9 May 2020 |access-date=8 May 2020 |website=News18 India |language=hi}}</ref> On 25 March 2020, Ram's idol was moved to a temporary location in the presence of the [[Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]], [[Yogi Adityanath]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rashid |first=Omar |date=25 March 2020 |title=U.P. Chief Minister Adityanath shifts Ram idol amid lockdown |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-chief-minister-adityanath-shifts-ram-idol-amid-lockdown/article31160225.ece |url-status=live |access-date=24 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414223226/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-chief-minister-adityanath-shifts-ram-idol-amid-lockdown/article31160225.ece |archive-date=14 April 2020 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In preparation for the temple's construction, the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] (VHP) organised a '{{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan}}', in which individuals would gather at different places to chant the 'Vijay Mahamantra' – {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram}}, on 6 April 2020. This was said to ensure "victory over hurdles" in constructing the temple.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2020 |title=VHP to organise 'Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan' |work=Outlook |agency=IANS |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vhp-to-organise-vijay-mahamantra-jaap-anushthan/1508964 |url-status=live |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806200651/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vhp-to-organise-vijay-mahamantra-jaap-anushthan/1508964 |archive-date=6 August 2020}}</ref>
 
It was officially announced by [[Champat Rai]], the General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Kshetra Trust, that 22 January 2024 would be the scheduled date for the installation of the ''Ram Lalla'' idol in the ''[[garbhagriha]]'' ([[sanctum sanctorum]]). On 25 October 2023, a formal invitation was extended to [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] to attend the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Sheenu|date=25 October 2023 |title=Uttar Pradesh: Ram Temple Trust invites PM Modi to install Lord Ram idol in Ayodhya on Jan 22, 2024 |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614 |access-date=3 November 2023 |website=India TV News |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103142302/https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In 2020, the national spokesperson of the [[Nirmohi Akhara]], Mahant Sitaram Das, criticised the BJP's decision to have the temple foundation begun by Narendra Modi and said that the work of building the temple should be done only by the religious priests.<ref name="jaiswal-2020">{{cite web |last=Jaiswal |first=Anuja |title=Leave bhoomi pujan to saints: Nirmohi Akhara spokesperson tells PM |website=The Times of India |date=24 July 2020 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/leave-bhoomi-pujan-to-saints-nirmohi-akhara-spokesperson-tells-pm/articleshow/77156140.cms |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081133/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/leave-bhoomi-pujan-to-saints-nirmohi-akhara-spokesperson-tells-pm/articleshow/77156140.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> A number of [[Hindutva]] proponents, including online social media influencers, raised objections over the temple's construction with regards to its design and involvement of the Muslims, claiming that they found Islamic motifs in the Ram Mandir. [[Champat Rai]], the general secretary of the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]] trust, responded to these concerns by saying that temple was being sculpted by experts, and there could be no question about their religion.<ref>{{cite web |last=Deb |first=Abhik |title=Why some Hindutva supporters are angry with Modi's Ayodhya temple inauguration |website=Scroll.in |date=22 December 2023 |url=https://scroll.in/article/1060891/why-some-hindutva-supporters-are-angry-with-modis-ayodhya-temple-inauguration |access-date=6 January 2024 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106071025/https://scroll.in/article/1060891/why-some-hindutva-supporters-are-angry-with-modis-ayodhya-temple-inauguration |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=January 2024}}
The vice-president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Pandit Ashok Sharma, said that the BJP "got the entire thing politicised."<ref name="rai-2017" />


It has been officially announced that 22 January 2024 is the scheduled date for the installation of the [[Rama|Lord Ram]] idol in the [[garbhagriha]] ([[sanctum sanctorum]]) by [[Champat Rai]], the General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Kshetra Trust. [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]], on 25 October 2023, was extended a formal invitation to attend the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Sheenu|date=2023-10-25 |title=Uttar Pradesh: Ram Temple Trust invites PM Modi to install Lord Ram idol in Ayodhya on Jan 22, 2024 |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614 |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103142302/https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614 |url-status=live }}</ref>
A number of opposition parties, as well as BJP members themselves, have criticised the BJP for using the temple to for gain political mileage.<ref>{{cite web |title=JD(U) Minister Slams BJP's Attempt |website=The Times of India |date=2 January 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/lord-ram-lives-in-our-heart-jdu-minister-slams-bjps-attempt/articleshow/106464409.cms |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081136/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/lord-ram-lives-in-our-heart-jdu-minister-slams-bjps-attempt/articleshow/106464409.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> The President of the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]], [[Mallikarjun Kharge]], had questioned the authority of [[Home Minister]] [[Amit Shah]], after he declared the opening date of the temple.<ref>{{cite web |last=Manoj |first=C G |title='Are you mahant of Ram Temple?': Mallikarjun Kharge slams Amit Shah for announcing temple opening date |website=The Indian Express |date=6 January 2023 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-temple-mallikarjun-kharge-amit-shah-announcing-opening-date-8365437/ |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125132453/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-temple-mallikarjun-kharge-amit-shah-announcing-opening-date-8365437/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The BJP leader [[Subramanian Swamy]] questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's involvement in Ram Mandir's inauguration.<ref>{{cite web |title=BJP leader Subramanian Swamy questions PM Modi attending inauguration of Ram temple |website=The News Minute |date=27 December 2023 |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bjp-leader-subramanian-swamy-questions-pm-modi-attending-inauguration-of-ram-temple |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104110807/https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bjp-leader-subramanian-swamy-questions-pm-modi-attending-inauguration-of-ram-temple |url-status=live}}</ref> The Congress MP [[Shashi Tharoor]] has criticised the Indian media for diverting attention from critical governance issues by overly focusing on the temple.<ref>{{cite web |last=Team |first=WION Web |title=Ram temple consecration ceremony: Shashi Tharoor slams BJP over politicisation of religious event |website=WION |date=27 December 2023 |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/temples-not-governments-shashi-tharoor-slams-bjp-over-ram-temple-inauguration-674041 |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227130402/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/temples-not-governments-shashi-tharoor-slams-bjp-over-ram-temple-inauguration-674041 |url-status=live}}</ref>


=== ''Bhumi Pujan'' ceremony ===
=== ''Bhumi Pujan'' ceremony ===
[[File:Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performing Bhoomi Pujan at ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on August 05, 2020.jpg|thumb|[[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] performing ''Bhoomi Poojan'' or the
[[File:Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performing Bhoomi Pujan at ‘Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on August 05, 2020.jpg|thumb|[[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] performing ''Bhumi Pujan'' or the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ram Mandir. Also visible are the chief of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS), [[Mohan Bhagwat]], and the [[Governor of Uttar Pradesh]], [[Anandiben Patel]].]] On the occasion of Bhumi Pujan, the Ram Lalla's dress was stitched by tailors Bhagwat Prasad and Shankar Lal, a fourth generation tailor to Rama's idol.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2020 |title=अयोध्या: 5 अगस्त को इस टेलर का सिला पोशाक पहनेंगे रामलला |trans-title=On 5 August Ram will wear clothes stitched by this tailor |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-ayodhya-tailor-bhagwat-prasad-and-shyam-lal-preparing-cloths-for-ramlala-upat-3187451.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727043827/https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya-ayodhya-tailor-bhagwat-prasad-and-shyam-lal-preparing-cloths-for-ramlala-upat-3187451.html |archive-date=27 July 2020 |access-date=27 July 2020 |website=News18 India |language=hi}}</ref>
groundbreaking ceremony for Ram Mandir. Also visible are the chief of the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS), [[Mohan Bhagwat]], and the former [[List of Chief Ministers of Gujarat|Chief Minister of Gujarat]], [[Anandiben Patel]].]]
 
The temple construction officially started again after a ''[[Bhumi (goddess)|Bhumi]]-[[Puja (Hinduism)|Pujan]]'' ({{Translation|ground breaking ceremony}}) on 5 August 2020. The three-day long [[Vedic ritual]] was held ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony, which revolved around the installation of a {{convert|40|kg|abbr=in}} silver brick as the [[foundation stone]] by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]].<ref name="pandey-2020" /> On the day before on 4 August, the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Ramarchan Puja}} ({{Translation|[[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] of Rama's feet}}) was performed, in order to ritually invite all the major deities into the temple.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 August 2020 |title='Ramarchan puja' begins ahead of 'bhoomi pujan' in Ayodhya |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-ramarchan-puja-begins-ahead-of-bhoomi-pujan-in-ayodhya-2835952 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829200353/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-ramarchan-puja-begins-ahead-of-bhoomi-pujan-in-ayodhya-2835952 |archive-date=29 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>


The temple construction officially started again after a ''[[Bhumi (goddess)|Bhumi]]-[[Puja (Hinduism)|Pujan]]'' ({{Trans|ground breaking ceremony}}) on 5 August 2020. The three-day long [[Vedic ritual]] was held ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony, which revolved around the installation of a {{convert|40|kg|abbr=in}} silver brick as the [[Cornerstone|foundation stone]] by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]].<ref name="NDTVIncr20ft20" /> On the day before on 4 August, the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Ramarchan Puja}} ({{Translation|[[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] of Shri Ram's feet}}) was performed, in order to invite all the major deities into the temple.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 August 2020 |title='Ramarchan puja' begins ahead of 'bhoomi pujan' in Ayodhya |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-ramarchan-puja-begins-ahead-of-bhoomi-pujan-in-ayodhya-2835952 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829200353/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-ramarchan-puja-begins-ahead-of-bhoomi-pujan-in-ayodhya-2835952 |archive-date=29 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>
On the occasion of the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Bhoomi Poojan}}'','' soil and [[holy water]] were collected from several religious places across India, such as the [[Triveni Sangam]] of the rivers [[Ganga]], [[Yamuna]], and [[Saraswati River|Saraswati]] at [[Prayagraj]], the head of the [[Kaveri River]] at [[Talakaveri]] in [[Karnataka]], and the [[Kamakhya Temple]] in [[Assam]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Kriti |date=22 July 2020 |title=Ram temple bhumi pujan: Sangam soil, water to be taken to Ayodhya; proceedings to be telecast live |work=The Times Of India |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ram-temple-bhumi-pujan-sangam-soil-water-to-be-taken-to-ayodhya-proceedings-to-be-telecast-live/625336 |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726052246/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ram-temple-bhumi-pujan-sangam-soil-water-to-be-taken-to-ayodhya-proceedings-to-be-telecast-live/625336 |archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> Soil was also sent from various [[Hindu temples]], [[gurudwaras]] and [[Jain temples]] across the nation, as well as from the four pilgrimage sites in [[Char Dham]], to bless the temple.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 July 2020 |title=Soil from Sharda Peeth in Kashmir to be used in Ram Mandir foundation in Ayodhya |work=The Kashmir Monitor |url=https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/soil-from-sharda-peeth-in-kashmir-rss-hqrs-in-nagpur-to-be-used-in-ram-mandir-foundation-in-ayodhya/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726045901/https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/soil-from-sharda-peeth-in-kashmir-rss-hqrs-in-nagpur-to-be-used-in-ram-mandir-foundation-in-ayodhya/ |archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref>


On the occasion of the {{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Bhoomi Poojan}}'','' soil and [[holy water]] were collected from several religious places across India, such as the [[Triveni Sangam]] of the rivers [[Ganga]], [[Yamuna]], and [[Saraswati river|Saraswati]] at [[Prayagraj]], as well as the [[Kaveri river]] in its orgin at [[Talakaveri]] in [[Karnataka]] and the [[Kamakhya Temple]] in [[Assam]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Kriti |date=22 July 2020 |title=Ram temple bhumi pujan: Sangam soil, water to be taken to Ayodhya; proceedings to be telecast live |work=The Times Of India |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ram-temple-bhumi-pujan-sangam-soil-water-to-be-taken-to-ayodhya-proceedings-to-be-telecast-live/625336 |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726052246/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/ram-temple-bhumi-pujan-sangam-soil-water-to-be-taken-to-ayodhya-proceedings-to-be-telecast-live/625336 |archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 2020 |title=Water, soil from Kodagu sent to Ayodhya |work=Deccan Herald |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-districts/water-soil-from-kodagu-sent-to-ayodhya-864863.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726043705/https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-districts/water-soil-from-kodagu-sent-to-ayodhya-864863.html |archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 July 2020 |title=Sacred Soil of Kamakhya Temple taken for Construction of Ram Mandir |url=https://www.guwahatiplus.com/daily-news/sacred-soil-of-kamakhya-temple-taken-for-construction-of-ram-mandir |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810055200/https://www.guwahatiplus.com/daily-news/sacred-soil-of-kamakhya-temple-taken-for-construction-of-ram-mandir |archive-date=10 August 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |website=Guwahati Plus |language=en}}</ref> Soil was also sent from various [[Hindu temples]], [[Gurudwaras]] and [[Jain temples]] across the nation, as well as from the four pilgrimage locations of [[Char Dham]], to bless the temple.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 July 2020 |title=Soil from Sharda Peeth in Kashmir to be used in Ram Mandir foundation in Ayodhya |work=The Kashmir Monitor |url=https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/soil-from-sharda-peeth-in-kashmir-rss-hqrs-in-nagpur-to-be-used-in-ram-mandir-foundation-in-ayodhya/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726045901/https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/soil-from-sharda-peeth-in-kashmir-rss-hqrs-in-nagpur-to-be-used-in-ram-mandir-foundation-in-ayodhya/ |archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 2020 |title=Soil from 11 places in Delhi sent for Ayodhya Ram Temple Bhoomika pujan |work=United News of India |url=http://www.uniindia.com/soil-from-11-places-in-delhi-sent-for-ayodhya-ram-temple-bhoomi-pujan/india/news/2093803.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726050206/http://www.uniindia.com/soil-from-11-places-in-delhi-sent-for-ayodhya-ram-temple-bhoomi-pujan/india/news/2093803.html |archive-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Suparna |date=26 July 2020 |title=Char Dham soil and Ganga water to be sent to Ayodhya for Ram Temple Bhumi Pujan |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/char-dham-soil-and-ganga-water-to-be-sent-to-ayodhya-for-ram-temple-bhumi-pujan/story-nbP3hyYt5ZmJkapurdYUNM.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729225935/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/char-dham-soil-and-ganga-water-to-be-sent-to-ayodhya-for-ram-temple-bhumi-pujan/story-nbP3hyYt5ZmJkapurdYUNM.html |archive-date=29 July 2020 |access-date=30 July 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
Before the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought [[Hanuman]]'s blessing by praying at the [[Hanuman Garhi Temple]] in Ayodhya.<ref name="hindustan times-2020">{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |editor-last=Ray |editor-first=Meenakshi |title=After bhoomi poojan at Ayodhya, RSS' Mohan Bhagwat says we have fulfilled our resolve |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-bhoomi-poojan-at-ayodhya-rss-mohan-bhagwat-says-we-have-fulfilled-our-resolve/story-kqQsI65xMwDKXkCkijqkBP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825071324/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-bhoomi-poojan-at-ayodhya-rss-mohan-bhagwat-says-we-have-fulfilled-our-resolve/story-kqQsI65xMwDKXkCkijqkBP.html |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, [[Yogi Adityanath]], Chief of [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]], [[Mohan Bhagwat]], Chief of the [[Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas]] and Chief of the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]], [[Nritya Gopal Das]] and Narendra Modi gave speeches.<ref name="hindustan times-2020" />


On 5 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the [[Hanuman Garhi Temple]] in Ayodhya to seek blessings of Lord [[Hanuman]] for the day's events.<ref name="HTBhagwatResolve20">{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |editor-last=Ray |editor-first=Meenakshi |title=After bhoomi poojan at Ayodhya, RSS' Mohan Bhagwat says we have fulfilled our resolve |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-bhoomi-poojan-at-ayodhya-rss-mohan-bhagwat-says-we-have-fulfilled-our-resolve/story-kqQsI65xMwDKXkCkijqkBP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825071324/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-bhoomi-poojan-at-ayodhya-rss-mohan-bhagwat-says-we-have-fulfilled-our-resolve/story-kqQsI65xMwDKXkCkijqkBP.html |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=PM Modi gifted silver crown, headgear at Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi temple |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-hanuman-garhi-ayodhya-6540258/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807005344/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-hanuman-garhi-ayodhya-6540258/ |archive-date=7 August 2020 |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The groundbreaking ceremony of Ram Mandir took place following this.<ref name="HTBhagwatResolve20" /> The [[List of Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh]], [[Yogi Adityanath]], Chief of [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS), [[Mohan Bhagwat]], Chief of the [[Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas]] and [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]], [[Nritya Gopal Das]] and PM Narendra Modi gave speeches.<ref name="HTBhagwatResolve20" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=From Laos to Lanka, Ram is everywhere: PM Modi in Ayodhya |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-narendra-modi-ayodhya-address-bhumi-pujan-ram-temple-1708016-2020-08-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805082412/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-narendra-modi-ayodhya-address-bhumi-pujan-ram-temple-1708016-2020-08-05 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=Long wait ends today: PM chants 'Jai Siya Ram' in Ayodhya |url=http://punjabnewsexpress.com/national/news/long-wait-ends-today-pm-chants-jai-siya-ram-in-ayodhya-117167.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821053011/https://www.punjabnewsexpress.com/ |archive-date=21 August 2023 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=Punjab News Express}}</ref>
Some priests and religious leaders, such as [[Swaroopanand Saraswati]], complained that 5 August was not a ritually auspicious date and that the ceremony did not follow proper ritual procedures. They also claimed that the function did not include a [[havan]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pradhan |first=Sharat |date=7 August 2020 |title=At Ayodhya Bhoomi Pujan, Modi Became All-in-One; Proper Rituals Not Followed, Allege Pundits |url=https://thewire.in/politics/ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-narendra-modi-priests-pundits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924014614/https://thewire.in/politics/ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-narendra-modi-priests-pundits |archive-date=24 September 2020 |access-date=7 August 2020 |website=thewire.in}}</ref> Writer and activist [[Arundhati Roy]], a noted critic of PM Modi, pointed out that the chosen date marked one year since the [[revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="kidangoor-2020" /> The [[Pakistan Foreign Office]] issued a statement criticising [[India]] for commencing for constructing a temple on the former site of the destroyed Babri Masjid.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 May 2020 |title=Pakistan criticises India for starting construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-criticises-india-for-starting-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/article31694301.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626073923/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-criticises-india-for-starting-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/article31694301.ece |archive-date=26 June 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |agency=PTI}}</ref>


=== 2021{{En dash}}present ===
In 2017, the [[Hindu Mahasabha]] accused the BJP, [[Bajrang Dal]] and other Sangh Parivar organisations of hijacking the Ram Mandir despite having no involvement in its long battle.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rai |first=Sandeep |title=India News |website=The Times of India |date=18 November 2015 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rss-the-biggest-traitor-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/49823815.cms |access-date=17 January 2024 |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826055542/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rss-the-biggest-traitor-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/49823815.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rai-2017">{{cite web |last=Rai |first=Sandeep |title=We were real architects of Ram temple movement: Hindu Mahasabha |website=The Times of India |date=6 December 2017 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/we-were-real-architects-of-ram-temple-movement-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/61952411.cms |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627132639/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/we-were-real-architects-of-ram-temple-movement-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/61952411.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, Pramod Joshi, the national spokesperson of the Hindu Mahasabha, said that the real credit of Ram Mandir belongs to Hindu Mahasabha, and that the Hindu Mahasabha should have performed the bhumi pujan, but instead had been kept away. He added that the committee for the temple was formed at the BJP's central office and the Hindu Mahasabha was sidelined.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Karmarkar |first1=Ninad |script-title=mr:अयोध्येतल्या राममंदिराचं खरं श्रेय हिंदू महासभेचंच! भाजपने विश्वासघात केल्याची हिंदू महासभेची आगपाखड |trans-title=Real credit for the Ram temple in Ayodhya goes to Hindu Mahasabha |website=marathi.abplive.com |date=4 August 2020 |url=https://marathi.abplive.com/news/mumbai/real-credit-for-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-goes-to-hindu-mahasabha-796253 |language=mr |access-date=4 January 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081135/https://marathi.abplive.com/news/mumbai/real-credit-for-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-goes-to-hindu-mahasabha-796253 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The temple trust decided to launch a nationwide "mass contact and contribution campaign" aimed at reaching 55–600&nbsp;million people.<ref name=":2" /> Voluntary donations of {{INRConvert|1}} and higher were accepted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Neelam |date=15 December 2020 |title=Ram Mandir trust to launch nationwide fund collection drive next month for temple construction |url=https://theprint.in/india/ram-mandir-trust-to-launch-nationwide-fund-collection-drive-next-month-for-temple-construction/567100/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112093311/https://theprint.in/india/ram-mandir-trust-to-launch-nationwide-fund-collection-drive-next-month-for-temple-construction/567100/ |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> On 1 January 2021, former [[President of India|President]] [[Ram Nath Kovind]] made the first contribution towards the construction of the Ram Mandir by donating more than {{INRConvert|5|l}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 January 2021 |title=President Kovind donates Rs 5 lakh for Ram temple construction as fund-raising drive kicks off |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/president-kovind-donates-rs-5-lakh-for-ram-temple-construction-7147458/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120155721/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/president-kovind-donates-rs-5-lakh-for-ram-temple-construction-7147458/ |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Several leaders and notable personalities across the nation followed this. By April 2021, around {{INRConvert|5000|c}} was collected from donations across India.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Sanjay |date=28 February 2021 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple fundraising drive concludes. Rs 21000000000 collected |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-mandir-temple-fundraising-drive-concludes-funds-collected-1774058-2021-02-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228170831/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-mandir-temple-fundraising-drive-concludes-funds-collected-1774058-2021-02-28 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |access-date=28 February 2021 |work=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2021 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple donation: 15,000 bank cheques worth Rs 22 crore bounce |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/around-15000-collected-bank-cheques-donations-for-ram-temple-bounce-2355453.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419064904/https://zeenews.india.com/india/around-15000-collected-bank-cheques-donations-for-ram-temple-bounce-2355453.html |archive-date=19 April 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=Zee News |language=en}}</ref> Nearly 150,000 VHP activists participated in collecting donations. The temple trust also received donations from the members of the Muslim and Christian communities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2021 |title=Karnataka Dy CM, Christian organisations donate over Rs 1 crore for Ram temple's construction |url=http://businessworld.in/article/Karnataka-Dy-CM-Christian-organisations-donate-over-Rs-1-crore-for-Ram-temple-s-construction/07-02-2021-374870 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508121954/https://www.businessworld.in/article/Karnataka-Dy-CM-Christian-organisations-donate-over-Rs-1-crore-for-Ram-temple-s-construction/07-02-2021-374870/ |archive-date=8 May 2023 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=Business World}}</ref>


In August 2021, a viewing location was created for the public to observe the construction works in the temple site.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 August 2021 |title=Corridor for devotees to see construction of Ram temple |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/corridor-for-devotees-to-see-construction-of-ram-temple-101628516896092.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811142812/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/corridor-for-devotees-to-see-construction-of-ram-temple-101628516896092.html |archive-date=11 August 2021 |access-date=11 August 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Following the groundbreaking ceremony, up to {{convert|40|ft|m}} of debris were removed and the remaining earth compacted.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Alok |date=16 September 2021 |editor-last=Sanyal |editor-first=Anindita |title=First Glimpse of Ayodhya Temple Construction, Opening Before 2024 Polls |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-site-in-ayodhya-showcased-opening-before-lok-sabha-polls-2543113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052520/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-site-in-ayodhya-showcased-opening-before-lok-sabha-polls-2543113 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The foundation was made using [[roller-compacted concrete]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2021 |title=Construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya caught in satellite images |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/construction-ayodhya-ram-temple-satellite-images-1821165-2021-06-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052521/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/construction-ayodhya-ram-temple-satellite-images-1821165-2021-06-30 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> A total of 47–48 layers, each layer one foot high, were completed by mid-September 2021.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Meenakshi |date=17 September 2021 |title=Ram Mandir foundation complete; granite from Karnataka, Mirzapur's sandstone to be used next |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-mandir-foundation-complete-see-images-101631854940761.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052522/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-mandir-foundation-complete-see-images-101631854940761.html |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Due to electricity supply issues in [[Mirzapur]], the cutting of the sandstone was slowed down.<ref name=":5" /> In the beginning of 2022, a video was released by the temple trust, showing the planned construction of the temple in 3D along with other related information.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dixit |first=Pawan |date=13 January 2022 |title=Trust launches YouTube channel, releases short movie on Ram temple construction |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/trust-launches-youtube-channel-releases-short-movie-on-ram-temple-construction-101642096502714.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131237/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/trust-launches-youtube-channel-releases-short-movie-on-ram-temple-construction-101642096502714.html |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2022 |title=Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust releases short film on mandir construction |url=https://navjeevanexpress.com/shri-ram-janmabhoomi-teerth-kshetra-trust-releases-short-film-on-mandir-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131237/https://navjeevanexpress.com/shri-ram-janmabhoomi-teerth-kshetra-trust-releases-short-film-on-mandir-construction/ |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Navjeevan Express}}</ref><ref name=":dimensions">{{Cite web |date=15 January 2022 |title=Ram Temple: Second phase of foundation expected to be completed by Jan end |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ram-temple-second-phase-of-foundation-expected-to-be-completed-by-jan-end-11642219352876.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131234/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ram-temple-second-phase-of-foundation-expected-to-be-completed-by-jan-end-11642219352876.html |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=[[Livemint]]}}</ref>
=== 2021–present ===
The temple trust decided to launch a nationwide "mass contact and contribution campaign" aimed at reaching 55–600&nbsp;million people.<ref name="rashid-2021" /> Voluntary donations of {{INRConvert|1}} and higher were accepted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Neelam |date=15 December 2020 |title=Ram Mandir trust to launch nationwide fund collection drive next month for temple construction |url=https://theprint.in/india/ram-mandir-trust-to-launch-nationwide-fund-collection-drive-next-month-for-temple-construction/567100/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112093311/https://theprint.in/india/ram-mandir-trust-to-launch-nationwide-fund-collection-drive-next-month-for-temple-construction/567100/ |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> On 1 January 2021, former [[President of India|President]] [[Ram Nath Kovind]] made the first contribution towards the construction of the Ram Mandir by donating more than {{INRConvert|5|l}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 January 2021 |title=President Kovind donates Rs 5 lakh for Ram temple construction as fund-raising drive kicks off |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/president-kovind-donates-rs-5-lakh-for-ram-temple-construction-7147458/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120155721/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/president-kovind-donates-rs-5-lakh-for-ram-temple-construction-7147458/ |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Several leaders and notable personalities across the nation followed this. By April 2021, around {{INRConvert|5000|c}} was collected from donations across India.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Sanjay |date=28 February 2021 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple fundraising drive concludes. Rs 21000000000 collected |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-mandir-temple-fundraising-drive-concludes-funds-collected-1774058-2021-02-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228170831/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-mandir-temple-fundraising-drive-concludes-funds-collected-1774058-2021-02-28 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |access-date=28 February 2021 |work=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2021 |title=Ayodhya Ram temple donation: 15,000 bank cheques worth Rs 22 crore bounce |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/around-15000-collected-bank-cheques-donations-for-ram-temple-bounce-2355453.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419064904/https://zeenews.india.com/india/around-15000-collected-bank-cheques-donations-for-ram-temple-bounce-2355453.html |archive-date=19 April 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=Zee News |language=en}}</ref> Nearly 150,000 VHP activists participated in collecting donations. The temple trust also received donations from the members of the Muslim and Christian communities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2021 |title=Karnataka Dy CM, Christian organisations donate over Rs 1 crore for Ram temple's construction |url=http://businessworld.in/article/Karnataka-Dy-CM-Christian-organisations-donate-over-Rs-1-crore-for-Ram-temple-s-construction/07-02-2021-374870 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508121954/https://www.businessworld.in/article/Karnataka-Dy-CM-Christian-organisations-donate-over-Rs-1-crore-for-Ram-temple-s-construction/07-02-2021-374870/ |archive-date=8 May 2023 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=Business World}}</ref>
[[File:அயோத்தி இராமர் கோயில் கட்டுமானப் பணி.jpg|thumb|View of the Ram Mandir under construction in 2022]]
In August 2021, a viewing location was created for the public to observe the construction works in the temple site.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 August 2021 |title=Corridor for devotees to see construction of Ram temple |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/corridor-for-devotees-to-see-construction-of-ram-temple-101628516896092.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811142812/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/corridor-for-devotees-to-see-construction-of-ram-temple-101628516896092.html |archive-date=11 August 2021 |access-date=11 August 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Following the groundbreaking ceremony, up to {{convert|40|ft|m}} of debris were removed and the remaining earth compacted.<ref name="pandey-2021">{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Alok |date=16 September 2021 |editor-last=Sanyal |editor-first=Anindita |title=First Glimpse of Ayodhya Temple Construction, Opening Before 2024 Polls |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-site-in-ayodhya-showcased-opening-before-lok-sabha-polls-2543113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052520/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-temple-site-in-ayodhya-showcased-opening-before-lok-sabha-polls-2543113 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=NDTV}}</ref> The foundation was made using [[roller-compacted concrete]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2021 |title=Construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya caught in satellite images |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/construction-ayodhya-ram-temple-satellite-images-1821165-2021-06-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052521/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/construction-ayodhya-ram-temple-satellite-images-1821165-2021-06-30 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> A total of 47–48 layers, with each layer {{convert|1|ft|m|adj=on}} high, were completed by mid-September 2021.<ref name="pandey-2021" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Meenakshi |date=17 September 2021 |title=Ram Mandir foundation complete; granite from Karnataka, Mirzapur's sandstone to be used next |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-mandir-foundation-complete-see-images-101631854940761.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122052522/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-mandir-foundation-complete-see-images-101631854940761.html |archive-date=22 November 2021 |access-date=22 November 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Due to electricity supply issues in [[Mirzapur]], the cutting of the sandstone was slowed down.<ref name="india today-2021" /> In early 2022, a video was released by the temple trust, showing the planned construction of the temple in 3D along with other related information.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dixit |first=Pawan |date=13 January 2022 |title=Trust launches YouTube channel, releases short movie on Ram temple construction |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/trust-launches-youtube-channel-releases-short-movie-on-ram-temple-construction-101642096502714.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131237/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/trust-launches-youtube-channel-releases-short-movie-on-ram-temple-construction-101642096502714.html |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2022 |title=Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust releases short film on mandir construction |url=https://navjeevanexpress.com/shri-ram-janmabhoomi-teerth-kshetra-trust-releases-short-film-on-mandir-construction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131237/https://navjeevanexpress.com/shri-ram-janmabhoomi-teerth-kshetra-trust-releases-short-film-on-mandir-construction/ |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=Navjeevan Express}}</ref><ref name="mint-2022">{{Cite web |date=15 January 2022 |title=Ram Temple: Second phase of foundation expected to be completed by Jan end |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ram-temple-second-phase-of-foundation-expected-to-be-completed-by-jan-end-11642219352876.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126131234/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ram-temple-second-phase-of-foundation-expected-to-be-completed-by-jan-end-11642219352876.html |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=26 January 2022 |website=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]}}</ref>


In January 2023, two 60 million-year-old [[Shaligram]] rocks, 26 tonnes and 14 tonnes respectively, were sent from the [[Gandaki river]] in [[Nepal]]. These rocks were used to carve the idol of Ram Lalla in the [[sanctum sanctorum]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rare rocks for Lord Ram idol to reach Ayodhya from Nepal on February 2 |work=IndiaTV News |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ram-temple-construction-rare-rocks-for-lord-ram-idol-to-reach-ayodhya-from-nepal-on-february-2-latest-updates-2023-01-28-842996 |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128164449/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ram-temple-construction-rare-rocks-for-lord-ram-idol-to-reach-ayodhya-from-nepal-on-february-2-latest-updates-2023-01-28-842996 |archive-date=28 January 2023}}</ref> {{As of|2023|05}}, according to the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]] Trust, 70% of the groundwork had been completed and 40% of the roof work had been completed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2023 |title=Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Takes Shape: Here's First Look of 'Garbha Griha' &#124; See Pics |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-takes-shape-heres-first-look-of-garbha-griha-see-pics-article-100292909 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521102451/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-takes-shape-heres-first-look-of-garbha-griha-see-pics-article-100292909 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |access-date=21 May 2023}}</ref> As of December 2023, the entire base, along with the six smaller temples that will surround the main temple, which consists the sanctum sanctorum, are almost completed and is on track to be completed by 22 January 2024.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chakraborty|first=Prateek|title=Ayodhya Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum nearly ready. See pics|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-construction-update-sanctum-sanctorum-consecration-ceremony-2474062-2023-12-09|work=India Today|date=9 December 2023|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226121728/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-construction-update-sanctum-sanctorum-consecration-ceremony-2474062-2023-12-09|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2023, two 60-million-year-old [[Shaligram]] rocks, 26 tonnes and 14 tonnes respectively, were sent from the [[Gandaki River]] in [[Nepal]]. These rocks were used to carve the idol of ''Ram Lalla'' in the [[sanctum sanctorum]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rare rocks for Lord Ram idol to reach Ayodhya from Nepal on February 2 |work=IndiaTV News |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ram-temple-construction-rare-rocks-for-lord-ram-idol-to-reach-ayodhya-from-nepal-on-february-2-latest-updates-2023-01-28-842996 |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128164449/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/ram-temple-construction-rare-rocks-for-lord-ram-idol-to-reach-ayodhya-from-nepal-on-february-2-latest-updates-2023-01-28-842996 |archive-date=28 January 2023}}</ref> In August 2023, according to the [[Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra]] Trust, 70% of the groundwork was completed and 40% of the roof work was completed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2023 |title=Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Takes Shape: Here's First Look of 'Garbha Griha' &#124; See Pics |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-takes-shape-heres-first-look-of-garbha-griha-see-pics-article-100292909 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521102451/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-takes-shape-heres-first-look-of-garbha-griha-see-pics-article-100292909 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |access-date=21 May 2023}}</ref> In December 2023, the entire base, along with the six smaller temples that surround the main temple, which consists of the sanctum sanctorum, were almost completed.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chakraborty|first=Prateek|title=Ayodhya Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum nearly ready. See pics|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-construction-update-sanctum-sanctorum-consecration-ceremony-2474062-2023-12-09|work=India Today|date=9 December 2023|access-date=31 December 2023|language=en|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226121728/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-construction-update-sanctum-sanctorum-consecration-ceremony-2474062-2023-12-09|url-status=live}}</ref> For its consecration, only the ground floor was opened.<ref name="pandey-2024">{{cite news|last=Pandey|first=Geeta|title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: India PM Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68003095|publisher=BBC News|date=22 January 2024|access-date=22 January 2024|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122144228/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68003095|url-status=live}}</ref> The temple is expected to be completed by July 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-04 |title="Construction of Shikhar has started": Nripendra Mishra on Ram Janmabhoomi construction |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/construction-of-shikhar-has-started-nripendra-mishra-on-ram-janmabhoomi-construction/articleshow/113933339.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-10-04 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>


== Consecration ==
== Consecration ==
In preparation for the ''pran pratishtha'' (consecration) ceremony, the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] has earmarked {{INRconvert|100|c}} for 'Ramotsav,' a series of religious events spanning 826 local bodies across [[Uttar Pradesh]] and the ''Ram Paduka'' Yatra. Commencing in December 2023, the events will culminate in grand celebrations from [[Makar Sankranti]] on 16 January 2024, until the inauguration of the Ram temple on 22 January. The yatra will follow the ''Ram Van Gaman'' Path, retracing Rama's 14-year exile from [[Ayodhya]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-01 |title=₹100 cr for Ramotsav: Mega events in run-up to Ram temple inauguration |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rs-100-cr-for-ramotsav-mega-events-in-run-up-to-ram-temple-inauguration-101701372006307.html |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202064404/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rs-100-cr-for-ramotsav-mega-events-in-run-up-to-ram-temple-inauguration-101701372006307.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] along with RSS [[Sarsanghchalak]], [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] leaders and leaders from other opposition political parties have been invited for the consecration ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge invited to Ram Temple inauguration, may not attend |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-mallikarjun-kharge-invited-to-ram-temple-inauguration-may-not-attend-101703129191711.html |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222043113/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-mallikarjun-kharge-invited-to-ram-temple-inauguration-may-not-attend-101703129191711.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=Ayodhya Trust invites Kharge, Sonia, to Ram temple consecration ceremony next month |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ayodhya-trust-kharge-sonia-ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-9076588/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222043113/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ayodhya-trust-kharge-sonia-ram-temple-consecration-ceremony-9076588/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The guest list also includes India's industrialists, scientists, actors, army officers, spiritual leaders and [[Orders, decorations, and medals of India#Padma awards|Padma awardees]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=2023-10-25 |title=PM Modi invited to install Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya temple on January 22 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-invited-to-install-lord-rams-idol-at-ayodhya-temple-on-january-22-11698246179120.html |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210062714/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-invited-to-install-lord-rams-idol-at-ayodhya-temple-on-january-22-11698246179120.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/7000-prominent-personalities-in-guest-list-for-inauguration-of-ram-temple-1503247665.html|title=Gautam Adani, Virat Kohli among 7,000 prominent personalities in guest list for inauguration of Ram temple|website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=7 December 2023|access-date=10 December 2023|archive-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210062714/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/7000-prominent-personalities-in-guest-list-for-inauguration-of-ram-temple-1503247665.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Glimpses of Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Shree Ram Janmaboomi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on January 22, 2024.jpg|thumb|Devotees and visitors celebrating the ''[[Prana Pratishtha]]'' ceremony outside the temple on 22 January 2024]]On 22 June 2023, Temple Construction Committee chairman [[Nripendra Misra]] announced that the ground floor of the three-story temple was complete and was expected to open for the devotees in January 2024.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tak|first1=Yashavi|title=Ayodhya: Construction Committee Announces To Open Ram Temple By 24 January 2024|url=https://news24online.com/india/ayodhya-construction-committee-announces-to-open-ram-temple-by-24-january-2024-yas/144989/|access-date=22 January 2024|publisher=News 24|date=22 June 2023|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122233000/https://news24online.com/india/ayodhya-construction-committee-announces-to-open-ram-temple-by-24-january-2024-yas/144989/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust announced that Hindu astrologers had selected 22 January 2024 as the auspicious date for the consecration ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ram Mandir consecration: Why was 22 January 2024 picked as date for ceremony|url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-why-has-22-january-2024-been-picked-as-the-date-for-the-ceremony-678233|access-date=22 January 2024|website=WION|date=9 January 2024 |language=en|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122233727/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-consecration-why-has-22-january-2024-been-picked-as-the-date-for-the-ceremony-678233|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In preparation for the ''[[Prana Pratishtha]]'' (consecration) ceremony, the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] earmarked {{INRconvert|100|c}} for 'Ramotsav', a series of religious events that spanned 826 local bodies across [[Uttar Pradesh]] along with the ''Ram Paduka'' Yatra, commencing in December 2023 and culminating in the grand celebrations from [[Makar Sankranti]] on 16 January 2024, and lasting until the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on 22 January. The yatra followed the ''Ram Van Gaman'' Path, retracing Rama's 14-year exile from [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2023 |title=₹100 cr for Ramotsav: Mega events in run-up to Ram temple inauguration |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rs-100-cr-for-ramotsav-mega-events-in-run-up-to-ram-temple-inauguration-101701372006307.html |access-date=2 December 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202064404/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/rs-100-cr-for-ramotsav-mega-events-in-run-up-to-ram-temple-inauguration-101701372006307.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The trust, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Ayodhya city administrators carried out extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of devotees and invited guests from all over the world.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram mandir inauguration 2 days away, here's all you need to know about the temple, the preparations|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-2-days-away-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-temple-the-preparations-9118836/|access-date=23 January 2024|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=23 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123000814/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-2-days-away-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-temple-the-preparations-9118836/|url-status=live}}</ref> Strict security measures were enacted in and around the temple premises.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 January 2024|title=3-layered security cordon to guard Ayodhya temple|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/3-layered-security-cordon-to-guard-ayodhya-temple/articleshow/107000860.cms|access-date=20 January 2024|work=The Times of India|issn=0971-8257|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120000616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/3-layered-security-cordon-to-guard-ayodhya-temple/articleshow/107000860.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>  
The Government of Uttar Pradesh announced public holiday to mark the occasion. The [[Government of India]] and some state governments declared a half day holiday.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 January 2024|title=Ram Mandir Inauguration: These states have declared a holiday on Jan 22, check full list|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/ram-mandir-inauguration-list-of-states-declaring-holiday-on-jan-22/articleshow/106950979.cms|access-date=20 January 2024|work=The Times of India|issn=0971-8257|archive-date=19 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119230743/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/ram-mandir-inauguration-list-of-states-declaring-holiday-on-jan-22/articleshow/106950979.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Controversies ==
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to perform the [[Prana Pratishtha]] of the newly made idol in the sanctum sanctorum.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Parashar|first1=Devendra|last2=Sharma|first2=Sheenu|title=Uttar Pradesh: Ram Temple Trust invites PM Modi to install Lord Ram idol in Ayodhya on Jan 22, 2024|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614|access-date=22 January 2024|publisher=India TV|date=26 October 2023|archive-date=3 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103142302/https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-to-install-lord-ram-idol-ayodhya-22-january-2024-ram-janmbhoomi-trust-invitation-champat-rai-latest-updates-2023-10-25-899614|url-status=live}}</ref> In preparation, he undertook an 11-day fast, consuming only coconut water and fruit and sleeping on the ground at night.<ref>{{cite web|title=PM Modi Breaks His 11-Day Fast After 'Pran Pratishtha' Ceremony at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya|url=https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/pm-modi-breaks-his-11-day-fast-after-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-at-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-in-a517|website=Lokmat Times|access-date=22 January 2024|archive-date=23 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123050117/https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/pm-modi-breaks-his-11-day-fast-after-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-at-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-in-a517|url-status=live}}</ref> He performed the consecration ceremony on 22 January 2024 from 12:15 PM to 12:45PM [[Indian Standard Time|IST]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Mahima|date=22 January 2024|title=Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Puja Time and Abhijeet Muhurat on January 22, 2024: Know its details|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/religious-places/ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-puja-time-and-abhijeet-muhurat-on-january-22-2024-know-its-details/articleshow/107041925.cms|access-date=22 January 2024|website=The Times of India|archive-date=22 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122050649/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/religious-places/ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-puja-time-and-abhijeet-muhurat-on-january-22-2024-know-its-details/articleshow/107041925.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Prime Minister Modi urged every Indian to light up ''[[Diya (lamp)|diyas]]'' to mark the occasion and celebrate it like [[Diwali]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 December 2023|title=Celebrate Diwali across country on January 22, on the day of Ram temple ceremony: PM Modi at Ayodhya|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/celebrate-diwali-january-22-ram-temple-ceremony-pm-modi-ayodhya-9088953/|access-date=20 January 2024|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120065221/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/celebrate-diwali-january-22-ram-temple-ceremony-pm-modi-ayodhya-9088953/|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Alleged donation scam ===
[[File:Prime Minister Modi at Pran Pratishtha.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Modi during Prana Pratishtha]]The guests were addressed by [[Yogi Adityanath|Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath]], [[Mohan Bhagwat|RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat]] and Prime Minister Modi.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-address-at-the-pran-pratishtha-of-shree-ram-lalla-at-ayodhya-ji/?tag_term=pmspeech&comment=disable |title=PM's address at the Pran-Pratishtha of Shree Ram Lalla at Ayodhya ji |access-date=9 February 2024 |archive-date=12 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412092740/https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-address-at-the-pran-pratishtha-of-shree-ram-lalla-at-ayodhya-ji/?tag_term=pmspeech&comment=disable |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/16-themes-from-pm-modis-ayodhya-speech-from-forgiveness-to-the-dawn-of-a-new-era/articleshow/107057789.cms|title=From forgiveness to dawn of new era: 16 themes from PM Modi's Ayodhya speech|newspaper=The Times of India|date=22 January 2024|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206031346/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/16-themes-from-pm-modis-ayodhya-speech-from-forgiveness-to-the-dawn-of-a-new-era/articleshow/107057789.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Modi also spoke of [[Rama]] as a symbol of righteousness and unity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-pm-modi-said-lord-ram-not-a-problem-but-10-top-quotes-from-speech-11705917547618.html|title=Lord Ram is 'not a problem but...': 10 things PM Modi said in Ayodhya today|date=22 January 2024|website=mint|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=3 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203192929/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ayodhya-ram-mandir-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-pm-modi-said-lord-ram-not-a-problem-but-10-top-quotes-from-speech-11705917547618.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015, [[Hindu Mahasabha]], among the leading organisation involved in the Ram Mandir issue, alleged BJP affiliate [[Vishwa Hindu Parishad]] (VHP) of carrying out donation scam of over {{INRConvert|1400|c}} over the construction of the temple. VHP has denied this allegation.<ref name="Verma 2015">{{cite web | last=Verma | first=Lalmani | title=Ram Temple in Ayodhya: Hindu Mahasabha claims VHP 'pocketed' Rs 1,400 cr; Singhal rubbishes charge | website=The Indian Express | date=2015-07-16 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-temple-in-ayodhyahindu-mahasabha-claims-vhp-pocketed-rs-1400-cr-singhal-rubbishes-charge/ | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081135/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ram-temple-in-ayodhyahindu-mahasabha-claims-vhp-pocketed-rs-1400-cr-singhal-rubbishes-charge/ | url-status=live }}</ref>


In 2019, [[Nirmohi Akhara]] accused VHP of carrying out {{INRConvert|1400|c}} scam over the temple.<ref name="news.abplive.com 2019 s132">{{cite web | title=Ram Temple: Nirmohi Akhada accuses VHP of financial scam over funds collected for building mandir | website=news.abplive.com | date=2019-01-30 | url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/ram-temple-nirmohi-akhada-accuses-vhp-of-alleged-financial-scam-worth-1400-crores-over-money-collected-for-building-mandir-907460 | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=26 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326153532/https://news.abplive.com/news/india/ram-temple-nirmohi-akhada-accuses-vhp-of-alleged-financial-scam-worth-1400-crores-over-money-collected-for-building-mandir-907460 | url-status=live }}</ref> Former [[List of Chief Ministers of Karnataka|Chief Ministers]] of Karnataka, [[H. D. Kumaraswamy]] and [[Siddaramaiah]], the current Chief Minister of Karnataka, strongly questioned the methods of fund collection.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2021 |title=Ram Mandir: Siddaramaiah questions fund drive, HDK says he was threatened |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-mandir-siddaramaiah-questions-fund-drive-hdk-says-he-was-threatened-143621 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217121455/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ram-mandir-siddaramaiah-questions-fund-drive-hdk-says-he-was-threatened-143621 |archive-date=17 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johari |first=Aarefa |date=13 February 2021 |title=Ram temple fundraisers leave behind stickers on doors – sparking fear and concern |url=https://scroll.in/article/986670/ram-temple-fundraisers-leave-behind-stickers-on-doors-sparking-fear-and-concern |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216072240/https://scroll.in/article/986670/ram-temple-fundraisers-leave-behind-stickers-on-doors-sparking-fear-and-concern |archive-date=16 February 2021 |access-date=17 February 2021 |website=Scroll.in |language=en-US}}</ref> After failing to raise the desired amount, the headmistress of [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] school experienced bullying, and was subsequently suspended.<ref>{{Cite news |last=David |first=Supriti |date=25 November 2021 |title=How an RSS-affiliated school in Delhi 'suspended' a teacher for not donating towards Ram temple |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/11/25/how-an-rss-affiliated-school-in-delhi-suspended-a-teacher-for-not-donating-towards-ram-temple |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903182522/https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/11/25/how-an-rss-affiliated-school-in-delhi-suspended-a-teacher-for-not-donating-towards-ram-temple |archive-date=3 September 2022 |access-date=3 September 2022 |work=[[Newslaundry]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2021 |title=Fired from RSS-run school for not donating for Ram temple, alleges UP teacher |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/fired-from-rss-run-school-for-not-donating-for-ram-temple-1777023-2021-03-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903183250/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/fired-from-rss-run-school-for-not-donating-for-ram-temple-1777023-2021-03-08 |archive-date=3 September 2022 |access-date=3 September 2022 |work=India Today}}</ref>
While [[Yogi Adityanath|Yogi Adityanath's]] address was steeped in religious fervor, celebrating the Ram Mandir as a victory for faith and perseverance. He praised the devotion of millions who contributed to the temple's construction and acknowledged the divine blessings that guided the process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-pran-pratistha-ram-temple-yogi-adityanath-in-yogi-adityanaths-ram-temple-speech-a-veiled-swipe-at-mulayam-yadav-4910287|title=In Yogi Adityanath's Ram Temple Speech, A Veiled Swipe At Mulayam Yadav|website=NDTV|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=3 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203192218/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-pran-pratistha-ram-temple-yogi-adityanath-in-yogi-adityanaths-ram-temple-speech-a-veiled-swipe-at-mulayam-yadav-4910287|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mandir-wahin-bana-hai-yogi-adityanath-after-conclusion-of-pran-pratishtha-in-ayodhya-full-speech-article-107049147|title='Mandir Wahin Bana Hai...': Yogi Adityanath After Conclusion Of 'Pran Pratishtha'|date=22 January 2024|website=TimesNow|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127162631/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mandir-wahin-bana-hai-yogi-adityanath-after-conclusion-of-pran-pratishtha-in-ayodhya-full-speech-article-107049147|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Sidelining of the major activists ===
[[Mohan Bhagwat]] spoke of the Ram Mandir as a symbol of national pride, marking the revival of India's cultural heritage. He emphasised the importance of preserving ancient traditions and values in a rapidly modernising world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shun-disputes-stay-united-as-ram-rajya-coming-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat/article67765226.ece|title=Stop fighting over petty issues and stay united, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat|first=Ishita|last=Mishra|newspaper=The Hindu|date=22 January 2024|access-date=9 February 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127162631/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shun-disputes-stay-united-as-ram-rajya-coming-says-rss-chief-mohan-bhagwat/article67765226.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2017, Hindu Mahasabha criticised BJP, Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar organisations for hijacking the Ram Mandir despite having no involvement in its long battle.<ref name="Rai 2015">{{cite web | last=Rai | first=Sandeep | title=India News | website=The Times of India | date=2015-11-18 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rss-the-biggest-traitor-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/49823815.cms?from=mdr | access-date=17 January 2024 | archive-date=26 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826055542/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rss-the-biggest-traitor-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/49823815.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> National vice-president of Hindu Mahasabha, Pandit Ashok Sharma added that his organisation pursued the fight but it was "later hijacked by BJP and its other saffron affiliates".<ref name="Rai 2017 i890">{{cite web | last=Rai | first=Sandeep | title=We were real architects of Ram temple movement: Hindu Mahasabha | website=The Times of India | date=2017-12-06 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/we-were-real-architects-of-ram-temple-movement-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/61952411.cms | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=27 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627132639/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/we-were-real-architects-of-ram-temple-movement-hindu-mahasabha/articleshow/61952411.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>


In 2020, Pramod Joshi, national spokesperson of Hindu Mahasabha, said that the real credit of Ram Mandir belongs to Hindu Mahasabha but "Hindu Mahasabha has been kept away from the bhoomi pujan of the Ram temple and in reality, we should have performed the bhoomi pujan of the temple". He added that the committee for the temple was formed at the BJP's central office and Hindu Mahasabha was sidelined.<ref name="करमरकर माझा">{{cite web | last1=करमरकर | first1=निनाद | last2=माझा | first2=एबीपी | title=अयोध्येतल्या राममंदिराचं खरं श्रेय हिंदू महासभेचंच! भाजपने विश्वासघात केल्याची हिंदू महासभेची आगपाखड | website=marathi.abplive.com | date=2020-08-04 | url=https://marathi.abplive.com/news/mumbai/real-credit-for-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-goes-to-hindu-mahasabha-796253 | language=mr | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081135/https://marathi.abplive.com/news/mumbai/real-credit-for-the-ram-temple-in-ayodhya-goes-to-hindu-mahasabha-796253 | url-status=live }}</ref>
The guest list also included prominent industrialists, scientists, actors, army officers, spiritual leaders and [[Orders, decorations, and medals of India#Padma awards|Padma awardees]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2023 |title=PM Modi invited to install Lord Ram's idol at Ayodhya temple on January 22 |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-invited-to-install-lord-rams-idol-at-ayodhya-temple-on-january-22-11698246179120.html |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=Mint |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210062714/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-modi-invited-to-install-lord-rams-idol-at-ayodhya-temple-on-january-22-11698246179120.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/7000-prominent-personalities-in-guest-list-for-inauguration-of-ram-temple-1503247665.html|title=Gautam Adani, Virat Kohli among 7,000 prominent personalities in guest list for inauguration of Ram temple|website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=7 December 2023|access-date=10 December 2023|archive-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210062714/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/7000-prominent-personalities-in-guest-list-for-inauguration-of-ram-temple-1503247665.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The event was organised by [[Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 January 2024|title=Ram temple chief priest's strong reaction after Ram Lalla idol photo leaked online: 'Should be investigated'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-chief-priest-acharya-satyendra-das-strong-reaction-after-ram-lalla-idol-photo-leaked-online-101705724806402.html|access-date=20 January 2024|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120064559/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ram-temple-chief-priest-acharya-satyendra-das-strong-reaction-after-ram-lalla-idol-photo-leaked-online-101705724806402.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Temple's construction ===
None of the four [[Shankaracharya]]s of the four cardinal [[mathas]], citing various reasons, took part in the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sringeri pontiff denies displeasure over Ayodhya Ram's consecration, calls it 'false propaganda' |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/01/12/sringeri-pontiff-denies-displeasure-over-ayodhya-rams-consecration-calls-it-false-propaganda.html |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=The Week |language=en |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113132507/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/01/12/sringeri-pontiff-denies-displeasure-over-ayodhya-rams-consecration-calls-it-false-propaganda.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dash |first1=Nivedita |date=12 January 2024 |title=Sringeri, Dwarka Peeth request people to disregard 'false propaganda' about Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sringeri-dwarka-peeth-request-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-updates-2024-01-12-911486 |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=India TV News |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112074334/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sringeri-dwarka-peeth-request-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-updates-2024-01-12-911486 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goudar |first=Mahesh M. |date=11 January 2024 |title=Sringeri Shankaracharya won't attend Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya. Here's why |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/sringeri-shankaracharya-wont-attend-ram-mandir-consecration-in-ayodhya-heres-why/ |access-date=13 January 2024 |website=The South First |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113132507/https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/sringeri-shankaracharya-wont-attend-ram-mandir-consecration-in-ayodhya-heres-why/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sringeri Sharada Peetham]] issued a denial that its head seer [[Bharathi Tirtha]] had expressed some displeasure and called the ceremony a "matter of joy" for all Hindu believers.<ref>{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=12 January 2024|title=Sringeri mutt requests people to disregard "false propaganda" about pran-pratishtha at Ram Temple|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sringeri-mutt-requests-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-pran-pratishtha-at-ram-temple20240112110536/#:~:text=New%20Delhi%20%5BIndia%5D%2C%20January,published%20by%20the%20official%20website.|work=[[Asian News International|ANI]]|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=13 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113143407/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/sringeri-mutt-requests-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-pran-pratishtha-at-ram-temple20240112110536/#:~:text=New%20Delhi%20%5BIndia%5D%2C%20January,published%20by%20the%20official%20website.|url-status=live}}</ref> Tirtha blessed the event and sent an administrative officer, Gowrishankar as representative of the matha.<ref>{{cite news|editor=Karthik K K|date=20 January 2024|title=From a stringent 'Sathvik' diet to a serious eye injury, Ram Lalla idol sculptor braved all odds|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jan/20/from-a-stringent-sathvik-diet-to-a-serious-eye-injury-ram-lalla-idol-suclptor-braved-all-odds|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jan/20/from-a-stringent-sathvik-diet-to-a-serious-eye-injury-ram-lalla-idol-suclptor-braved-all-odds|url-status=live}}</ref> The head seer of [[Govardhan Math]], [[Nischalananda Saraswati]] said that the ceremony deviated from established tradition.<ref>{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=15 January 2024|title="This is not about ego...": Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanand clarifies decision to skip Ram Mandir inauguration|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/this-is-not-about-ego-puri-shankaracharya-swami-nischalanand-clarifies-decision-to-skip-ram-mandir-inauguration-101705289498980.html|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/this-is-not-about-ego-puri-shankaracharya-swami-nischalanand-clarifies-decision-to-skip-ram-mandir-inauguration-101705289498980.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The head seer of [[Jyotir Math]], Swami Avimukteshwaranand has stated that the ceremony is against Hindu [[sastra]]s as the temple is still under construction.<ref>{{cite news|date=12 January 2024|title='Temple construction incomplete': All four shankaracharyas to skip Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/temple-construction-incomplete-all-four-shankaracharyas-to-skip-ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-ceremony-412826-2024-01-11|work=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]]|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/temple-construction-incomplete-all-four-shankaracharyas-to-skip-ayodhya-ram-mandir-inauguration-ceremony-412826-2024-01-11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=22 January 2024|title="Hindus' self-respect has awakened under PM Modi...": Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/hindus-self-respect-has-awakened-under-pm-modi-shankaracharya-avimukteshwaranand/articleshow/107034407.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201648/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/hindus-self-respect-has-awakened-under-pm-modi-shankaracharya-avimukteshwaranand/articleshow/107034407.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The head seer of the [[Dwarka Sharada Peetham]], Swami Sadanand Saraswati welcomed the ceremony as a "long-awaited moment".<ref>{{cite news|last=Srivastava|first=Nisha|date=20 January 2024|title=Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati says "Pran Pratishtha ceremony' long awaited moment"|url=https://thedailyguardian.com/shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-says-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-long-awaited-moment/|work=The Daily Guardian|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201649/https://thedailyguardian.com/shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-says-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-long-awaited-moment/|url-status=live}}</ref> He said that none of the four Shankaracharyas were angry and that it was not appropriate for them to attend given, the massive crowd expected.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mitra|first=Hritika|date=15 January 2024|title=None of the Shankaracharyas are angry: Sharda Peeth's Swami Sadanand Saraswati on Consecration ceremony|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sharda-peeth-shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-befitting-reply-to-opposition-latest-updates-2024-01-15-911997|work=The Economic Times|access-date=4 February 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201649/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sharda-peeth-shankaracharya-swami-sadanand-saraswati-befitting-reply-to-opposition-latest-updates-2024-01-15-911997|url-status=live}}</ref>
A number of [[Hindutva]] proponents including online social media influencers, have raised objection over the temple's construction with regards to its design and involvement of the Muslims. They find Islamic motifs in the Ram Mandir. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Ram Mandir trust, responded to these concerns by saying that temple is being sculpted by the experts and there could be no question about their religion.<ref name="Deb 2023 t958">{{cite web | last=Deb | first=Abhik | title=Why some Hindutva supporters are angry with Modi's Ayodhya temple inauguration | website=Scroll.in | date=2023-12-22 | url=https://scroll.in/article/1060891/why-some-hindutva-supporters-are-angry-with-modis-ayodhya-temple-inauguration | access-date=2024-01-06 | archive-date=6 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106071025/https://scroll.in/article/1060891/why-some-hindutva-supporters-are-angry-with-modis-ayodhya-temple-inauguration | url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Politicisation of the temple ===
On 25 November 2025, the temple construction was formally completed with an event called [[Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan|''Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan'']] marked by hoisting of the saffron flag, ''Dharma Dhwaja'', atop the temple by PM Modi.<ref name ="TOI-Nov-25">{{Cite web |date=2025-11-25 |title=PM Modi Ayodhya Ram Temple Flag Hoisting Live: PM Narendra Modi hoists sacred flag at Ayodhya's Ram Temple |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ayodhya-shri-ram-janmabhoomi-temple-saffron-flag-hoisting-live-updates-pm-narendra-modi-vivah-panchami/liveblog/125553524.cms |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> The ceremony took place on the auspicious day of Vivah Panchami, with the flag, featuring the Sun, ‘Om’, and the Kovidara tree.<ref name ="TOI-Nov-25"/> The dignitaries at the event included RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.<ref name ="TOI-Nov-25"/>


In 2020, [[Nirmohi Akhara]] national spokesperson Mahant Sitaram Das criticised the BJP's decision to lay the foundation of the temple by Narendra Modi and said that the work of the temple should be done only by the religious priests.<ref name="Jaiswal 2020">{{cite web | last=Jaiswal | first=Anuja | title=Leave bhoomi pujan to saints: Nirmohi Akhara spokesperson tells PM | website=The Times of India | date=2020-07-24 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/leave-bhoomi-pujan-to-saints-nirmohi-akhara-spokesperson-tells-pm/articleshow/77156140.cms?from=mdr | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081133/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/leave-bhoomi-pujan-to-saints-nirmohi-akhara-spokesperson-tells-pm/articleshow/77156140.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> Hindu Mahasabha National vice-president Pandit Ashok Sharma said that the BJP "got the entire thing politicised".<ref name="Rai 2017 i890" />
== Impact and associated activities ==
[[File:Ram Temple miniature not to scale replica Diwali New Delhi 3.jpg|thumb|A {{convert|32|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} model of Ram Mandir displayed during [[Diwali]] of 2020 at Pacific Mall in [[West Delhi district|West Delhi]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2020 |title=Delhi's Pacific Mall installs 32-foot-tall replica of Ayodhya's Ram temple ahead of Diwali |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-s-pacific-mall-installs-32-foot-tall-replica-of-ayodhya-s-ram-temple-ahead-of-diwali-1734891-2020-10-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109093017/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-s-pacific-mall-installs-32-foot-tall-replica-of-ayodhya-s-ram-temple-ahead-of-diwali-1734891-2020-10-25 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2020 |title=With replica of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, West Delhi's Pacific Mall mall showcases faith |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/oct/24/with-replica-of-ayodhyas-ram-temple-west-delhispacific-mall-mall-showcases-faith-2214428.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111142231/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/oct/24/with-replica-of-ayodhyas-ram-temple-west-delhispacific-mall-mall-showcases-faith-2214428.html |archive-date=11 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>]]


A  number of opposition parties as well as BJP members have criticised the BJP for politicising the temple and using it for gaining political mileage.<ref name="The Times of India 2024 x095">{{cite web | title=JD(U) Minister Slams BJP's Attempt | website=The Times of India | date=2024-01-02 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/lord-ram-lives-in-our-heart-jdu-minister-slams-bjps-attempt/articleshow/106464409.cms | access-date=2024-01-04 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104081136/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/lord-ram-lives-in-our-heart-jdu-minister-slams-bjps-attempt/articleshow/106464409.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> Congress President [[Mallikarjun Kharge]] had questioned the authority of [[Home Minister of India|Home Minister]] [[Amit Shah]] after he declared the opening date of the temple.<ref name="G 2023 g905">{{cite web | last=G | first=Manoj C | title='Are you mahant of Ram Temple?': Mallikarjun Kharge slams Amit Shah for announcing temple opening date | website=The Indian Express | date=2023-01-06 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-temple-mallikarjun-kharge-amit-shah-announcing-opening-date-8365437/ | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=25 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125132453/https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/ram-temple-mallikarjun-kharge-amit-shah-announcing-opening-date-8365437/ | url-status=live }}</ref> BJP leader [[Subramanian Swamy]] questioned Modi's involvement in Ram Mandir's inauguration.<ref name="The News Minute 2023 z198">{{cite web | title=BJP leader Subramanian Swamy questions PM Modi attending inauguration of Ram temple | website=The News Minute | date=2023-12-27 | url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bjp-leader-subramanian-swamy-questions-pm-modi-attending-inauguration-of-ram-temple | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104110807/https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bjp-leader-subramanian-swamy-questions-pm-modi-attending-inauguration-of-ram-temple | url-status=live }}</ref> Congress MP [[Shashi Tharoor]] has criticised the Indian media for diverting attention from critical governance issues by overly focusing on the temple.<ref name="Team 2023 o167">{{cite web | last=Team | first=WION Web | title=Ram temple consecration ceremony: Shashi Tharoor slams BJP over politicisation of religious event | website=WION | date=2023-12-27 | url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/temples-not-governments-shashi-tharoor-slams-bjp-over-ram-temple-inauguration-674041 | access-date=4 January 2024 | archive-date=27 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227130402/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/temples-not-governments-shashi-tharoor-slams-bjp-over-ram-temple-inauguration-674041 | url-status=live }}</ref>
The temple construction has been accompanied by a $10 billion transformation plan for [[Ayodhya]],{{Efn|name=CIVNOT}} "encompassing a new airport, revamped railway station, and township development", fostering multiple hotel development projects and stimulating various economic activities.<ref name="ayodhya-2024">{{Cite news |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhyas-over-10bn-revamp-could-generate-around-3bn-in-tax-revenue-for-up-682522 |title=Ayodhya's over $10 billion revamp could generate around $3bn in tax revenue for UP |date=22 January 2024 |publisher=WION |access-date=31 March 2024 |quote="$10 billion transformation plan, encompassing a new airport, revamped railway station, township development" |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404090713/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhyas-over-10bn-revamp-could-generate-around-3bn-in-tax-revenue-for-up-682522 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|editor=ANI|date=17 December 2023|title=Uttar Pradesh becomes second-largest economy in India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uttar-pradesh-becomes-second-largest-economy-in-india/articleshow/106067291.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224161905/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uttar-pradesh-becomes-second-largest-economy-in-india/articleshow/106067291.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> As Hindu devotees all over the world throng to have a [[Darshan (Indian religions)|''darśana'']] (auspicious viewing) of this deity, the subsequent economic impact has been estimated to further enrich the state by the end of the year 2024 by four trillion Indian rupees (equivalent to 48 billion US dollars).<ref>{{cite news|editor=TNN|date=24 January 2024|title=Ayodhya Ram Temple opening to make UP richer by Rs 4 lakh crore: SBI research|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/temple-opening-to-make-up-richer-by-4l-cr-sbi-research/articleshow/107098469.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=15 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215000945/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/temple-opening-to-make-up-richer-by-4l-cr-sbi-research/articleshow/107098469.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Reactions to ''Bhumi-pujan'' ceremony ===
Given its religious significance among Hindus, it is estimated that with 50 million annual visitors, Ayodhya's Ram temple is likely to become the most visited [[Hindu pilgrimage sites in India|Hindu pilgrimage site in India]].<ref>{{cite news|editor=TOI|date=5 March 2024|title=Ayodhya's Spiritual Soar: Set to surpass Mecca and Vatican as a global pilgrimage hub|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/ayodhyas-spiritual-soar-set-to-surpass-mecca-and-vatican-as-a-global-pilgrimage-hub/videoshow/107179566.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=28 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128103643/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/ayodhyas-spiritual-soar-set-to-surpass-mecca-and-vatican-as-a-global-pilgrimage-hub/videoshow/107179566.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> After the opening of the Ram Temple to public on 23 January 2024, Ayodhya has welcomed 2.4 million visitors in just 12 days.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ministry/ayodhya-records-2-4-mn-visitors-in-12-days-govt-eyeing-historic-site-development-schemes-modi/107427042 |title=In the last 12 days following the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya has welcomed 2.4 million visitors |date=5 February 2024 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=25 March 2024 |archive-date=4 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404100715/https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ministry/ayodhya-records-2-4-mn-visitors-in-12-days-govt-eyeing-historic-site-development-schemes-modi/107427042 |url-status=live }}</ref> Based on the current visitor numbers, the Ayodhya's Ram temple is projected to become one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, surpassing [[Mecca]] and the [[Vatican City|Vatican]].<ref>{{cite news|date=24 January 2024|title=Ayodhya's Spiritual Soar: Set to surpass Mecca and Vatican as a global pilgrimage hub|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/culture/ayodhya-ram-temple-50-million-visitors-expected-each-year-surpassing-tirupati-mecca-and-vatican-18880731.htm|publisher=[[CNBC TV18]]|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127093052/https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/culture/ayodhya-ram-temple-50-million-visitors-expected-each-year-surpassing-tirupati-mecca-and-vatican-18880731.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Given the temple rush by devotees from all parts of India, it was estimated that spiritual tourism at Ayodhya has potential to create thousands of jobs as more manpower is required to cater the needs of the Ram mandir visitors and also attract huge investments.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bhattacharya|first1=Rica|last2=Philip|first2=Lijee|date=17 January 2024|title=As Ram Mandir opens doors, jobs come rushing into Ayodhya|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/hr-policies-trends/as-ram-mandir-opens-doors-jobs-come-rushing-into-ayodhya/articleshow/106907127.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=27 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127032436/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/jobs/hr-policies-trends/as-ram-mandir-opens-doors-jobs-come-rushing-into-ayodhya/articleshow/106907127.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|editor=Tiasa Bhowal|date=17 January 2024|title=Ram Mandir open, travel industry pumps in billions to get Ayodhya ready for a billion|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/travel/story/ram-mandir-travel-industry-gets-ayodhya-ready-for-billions-2492668-2024-01-25|work=India Today|access-date=5 March 2024|archive-date=16 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316172446/https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/travel/story/ram-mandir-travel-industry-gets-ayodhya-ready-for-billions-2492668-2024-01-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
Some priests and religious leaders such as [[Swaroopanand Saraswati]] complained stated that the 5 August was not a ritually auspicious date. They also complained that the ceremony did not follow proper ritual procedures. They also  and that the function did not include a [[havan]].<ref name="Amar Ujala">{{cite web | title=Ayodhya Ram Mandir: शंकराचार्य स्वरूपानंद सरस्वती बोले- पांच अगस्त को भूमि पूजन का कोई मुहूर्त नहीं | website=Amar Ujala | date=2020-07-30 | url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/allahabad/no-muhurat-of-bhoomi-poojan-on-august-5-shankaracharya99 | language=hi | access-date=2024-01-17 | archive-date=1 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101034000/https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/allahabad/no-muhurat-of-bhoomi-poojan-on-august-5-shankaracharya99 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pradhan |first=Sharat |date=7 August 2020 |title=At Ayodhya Bhoomi Pujan, Modi Became All-in-One; Proper Rituals Not Followed, Allege Pundits |url=https://thewire.in/politics/ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-narendra-modi-priests-pundits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924014614/https://thewire.in/politics/ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-narendra-modi-priests-pundits |archive-date=24 September 2020 |access-date=7 August 2020 |website=thewire.in}}</ref> In this respect, writer and activist [[Arundhati Roy]], a noted critic of PM Modi, pointed out that the chosen date marked one year since the [[revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roy |first=Arundhati |date=5 August 2020 |title=India's Day of Shame |url=https://thewire.in/rights/august-5-kashmir-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-china |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805154043/https://thewire.in/rights/august-5-kashmir-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-china |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020 |website=thewire.in |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> [[Pakistan]] made an official statement through its [[Pakistan Foreign Office|foreign office]] criticising [[India]] for commencing construction of the temple, due to the history of the site.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 May 2020 |title=Pakistan criticises India for starting construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-criticises-india-for-starting-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/article31694301.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626073923/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-criticises-india-for-starting-construction-of-ram-temple-in-ayodhya/article31694301.ece |archive-date=26 June 2020 |access-date=17 November 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |agency=PTI}}</ref> On the contrary, various Indian political leaders praised the groundbreaking ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Aditya |date=5 August 2020 |title=Ram Mandir: Which Secular Leaders Hailed Bhoomi Pujan & Who Didn't |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/ram-mandir-ayodhya-which-secular-leaders-hailed-bhoomi-pujan-modi-who-did-not |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805152844/https://www.thequint.com/news/india/ram-mandir-ayodhya-which-secular-leaders-hailed-bhoomi-pujan-modi-who-did-not |archive-date=5 August 2020 |access-date=14 August 2020 |website=TheQuint}}</ref>


=== Consecration controversy ===
On April 17, 2024, the first [[Ram Navami]] (Ram's birth) festival after the consecration of the Ram Temple was celebrated by thousands of devotees.<ref name = IE18Apr>{{cite news|date=18 April 2024|title=Ayodhya Temple On Ram Navami, 'Surya Tilak' shines on Ram Lalla|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ayodhya-temple-on-ram-navami-surya-tilak-shines-on-ram-lalla-9276650/|work=Indian Express|access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref> On this occasion, the ''Ram Temple'' witnessed a unique event at noon as the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol was anointed with a ray of sunlight, known as ''[[Surya Tilak|Sūrya Tilaka]]'' ({{Translation|Sun [[tilak]]}}).<ref name=NDTV18Apr>{{cite news|date=17 April 2024|title=The Science Behind 'Surya Tilak' Ceremony At Ayodhya's Ram Temple|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/the-science-behind-surya-tilak-ceremony-at-ayodhyas-ram-temple-5460250 | work=NDTV|access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref> As the sun rays illuminated the forehead of the Lord ''Ram Lalla'' idol, scores of devotees celebrated the event.<ref name = IE18Apr/> The development of the ''Sūrya Tilaka'' mechanism involved collaboration between scientists from ''[[Central Building Research Institute]] (CBRI)'', Roorkee, and the ''[[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]] (IIAP)'', Bangalore, who devised a sophisticated apparatus consisting of mirrors and lenses to direct a beam of light to the deity's forehead, marking a significant scientific feat.<ref name=NDTV18Apr/><ref name = IE18Apr/>
The four [[Shankaracharya]]s, the highest gurus of [[Advaita Vedanta]], would not be part of the ceremony to inaugurate the Ram Temple.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sringeri pontiff denies displeasure over Ayodhya Ram's consecration, calls it 'false propaganda' |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/01/12/sringeri-pontiff-denies-displeasure-over-ayodhya-rams-consecration-calls-it-false-propaganda.html |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=The Week |language=en |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113132507/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/01/12/sringeri-pontiff-denies-displeasure-over-ayodhya-rams-consecration-calls-it-false-propaganda.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dash |first1=Nivedita |date=2024-01-12 |title=Sringeri, Dwarka Peeth request people to disregard 'false propaganda' about Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sringeri-dwarka-peeth-request-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-updates-2024-01-12-911486 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112074334/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/sringeri-dwarka-peeth-request-people-to-disregard-false-propaganda-about-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-updates-2024-01-12-911486 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goudar |first=Mahesh M. |date=2024-01-11 |title=Sringeri Shankaracharya won't attend Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya. Here's why |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/sringeri-shankaracharya-wont-attend-ram-mandir-consecration-in-ayodhya-heres-why/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=The South First |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113132507/https://thesouthfirst.com/karnataka/sringeri-shankaracharya-wont-attend-ram-mandir-consecration-in-ayodhya-heres-why/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
[[File:Uttar Pradesh tableau on Rajpath at the 72nd Republic Day.jpg|thumb|[[Uttar Pradesh]] tableau in the [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day parade]] of 2021.|250x250px]]
[[File:Uttar Pradesh tableau on Rajpath at the 72nd Republic Day.jpg|thumb|[[Uttar Pradesh]] tableau in the [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day parade]] of 2021|250x250px]]
[[File:Ram Temple miniature not to scale replica Diwali New Delhi 3.jpg|thumb|A 32-foot model of Ram Mandir displayed during [[Diwali]] of 2020 at Pacific Mall in [[New Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2020 |title=Delhi's Pacific Mall installs 32-foot-tall replica of Ayodhya's Ram temple ahead of Diwali |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-s-pacific-mall-installs-32-foot-tall-replica-of-ayodhya-s-ram-temple-ahead-of-diwali-1734891-2020-10-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109093017/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-s-pacific-mall-installs-32-foot-tall-replica-of-ayodhya-s-ram-temple-ahead-of-diwali-1734891-2020-10-25 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2020 |title=With replica of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, West Delhi's Pacific Mall mall showcases faith |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/oct/24/with-replica-of-ayodhyas-ram-temple-west-delhispacific-mall-mall-showcases-faith-2214428.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111142231/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2020/oct/24/with-replica-of-ayodhyas-ram-temple-west-delhispacific-mall-mall-showcases-faith-2214428.html |archive-date=11 January 2021 |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>]]
 
During the 2021 [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day parade]] on [[Rajpath]], Uttar Pradesh's tableau showcased a replica of the Ram Mandir.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ayodhya on Rajpath: UP's Republic Day tableau showcases replica of Ram temple |date=26 January 2021 |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/ayodhya-on-rajpath-ups-republic-day-tableau-showcases-replica-of-ram-temple-2337866.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130170622/https://zeenews.india.com/india/ayodhya-on-rajpath-ups-republic-day-tableau-showcases-replica-of-ram-temple-2337866.html |archive-date=30 January 2021 |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=Zee News}}</ref> In October 2023, [[Durga Puja]] celebrations in [[Santosh Mitra Square|Santosh Mitra Square, Kolkata]] exhibited a replica of Ram Mandir, along with other notable buildings around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why the 'Ayodhya Ram Temple' Pandal Cannot be a Centrepiece of Kolkata's Durga Puja |work=The Wire |date=21 October 2023 |department=Opinion |first=Partho Sarothi |last=Ray |url=https://thewire.in/article/communalism/ayodhya-ram-temple-durga-puja-kolkata |access-date=29 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117181320/https://thewire.in/communalism/ayodhya-ram-temple-durga-puja-kolkata |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=In Pictures: Ram Mandir-Themed Durga Puja Pandal In Kolkata Draws Massive Crowd |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-pictures-ram-mandir-themed-durga-puja-pandal-in-kolkata-draws-massive-crowd-photos-326395 |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Outlook India |date=24 October 2023 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117152301/https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-pictures-ram-mandir-themed-durga-puja-pandal-in-kolkata-draws-massive-crowd-photos-326395 |url-status=live}}</ref>


During the 2021 [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day parade]] on [[Rajpath]], Uttar Pradesh's tableau showcased a replica of the Ram Mandir.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ayodhya on Rajpath: UP's Republic Day tableau showcases replica of Ram temple |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/ayodhya-on-rajpath-ups-republic-day-tableau-showcases-replica-of-ram-temple-2337866.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130170622/https://zeenews.india.com/india/ayodhya-on-rajpath-ups-republic-day-tableau-showcases-replica-of-ram-temple-2337866.html |archive-date=30 January 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=Zee News}}</ref>
In October 2023, [[Durga puja]] celebrations in [[Durga Puja in Kolkata|Santosh Mitra Square, Kolkata]] exhibited a replica of Ram Mandir, along with other notable buildings around the world. <ref name="wire">{{Cite web |title=Why the 'Ayodhya Ram Temple' Pandal Cannot be a Centrepiece of Kolkata's Durga Puja |url=https://m.thewire.in/article/communalism/ayodhya-ram-temple-durga-puja-kolkata |access-date=2024-01-18 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117181321/https://m.thewire.in/article/communalism/ayodhya-ram-temple-durga-puja-kolkata |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="outlookkolkata">{{Cite web |title=In Pictures: Ram Mandir-Themed Durga Puja Pandal In Kolkata Draws Massive Crowd |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-pictures-ram-mandir-themed-durga-puja-pandal-in-kolkata-draws-massive-crowd-photos-326395 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Outlook India |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117152301/https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-pictures-ram-mandir-themed-durga-puja-pandal-in-kolkata-draws-massive-crowd-photos-326395 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Slogans ===
=== Slogans ===
{{Anchor|Mandir wahi banayenge}}{{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Mandir wahi banayenge}} ({{Translation|The temple will be built exactly there}}) is an expression in [[Hindi]], and has become one of the most popular slogans concerning the [[Ram Janmabhoomi movement]] and Ram Mandir. It has been used as early as 1985–86, was popularised in the 1990s, and has several variations.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Nalin |date=4 August 2020 |title='Mandir Wahin Banayenge' Said L.K. Advani 30 Years Ago, But Will Stay Home on August 5 |url=https://thewire.in/politics/lk-advani-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-temple-rath-yatra |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120064018/https://thewire.in/politics/lk-advani-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-temple-rath-yatra |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Hemanth |first=S. A. |date=10 November 2019 |title='Slogans we shouted in '85 have come true today' |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/101119/slogans-we-shouted-in-85-have-come-true-today.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206144455/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/101119/slogans-we-shouted-in-85-have-come-true-today.html |archive-date=6 December 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref>
{{Anchor|Mandir wahi banayenge}}{{Transliteration|hi|ISO|Maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}} ({{Translation|The temple will be built exactly there}}) is an expression in [[Hindi]], and has become one of the most popular slogans concerning the [[Ram Janmabhoomi movement]] and the Ram Mandir. It has been used as early as 1985–86, was popularised in the 1990s, and has several variations.<ref name="verma-2020">{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Nalin |date=4 August 2020 |title='Mandir Wahin Banayenge' Said L.K. Advani 30 Years Ago, But Will Stay Home on August 5 |url=https://thewire.in/politics/lk-advani-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-temple-rath-yatra |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120064018/https://thewire.in/politics/lk-advani-ayodhya-bhoomi-pujan-ram-mandir-temple-rath-yatra |archive-date=20 January 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=The Wire}}</ref><ref name="hemanth-2019">{{Cite web |last=Hemanth |first=S. A. |date=10 November 2019 |title='Slogans we shouted in '85 have come true today' |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/101119/slogans-we-shouted-in-85-have-come-true-today.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206144455/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/101119/slogans-we-shouted-in-85-have-come-true-today.html |archive-date=6 December 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}}</ref>


It has been a symbol of hope and it has become a part of festivities, and has also become a part of stand-up comedy, jokes and memes.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Kundu |first=Swapnajit |date=5 August 2020 |title=How 'Mandir Wahin Banega' gained prominence |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/how-mandir-wahin-banega-gained-prominence-869715.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520213330/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/how-mandir-wahin-banega-gained-prominence-869715.html |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=March 2023}} In 2019, the slogan was used in the Parliament of India,<ref name=":22" /> and it has also been used by media houses.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=10 November 2019 |title='Sir Ram': A look at how some Hindi and English newspapers covered the #AyodhyaVerdict |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/11/10/sir-ram-a-look-at-how-some-hindi-and-english-newspapers-covered-the-ayodhyaverdict |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206201650/https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/11/10/sir-ram-a-look-at-how-some-hindi-and-english-newspapers-covered-the-ayodhyaverdict |archive-date=6 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Newslaundry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishnan |first=Revathi |date=4 August 2020 |title=ABP News all excited about Ram temple, India Today & NDTV 24x7 focus on J&K woes |url=https://theprint.in/plugged-in/abp-news-all-excited-about-ram-temple-india-today-ndtv-24x7-focus-on-jk-woes/474161/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208011150/https://theprint.in/plugged-in/abp-news-all-excited-about-ram-temple-india-today-ndtv-24x7-focus-on-jk-woes/474161/ |archive-date=8 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The slogan has been used as a threat as well as a vow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Sandipan |date=4 August 2020 |title=Mandir Wahin Banayenge: After 30 years, BJP's tryst with Hindutva destiny |url=https://thefederal.com/the-legend-of-ramjanmabhoomi/mandir-wahin-banayenge-after-30-years-bjps-tryst-with-hindutva-destiny/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128201927/https://thefederal.com/the-legend-of-ramjanmabhoomi/mandir-wahin-banayenge-after-30-years-bjps-tryst-with-hindutva-destiny/ |archive-date=28 January 2022 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=The Federal |language=en-US}}</ref>
It has been a symbol of hope and it has become a part of festivities, and has also become a part of stand-up comedy, jokes and memes.<ref name="kundu-2020">{{Cite web |last=Kundu |first=Swapnajit |date=5 August 2020 |title=How 'Mandir Wahin Banega' gained prominence |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/how-mandir-wahin-banega-gained-prominence-869715.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520213330/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/how-mandir-wahin-banega-gained-prominence-869715.html |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Khilnani |first=Rohit |title=Comedian Vir Das On Cracking Jokes On Demonetisation, Ram Temple Issue |website=NDTV |date=7 February 2020 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/entertainment/news/comedian-vir-das-on-cracking-jokes-on-demonetisation-ram-temple-issue-540093 |language=hi |access-date=24 February 2024 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224054332/https://www.ndtv.com/video/entertainment/news/comedian-vir-das-on-cracking-jokes-on-demonetisation-ram-temple-issue-540093 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, the slogan was used in the [[Parliament of India]],<ref name="kundu-2020" /> and it has also been used by media houses.<ref name="newslaundry-2019">{{Cite web |date=10 November 2019 |title='Sir Ram': A look at how some Hindi and English newspapers covered the #AyodhyaVerdict |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/11/10/sir-ram-a-look-at-how-some-hindi-and-english-newspapers-covered-the-ayodhyaverdict |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206201650/https://www.newslaundry.com/2019/11/10/sir-ram-a-look-at-how-some-hindi-and-english-newspapers-covered-the-ayodhyaverdict |archive-date=6 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=Newslaundry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishnan |first=Revathi |date=4 August 2020 |title=ABP News all excited about Ram temple, India Today & NDTV 24x7 focus on J&K woes |url=https://theprint.in/plugged-in/abp-news-all-excited-about-ram-temple-india-today-ndtv-24x7-focus-on-jk-woes/474161/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208011150/https://theprint.in/plugged-in/abp-news-all-excited-about-ram-temple-india-today-ndtv-24x7-focus-on-jk-woes/474161/ |archive-date=8 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The slogan has been used as a threat as well as a vow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Sandipan |date=4 August 2020 |title=Mandir Wahin Banayenge: After 30 years, BJP's tryst with Hindutva destiny |url=https://thefederal.com/the-legend-of-ramjanmabhoomi/mandir-wahin-banayenge-after-30-years-bjps-tryst-with-hindutva-destiny/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128201927/https://thefederal.com/the-legend-of-ramjanmabhoomi/mandir-wahin-banayenge-after-30-years-bjps-tryst-with-hindutva-destiny/ |archive-date=28 January 2022 |access-date=2 February 2021 |website=The Federal |language=en-US}}</ref>


There are variations of the slogan such as one used by [[Lal Krishna Advani]]: "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Saugandh Ram ki Khat-e hain; Hum Mandir Wahin Banayegein}}" ({{Translation|We take a vow of Rama that we will build the temple exactly there}}).<ref name=":02" /> Other variations and adaptations include "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Wahin Banega Mandir}}" ({{Translation|A temple will be built there}}),<ref name=":3" /> "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Jaha Ram Ka Janma Hua Tha, Hum Mandir Wahi Banayenge}}" ({{Translation|The temple will be built where Ram was born}}),<ref name=":12" /> "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Ram Lalla Hum Aayenge; Mandir Wahi Banayenge}}" ({{Translation|Ram Lalla, we will come, the temple will be built there or Ram Lalla we will come to construct a [[Mandir]] exactly there.}})<ref name=":12" /> and "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Pehle mandir, fir sarkaar}}" ({{Translation|First the temple, then the government}}).<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 November 2018 |title=Uddhav Wonders For How Long Will People be 'Fooled' With 'Mandir Wahi Banayenge' Slogan |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/uddhav-thackeray-wonders-for-how-long-will-people-be-fooled-with-mandir-wahi-banayenge-slogan-1947331.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207183809/https://www.news18.com/news/india/uddhav-thackeray-wonders-for-how-long-will-people-be-fooled-with-mandir-wahi-banayenge-slogan-1947331.html |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=News18 |language=en |agency=PTI}}</ref>
There are variations of the slogan such as one used by [[Lal Krishna Advani]]: "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Saugaṁdha Rāma kī khātē haiṁ, hama maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}}" ({{Translation|We take a vow of Rama that we will build the temple exactly there}}).<ref name="verma-2020" /> Other variations and adaptations include "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Vahīṁ banēgā maṁdira}}" ({{Translation|A temple will be built there}}),<ref name="newslaundry-2019" /> "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Jahām̐ Rāma kā janma huā thā, hama maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}}" ({{Translation|The temple will be built where Rama was born}}),<ref name="hemanth-2019" /> "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Rāmā Lallā hama āēm̐gē, maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē}}" ({{Translation|Ram Lalla, we will come, the temple will be built there, ''or'' Ram Lalla we will come to construct a [[Mandir]] exactly there}})<ref name="hemanth-2019" /> and "{{transliteration|hi|ISO|Pahalē maṁdira, phira sarakāra}}" ({{Translation|First the temple, then the government}}).<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 November 2018 |title=Uddhav Wonders For How Long Will People be 'Fooled' With 'Mandir Wahi Banayenge' Slogan |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/uddhav-thackeray-wonders-for-how-long-will-people-be-fooled-with-mandir-wahi-banayenge-slogan-1947331.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207183809/https://www.news18.com/news/india/uddhav-thackeray-wonders-for-how-long-will-people-be-fooled-with-mandir-wahi-banayenge-slogan-1947331.html |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021 |work=News18 |language=en |agency=PTI}}</ref>


=== Books ===
=== Books ===
* The Battle for Rama (Case of the Temple at Ayodhya) by [[Meenakshi Jain]].
* ''The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya'' by [[Meenakshi Jain]], {{ISBN|9788173055799|8173055793}}
* ''Sunrise over Ayodhya: Nationhood in Our Times'' by [[Salman Khurshid]], {{ISBN|9789354923050|9354923054}}


* ''Sunrise over Ayodhya: Nationhood in Our Times'' by [[Salman Khurshid]].
=== Films ===
 
* ''[[Mission Ayodhya (film)|Mission Ayodhya]]'' directed by Sameer Ramesh Surve<ref>{{Cite web |title='मिशन अयोध्या' सिनेमाच्या पोस्टरची चर्चा, कलाकारांची नावं गुलदस्त्यात, प्रदर्शनाची तारिख मात्र जाहीर |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/mission-ayodhya-movie-release-date-out-know-more-details/articleshow/114846490.cms |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}}</ref>
 
== See also==
* [[Shri Raghunath Mandir]]
* [[Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
* [[Hindu pilgrimage sites|Hindu pilgrimage sites of world]]
* [[List of Hindu festivals]]
* [[Rama Navami|Rama Navami festival]]
* [[Tourism in India]]
* [[Devashila Yatra]]
* [[Ramnam Bank]]


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
{{notelist|35em}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
==Sources==
{{refbegin}}
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* {{cite book | last =Dumper | first =Michael | year =2020 | title =Power, Piety, and People: The Politics of Holy Cities in the Twenty-First Century | publisher =Columbia University Press}}
{{refend}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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{{Hindu holy cities}}
{{Hindu holy cities}}
{{Hindu temples in Uttar Pradesh}}
{{Hindu temples in Uttar Pradesh}}
{{Portal bar|Hinduism|India|Architecture}}
{{Portal bar|Hinduism|India|Architecture|Religion}}


[[Category:Ram Mandir, Ayodhya| ]]
[[Category:Ayodhya dispute]]
[[Category:Ayodhya dispute]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Proposed religious places]]
[[Category:Rama temples]]
[[Category:Rama temples]]
[[Category:21st-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:21st-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ayodhya]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ayodhya]]
[[Category:Ayodhya]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures converted to a different religion]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures converted to a different religion]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures under construction in India]]

Latest revision as of 22:41, 11 February 2026


Ram Mandir
Rāma Maṁdira
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictAyodhya district
DeityBalak Ram (idol) (infant form of Rama)
Governing bodyShri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra
Status
  • Completed, 25 November 2025
  • (consecrated 22 January 2024; 2 years ago (2024-01-22)[1])
Location
LocationAyodhya[lower-alpha 1]
State Uttar Pradesh
Country India
Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 197: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Coordinates26°47′44″N 82°11′39″E / 26.7956°N 82.1943°E / 26.7956; 82.1943
Architecture
ArchitectSompura family[lower-alpha 2]
StyleMaru-Gurjara architecture
Groundbreaking5 August 2020; 5 years ago (2020-08-05)[4]
Specifications
Length110 metres (360 ft)
Width72 metres (235 ft)
Height (max)49 metres (161 ft)[5]
Site area1.1 hectares (2.7 acres)[5]

The Ram Mandir (ISO: Rāma Maṁdira, lit. 'Rama Temple') is a Hindu temple complex in Ayodhya,[lower-alpha 1] Uttar Pradesh, India.[6][7] Many Hindus believe that it is located at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the mythical birthplace of Rama, a principal deity of Hinduism.[8][9]

The temple was inaugurated on 22 January 2024 in an elaborate ceremony led by Indian Prime Minister Modi, in which the Hindu priests performed religious rituals for prāṇa pratiṣṭhā (transl. consecration) of the deity.[7][6][10] On the first day of its opening, the temple received a rush of over half a million visitors.[11] The temple continues to have a high number of daily visitors reportedly between 100,000 and 150,000.[12] Ram Mandir has become one of the top religious tourism places in India, drawing over 135.5 million visitors in 2024.[13] The temple construction was completed on 25 November 2025 with an event marked by hoisting of the Dharma Dhwaja (sacred flag).[14]

The site of the temple had been the subject of communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India, as it was the former location of Babri Masjid, built around 1528. In the 1850s, a fence was erected and Hindus were allowed to worship in the outer courtyard.[15] In 1949, the Murti (transl. sacred idol) of Rama was placed inside the fence.[15] In 1980s, a campaign was launched by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to claim the site for Hindus[15], which led to the structure being attacked and demolished in 1992.[16][17][18] In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered the verdict to give the disputed land to Hindus for construction of a temple, while Muslims were given land nearby to construct a mosque.[19] The court referenced a report from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as evidence of a pre-existing non-Islamic structure beneath the demolished Babri Masjid.[20]

On 5 August 2020, the bhūmi pūjana (transl. ground breaking ceremony) for the commencement of the construction of Ram Mandir was performed by PM Modi.[21] The temple construction was supervised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. On 22 January 2024, Modi served as the Mukhya Yajamāna (transl. chief patron) of rituals for the event and performed the prāṇa pratiṣṭhā (transl. consecration) of the temple.[22][23] The prana pratishtha ceremony was held in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) where the infant form of Rama deity, referred as Ram Lalla (lit. 'Child Rama') was sanctified and worshipped with religious rituals.[24][25][26]

The temple is designed in the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture.[27] The temple's main structure includes garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) and five mandapas (domes), with shikharas (towers).[24][28] The presiding deity, Ram Lalla is centrally located in the sanctum sanctorum, on the ground floor, while the first floor houses the Ram Darbar, including Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman.[29] The temple complex includes six smaller temples of Surya (Sun), Goddess Durga (Bhagwati), Ganesh, and Shiva at its four corners, while Maa Annapurna and Hanuman temples are on its the northern and southern sides.[29][30]

Background[edit | edit source]

Significance of Rama[edit | edit source]

Ram Lalla, the five-year old form of Rama is the principal deity of the Ram Mandir.

Rama is a prominent Hindu deity who is regarded as a Pūrṇāvatāra (lit. 'complete avatar') of the God Vishnu.[lower-alpha 3] Some Hindus view Rama as Para Brahman (lit. 'The ultimate Brahman'). Rama holds immense significance in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, the Rama avatar is not supposed to exhibit any of Vishnu's divine potencies, and he leads his life as a human.[32] As Rama is said to have possessed sixteen ideal qualities, Hindus view Rama as Puruṣottama (lit. 'Ideal man'), Vigrahavān dharmaḥ (lit. 'Embodiment of Dharma'), and Ādi Puruṣa (lit. 'First man' or 'Primordial being').[33][34][lower-alpha 4] According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Rama was born in a mythical city named Ayodhya.[35] The present-day city of Ayodhya, which emerged in the second century CE, is a separate settlement and not the same as the Hindu mythical city of the same name.[36][37] Present-day Ayodhya was named "Saketa" until it was renamed in the fifth century CE by a king of the Gupta Empire who wished to associate himself with the mythical birthplace of Rama.[38]

Deity[edit | edit source]

The Ram Mandir is being built to commemorate the birth of Rama: therefore, the presiding deity of the temple is supposed to be the infant form of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. Rama in that infant form was referred as Ram Lalla (lit. 'Child Rama') by Tulsidas. However, the idol of Rama that was placed in 1949 referred to as Ram Lalla Virajman (lit. 'Installed Child Rama') by local Hindus.[39] Ram Lalla was a litigant in the court case over the disputed site in 1989, being considered a "juristic person" by the law.[3] He was represented by Triloki Nath Pandey, a senior VHP leader who was considered Ram Lalla's closest 'human' friend.[39] As a new idol of the deity got installed in the sanctum sanctorum as the Mūlavirāt mūrti (lit. The main presiding deity),[lower-alpha 5] the Mandir Trust has informed that the Ram Lalla Virajman idol of 1949 shall henceforth be used as Utsava mūrti (lit. idol for festivals).[42]

History[edit | edit source]

The site is the former location of the Babri Masjid, which was built in the 16th century. The mosque was attacked and demolished in 1992.[16][17][18] In 2019, the Supreme Court of India delivered the verdict to give the disputed land to Hindus for the construction of a temple, while Muslims would be given land elsewhere to construct a mosque.[43]

Medieval[edit | edit source]

In 1528, a commander of the Mughal Empire, Mir Baqi, constructed the Babri Masjid mosque, under the order of Babur. The site chosen for the mosque is identified by many Hindus as Ram Janmabhoomi, the mythical birthplace of Rama.[44] The earliest record of the mosque may be traced back to 1767, in the Latin book Descriptio Indiae, authored by the Jesuit missionary Joseph Tiefenthaler. According to him, the local population believed that the mosque was constructed by destroying the Ramkot temple, believed to be the fortress of Rama in Ayodhya, and the Bedi, where the birthplace of Rama is situated.[45][46]

Modern[edit | edit source]

Completed Ram Mandir in 2025

Disputed location[edit | edit source]

The first instance of religious violence was documented in 1853.[15] In December 1858, the British administration prohibited Hindus from conducting puja (rituals) at the contested site. A platform was created for conducting rituals outside the mosque.[47]

Murtis (transl. sacred idols) of Rama and Sita were installed inside the Babri Masjid on the night of 22–23 December 1949, after which devotees began visiting the site.[16][48] By 1950, the state took control of the mosque under Section 145 CrPC and allowed Hindus, not Muslims, to perform their worship at the site.[49]

In the 1980s, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), belonging to the Hindu nationalist family, Sangh Parivar, launched a new movement to reclaim the site for Hindus and to erect a temple dedicated to the infant Rama (Ram Lalla) at this spot. The VHP began to collect funds and bricks with "Jai Shri Ram" written on them. Later, the government under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi gave the VHP permission for Shilanyas (transl. the foundation stone ceremony) to proceed, with the then Home Minister, Buta Singh, formally conveying the permission to the VHP leader, Ashok Singhal. Initially, the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh had agreed that the shilanyas would be conducted outside of the disputed site. However, on 9 November 1989, a group of VHP leaders and Sadhus laid the foundation stone by digging a 200-litre (7-cubic-foot) pit adjacent to the disputed land. The singhdwar (transl. main entrance) of the sanctum sanctorum was constructed there.[50] The VHP then laid the foundations of a temple on the land adjacent to the disputed mosque.

Demolition of the Babri Masjid[edit | edit source]

On 6 December 1992, the VHP and the Bharatiya Janata Party organised a rally at the site involving 150,000 volunteers, known as karsevaks. The rally turned violent, the crowd overwhelmed the security forces and tore down the mosque.[51][52]

The demolition of the mosque resulted in several months of inter-communal violence between India's Hindu and Muslim communities, causing the death of an estimated 2,000 people in Bombay (now Mumbai) as a direct consequence, and triggering riots all over the Indian subcontinent.[53] A day after the demolition of the mosque, on 7 December 1992, The New York Times reported that over 30 Hindu temples across Pakistan were attacked, some set on fire, and one was demolished. Hindu temples in Bangladesh were also attacked.[51]

On 5 July 2005, five terrorists attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the site of the destroyed Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. All five were shot dead in the ensuing encounter with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), while one civilian died in the grenade attack that the attackers launched to breach the cordoned wall. The CRPF suffered three casualties, two of whom were seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds.[54][55]

ASI excavations[edit | edit source]

Reports on two archaeological excavations in 1978 and 2003 conducted by the ASI claimed to have found evidence indicating that a temple existed on the site.[56][57] The claims were heavily disputed by critics as contradictory and unreliable.[58][59][60][61][62] Archaeologist K. K. Muhammed maintained that remains of a Hindu temple were found in 1978, and accused several historians of averting a settlement for the dispute.[63]

Court rulings[edit | edit source]

Over the years, various title and legal disputes took place, such as the passage of the Acquisition of Certain Areas at Ayodhya Act in 1993. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 1.12 hectares (2.77 acres) of disputed land be divided into three parts, one going to the Ram Lalla or Infant Rama, represented by the Hindu Mahasabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one going to the Muslim Sunni Waqf Board, and one going to Hindu religious denomination Nirmohi Akhara.[8][64] All three parties involved appealed against the division of disputed land to the Supreme Court.[65][66]

In the Supreme Court's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute in 2019, it was decided that the disputed land would be handed over to a trust formed by the Government of India for the construction of a Ram temple.[67][68]

The court referenced the 2003 report from the ASI, as evidence suggesting the presence of a structure beneath the demolished Babri Masjid, that was found to be non-Islamic.[69][70] The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgement concluded that the underlying structure beneath the mosque was not an Islamic structure, and also concluded that no evidence was found that a non-Islamic structure was specifically demolished for the construction of the Babri Masjid.[70][71] Another salient aspect in the apex court's judgement is on the question on the claim of Hindus that disputed structure as the birthplace of Rama. The court observed that the Hindu claim is 'undisputed' and opined that there is clear evidence that Hindus believed that site to be Rama's birthplace.[72][73]

Terror attack[edit | edit source]

On 5 July 2005, five Lashkar-e-Taiba's terrorists[74][75] attacked the makeshift Ram temple at the site of destroyed Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India. All five were shot dead in the ensuing gunfight with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), while one civilian died in the grenade attack that the attackers launched in order to breach the cordoned wall. The CRPF suffered three casualties, two of whom were seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds.

Trust formation and start of construction[edit | edit source]

The trust was eventually formed under the name of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. On 5 February 2020, it was announced in the Parliament of India that the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had accepted a plan to construct the temple. Two days later, on 7 February, 2.0 hectares (5 acres) of land was allocated for a new mosque to be built 22 km (14 mi) away from Ayodhya city in Dhannipur village.[67][68]

Architecture[edit | edit source]

The original design for Ram Mandir was devised in 1988 by the Sompura family of Ahmedabad.[3] The Sompuras have contributed to the design of over 100 temples worldwide for at least 15 generations, including the Somnath temple.[27] The chief architect of the temple was Chandrakant Sompura, assisted by his two sons, Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, who are also architects.[76]

A new design, with some changes from the original, was prepared by the Sompuras in 2020,[76] per the Hindu texts, the Vastu shastra and the Shilpa shastras.[77] The temple will be 250 feet (76 m) wide, 380 feet (120 m) long and 161 feet (49 m) high.[78] Upon completion, the temple complex became the world's third largest Hindu temple.[76] It is designed in the Maru-Gurjara architecture of Nagara style, a type of Hindu temple architecture found primarily in northern India.[27] A model of the proposed temple was showcased during the Prayag Kumbh Mela in 2019.[79]

The temple's main structure has been built on a raised platform with three storeys. It has five mandapas in the middle of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and on the entrance passage. The Shri Ram Darbar, located on the first floor, comprises five halls – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. In Nagara style, the mandapas are decorated with shikharas.[24][28] Adorned with deity statues, the temple includes dedicated mandirs for Surya, Bhagwati, Ganesh, and Shiv at the corners. Annapurna and Hanuman temples are on the northern and southern arms. The foundation features a 14-metre (46 ft)-thick roller-compacted concrete layer resembling artificial rock, with a 21-foot (6.4 m) granite plinth for moisture protection, avoiding iron use. Accessibility is ensured with ramps, lifts, and facilities for the elderly and differently-abled. A pilgrims facility centre for 25,000 people offers medical and locker services. Environmental focus preserves 70% of the 70-acre (28 ha) area as green space, emphasising water conservation.[30][80][81]

The temple has a total of 366 columns. The columns have 16 idols each to include the incarnations of Shiva, the 10 Dashavataras, the Chausath Yoginis, and the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati. The width of the stairs are 16 feet (4.9 m). Per scriptures dedicated to the design of temples dedicated to Vishnu, the sanctum sanctorum is octagonal in shape.[77] According to the temple committee, the site has a capability to handle 70,000 visitors.[82] Larsen & Toubro offered to oversee the design and construction of the temple free of cost, and became the contractor of the project.[83][84] The Central Building Research Institute, National Geophysical Research Institute and the Bombay, Guwahati and Madras IITs have assisted in areas such as soil testing, concrete supply and design.[85][86]

The construction work has been accomplished with 600,000 cubic feet (17,000 m3) of sandstone from Baansi in Rajasthan.[77] No iron and steel has been used in the construction of the temple, and the fusing of the stone blocks has required ten thousand copper plates.[87] In a culturally significant move, Thailand also symbolically contributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, by sending soil to the Ram Janmabhoomi, building on their prior gesture of sending water from two rivers in Thailand to honour the temple.[88]

According to the temple trust, the final blueprint of Ram Mandir included temples dedicated to Surya, Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, Vishnu and Brahma in the temple grounds.[89]

Fundraising[edit | edit source]

The Ram Mandir was built with funds gained through international fundraising drives, involving nearly two million volunteers. Ramnath Kovind was the first to contribute, donating 500,000 on 14 January 2021, during his tenure as the president of India.[90][91] Over 127 million donations amounting to approximately 50 billion were received by the temple.[92][91][93][94] Some media outlets in India claimed that the construction of the Ram mandir was one of the world's biggest crowd funded projects.[95] Fundraising by the Mandir trust has ended on 27 February 2021.[96]

In 2015, the Hindu Mahasabha, among the leading organisation involved in the Ram Mandir issue, alleged the BJP-affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of carrying out donation scam of over 1,400 crore (US$200 million) over the construction of the temple. The VHP denied this allegation.[97]

In 2019, the national spokesperson of the Nirmohi Akhara, Mahant Sitaram Das, accused the VHP of carrying out a 1,400 crore (US$200 million) scam over the temple.[98] Political leaders from opposition parties have also questioned the methods of fund collection.[99][100]

The public were warned of instances in which online scammers posed as fundraisers.[101] The temple has also attracted a number of controversies due to alleged misuse of donation, sidelining of its major activists, and politicisation of the temple by the Bharatiya Janata Party.[98][97][102][103]

Construction[edit | edit source]

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust began the first phase of construction of the Ram Mandir in March 2020.[104][105] The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India caused a temporary suspension of the construction.[106][107] On 25 March 2020, Ram's idol was moved to a temporary location in the presence of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath.[108] In preparation for the temple's construction, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised a 'Vijay Mahamantra Jaap Anushthan', in which individuals would gather at different places to chant the 'Vijay Mahamantra' – Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram, on 6 April 2020. This was said to ensure "victory over hurdles" in constructing the temple.[109]

It was officially announced by Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmbhoomi Kshetra Trust, that 22 January 2024 would be the scheduled date for the installation of the Ram Lalla idol in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On 25 October 2023, a formal invitation was extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the ceremony.[110]

In 2020, the national spokesperson of the Nirmohi Akhara, Mahant Sitaram Das, criticised the BJP's decision to have the temple foundation begun by Narendra Modi and said that the work of building the temple should be done only by the religious priests.[103] A number of Hindutva proponents, including online social media influencers, raised objections over the temple's construction with regards to its design and involvement of the Muslims, claiming that they found Islamic motifs in the Ram Mandir. Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, responded to these concerns by saying that temple was being sculpted by experts, and there could be no question about their religion.[111][verification needed] The vice-president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Pandit Ashok Sharma, said that the BJP "got the entire thing politicised."[102]

A number of opposition parties, as well as BJP members themselves, have criticised the BJP for using the temple to for gain political mileage.[112] The President of the Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, had questioned the authority of Home Minister Amit Shah, after he declared the opening date of the temple.[113] The BJP leader Subramanian Swamy questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's involvement in Ram Mandir's inauguration.[114] The Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Indian media for diverting attention from critical governance issues by overly focusing on the temple.[115]

Bhumi Pujan ceremony[edit | edit source]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing Bhumi Pujan or the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ram Mandir. Also visible are the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, and the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel.

On the occasion of Bhumi Pujan, the Ram Lalla's dress was stitched by tailors Bhagwat Prasad and Shankar Lal, a fourth generation tailor to Rama's idol.[116]

The temple construction officially started again after a Bhumi-Pujan (transl. ground breaking ceremony) on 5 August 2020. The three-day long Vedic ritual was held ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony, which revolved around the installation of a 40 kg (88 pounds) silver brick as the foundation stone by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[3] On the day before on 4 August, the Ramarchan Puja (transl.Puja of Rama's feet) was performed, in order to ritually invite all the major deities into the temple.[117]

On the occasion of the Bhoomi Poojan, soil and holy water were collected from several religious places across India, such as the Triveni Sangam of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayagraj, the head of the Kaveri River at Talakaveri in Karnataka, and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam.[118] Soil was also sent from various Hindu temples, gurudwaras and Jain temples across the nation, as well as from the four pilgrimage sites in Char Dham, to bless the temple.[119]

Before the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought Hanuman's blessing by praying at the Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya.[120] The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Mohan Bhagwat, Chief of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and Chief of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Nritya Gopal Das and Narendra Modi gave speeches.[120]

Some priests and religious leaders, such as Swaroopanand Saraswati, complained that 5 August was not a ritually auspicious date and that the ceremony did not follow proper ritual procedures. They also claimed that the function did not include a havan.[121] Writer and activist Arundhati Roy, a noted critic of PM Modi, pointed out that the chosen date marked one year since the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.[53] The Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement criticising India for commencing for constructing a temple on the former site of the destroyed Babri Masjid.[122]

In 2017, the Hindu Mahasabha accused the BJP, Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar organisations of hijacking the Ram Mandir despite having no involvement in its long battle.[123][102] In 2020, Pramod Joshi, the national spokesperson of the Hindu Mahasabha, said that the real credit of Ram Mandir belongs to Hindu Mahasabha, and that the Hindu Mahasabha should have performed the bhumi pujan, but instead had been kept away. He added that the committee for the temple was formed at the BJP's central office and the Hindu Mahasabha was sidelined.[124]

2021–present[edit | edit source]

The temple trust decided to launch a nationwide "mass contact and contribution campaign" aimed at reaching 55–600 million people.[86] Voluntary donations of 1 (1.4¢ US) and higher were accepted.[125] On 1 January 2021, former President Ram Nath Kovind made the first contribution towards the construction of the Ram Mandir by donating more than 5 lakh (US$7,000).[126] Several leaders and notable personalities across the nation followed this. By April 2021, around 5,000 crore (US$700 million) was collected from donations across India.[127][128] Nearly 150,000 VHP activists participated in collecting donations. The temple trust also received donations from the members of the Muslim and Christian communities.[129]

View of the Ram Mandir under construction in 2022

In August 2021, a viewing location was created for the public to observe the construction works in the temple site.[130] Following the groundbreaking ceremony, up to 40 feet (12 m) of debris were removed and the remaining earth compacted.[131] The foundation was made using roller-compacted concrete.[132] A total of 47–48 layers, with each layer 1-foot (0.30 m) high, were completed by mid-September 2021.[131][133] Due to electricity supply issues in Mirzapur, the cutting of the sandstone was slowed down.[89] In early 2022, a video was released by the temple trust, showing the planned construction of the temple in 3D along with other related information.[134][135][5]

In January 2023, two 60-million-year-old Shaligram rocks, 26 tonnes and 14 tonnes respectively, were sent from the Gandaki River in Nepal. These rocks were used to carve the idol of Ram Lalla in the sanctum sanctorum.[136] In August 2023, according to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, 70% of the groundwork was completed and 40% of the roof work was completed.[137] In December 2023, the entire base, along with the six smaller temples that surround the main temple, which consists of the sanctum sanctorum, were almost completed.[138] For its consecration, only the ground floor was opened.[139] The temple is expected to be completed by July 2025.[140]

Consecration[edit | edit source]

Devotees and visitors celebrating the Prana Pratishtha ceremony outside the temple on 22 January 2024

On 22 June 2023, Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Misra announced that the ground floor of the three-story temple was complete and was expected to open for the devotees in January 2024.[141] The Ram Mandir Teerth Kshetra Trust announced that Hindu astrologers had selected 22 January 2024 as the auspicious date for the consecration ceremony.[142]

In preparation for the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony, the Government of Uttar Pradesh earmarked 100 crore (US$14 million) for 'Ramotsav', a series of religious events that spanned 826 local bodies across Uttar Pradesh along with the Ram Paduka Yatra, commencing in December 2023 and culminating in the grand celebrations from Makar Sankranti on 16 January 2024, and lasting until the inauguration of the Ram Mandir on 22 January. The yatra followed the Ram Van Gaman Path, retracing Rama's 14-year exile from Ayodhya.[143] The trust, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Ayodhya city administrators carried out extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of devotees and invited guests from all over the world.[144] Strict security measures were enacted in and around the temple premises.[145] The Government of Uttar Pradesh announced public holiday to mark the occasion. The Government of India and some state governments declared a half day holiday.[146]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to perform the Prana Pratishtha of the newly made idol in the sanctum sanctorum.[147] In preparation, he undertook an 11-day fast, consuming only coconut water and fruit and sleeping on the ground at night.[148] He performed the consecration ceremony on 22 January 2024 from 12:15 PM to 12:45PM IST.[149] Prime Minister Modi urged every Indian to light up diyas to mark the occasion and celebrate it like Diwali.[150]

Prime Minister Modi during Prana Pratishtha

The guests were addressed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Modi.[151][152] Modi also spoke of Rama as a symbol of righteousness and unity.[153]

While Yogi Adityanath's address was steeped in religious fervor, celebrating the Ram Mandir as a victory for faith and perseverance. He praised the devotion of millions who contributed to the temple's construction and acknowledged the divine blessings that guided the process.[154][155]

Mohan Bhagwat spoke of the Ram Mandir as a symbol of national pride, marking the revival of India's cultural heritage. He emphasised the importance of preserving ancient traditions and values in a rapidly modernising world.[156]

The guest list also included prominent industrialists, scientists, actors, army officers, spiritual leaders and Padma awardees.[157][158] The event was organised by Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra.[159]

None of the four Shankaracharyas of the four cardinal mathas, citing various reasons, took part in the ceremony.[160][161][162] Sringeri Sharada Peetham issued a denial that its head seer Bharathi Tirtha had expressed some displeasure and called the ceremony a "matter of joy" for all Hindu believers.[163] Tirtha blessed the event and sent an administrative officer, Gowrishankar as representative of the matha.[164] The head seer of Govardhan Math, Nischalananda Saraswati said that the ceremony deviated from established tradition.[165] The head seer of Jyotir Math, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has stated that the ceremony is against Hindu sastras as the temple is still under construction.[166][167] The head seer of the Dwarka Sharada Peetham, Swami Sadanand Saraswati welcomed the ceremony as a "long-awaited moment".[168] He said that none of the four Shankaracharyas were angry and that it was not appropriate for them to attend given, the massive crowd expected.[169]

On 25 November 2025, the temple construction was formally completed with an event called Ram Mandir Dhwajarohan marked by hoisting of the saffron flag, Dharma Dhwaja, atop the temple by PM Modi.[14] The ceremony took place on the auspicious day of Vivah Panchami, with the flag, featuring the Sun, ‘Om’, and the Kovidara tree.[14] The dignitaries at the event included RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.[14]

Impact and associated activities[edit | edit source]

A 9.8-metre (32 ft) model of Ram Mandir displayed during Diwali of 2020 at Pacific Mall in West Delhi[170][171]

The temple construction has been accompanied by a $10 billion transformation plan for Ayodhya,[lower-alpha 1] "encompassing a new airport, revamped railway station, and township development", fostering multiple hotel development projects and stimulating various economic activities.[172][173] As Hindu devotees all over the world throng to have a darśana (auspicious viewing) of this deity, the subsequent economic impact has been estimated to further enrich the state by the end of the year 2024 by four trillion Indian rupees (equivalent to 48 billion US dollars).[174]

Given its religious significance among Hindus, it is estimated that with 50 million annual visitors, Ayodhya's Ram temple is likely to become the most visited Hindu pilgrimage site in India.[175] After the opening of the Ram Temple to public on 23 January 2024, Ayodhya has welcomed 2.4 million visitors in just 12 days.[176] Based on the current visitor numbers, the Ayodhya's Ram temple is projected to become one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, surpassing Mecca and the Vatican.[177] Given the temple rush by devotees from all parts of India, it was estimated that spiritual tourism at Ayodhya has potential to create thousands of jobs as more manpower is required to cater the needs of the Ram mandir visitors and also attract huge investments.[178][179]

On April 17, 2024, the first Ram Navami (Ram's birth) festival after the consecration of the Ram Temple was celebrated by thousands of devotees.[180] On this occasion, the Ram Temple witnessed a unique event at noon as the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol was anointed with a ray of sunlight, known as Sūrya Tilaka (transl. Sun tilak).[181] As the sun rays illuminated the forehead of the Lord Ram Lalla idol, scores of devotees celebrated the event.[180] The development of the Sūrya Tilaka mechanism involved collaboration between scientists from Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP), Bangalore, who devised a sophisticated apparatus consisting of mirrors and lenses to direct a beam of light to the deity's forehead, marking a significant scientific feat.[181][180]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Uttar Pradesh tableau in the Republic Day parade of 2021

During the 2021 Republic Day parade on Rajpath, Uttar Pradesh's tableau showcased a replica of the Ram Mandir.[182] In October 2023, Durga Puja celebrations in Santosh Mitra Square, Kolkata exhibited a replica of Ram Mandir, along with other notable buildings around the world.[183][184]

Slogans[edit | edit source]

Maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē (transl. The temple will be built exactly there) is an expression in Hindi, and has become one of the most popular slogans concerning the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Ram Mandir. It has been used as early as 1985–86, was popularised in the 1990s, and has several variations.[185][186]

It has been a symbol of hope and it has become a part of festivities, and has also become a part of stand-up comedy, jokes and memes.[187][188] In 2019, the slogan was used in the Parliament of India,[187] and it has also been used by media houses.[189][190] The slogan has been used as a threat as well as a vow.[191]

There are variations of the slogan such as one used by Lal Krishna Advani: "Saugaṁdha Rāma kī khātē haiṁ, hama maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē" (transl. We take a vow of Rama that we will build the temple exactly there).[185] Other variations and adaptations include "Vahīṁ banēgā maṁdira" (transl. A temple will be built there),[189] "Jahām̐ Rāma kā janma huā thā, hama maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē" (transl. The temple will be built where Rama was born),[186] "Rāmā Lallā hama āēm̐gē, maṁdira vahīṁ banāēm̐gē" (transl. Ram Lalla, we will come, the temple will be built there, or Ram Lalla we will come to construct a Mandir exactly there)[186] and "Pahalē maṁdira, phira sarakāra" (transl. First the temple, then the government).[192]

Books[edit | edit source]

  • The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya by Meenakshi Jain, ISBN 9788173055799, 8173055793
  • Sunrise over Ayodhya: Nationhood in Our Times by Salman Khurshid, ISBN 9789354923050, 9354923054

Films[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Not to be confused with Ayodhya (Ramayana)
  2. Chandrakant Sompura[2]
    Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura[3]
  3. The avatars of Vishnu are of two types. Pūrṇā and Amśa (lit. 'A part'). In the former, Vishnu himself was supposed to have descended on Earth from his abode while in the latter, an equivalent part (or a copy) of him was sent to take the incarnation. Nrisimha, Rama and Krishna are said to be the Purnavataras of Vishnu.[31]
  4. As per Valmiki Ramayana, Rama had sixteen qualities. Rama was said to be 1.guṇavān, 2.vīryavān, 3.dharmajñaḥ, 4.kṛtajñaḥ, 5.satyavākyaḥ, 6.dṛḍhavrataḥ, 7.cāritraḥ, 8.sarvabhūteṣu hitaḥ, 9.vidvān, 10.samarthaḥ, 11. priyadarśanaḥ, 12.ātmavān, 13.jitakrodhaḥ, 14.dyutimān, 15. anasūyakaḥ, and 16.jātaroṣasya saṃyuge devāśca bibhyati.
  5. The presiding deity is also referred by other names such as Acala mūrti (lit. Immovable idol), Dhṛva mūrti(lit. Fixed idol) and Mūlavigraha (lit. The main idol).[40][41]

References[edit | edit source]

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  2. Umarji, Vinay (15 November 2019). "Chandrakant Sompura, the man who designed a Ram temple for Ayodhya". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 30 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Pandey, Alok (23 July 2020). "Ayodhya's Ram Temple Will Be 161-Foot Tall, An Increase Of 20 Feet". NDTV. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  4. Gaur, Vatsala (5 August 2020). "PM Modi lays foundation stone of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, says wait of centuries has ended". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Ram Temple: Second phase of foundation expected to be completed by Jan end". Mint. 15 January 2022. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Why India's New Ram Temple Is So Important". The New York Times. 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 29 February 2024. Ram is one of the most revered gods among India's Hindus, who make up about 80 percent of a total population of 1.4 billion
  7. 7.0 7.1 "Ayodhya Ram Mandir: India PM Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site". BBC News. 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 22 January 2024. Retrieved 29 February 2024. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a grand temple to Hindu god Ram in the flashpoint city of Ayodhya.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "BBC". 16 October 2019. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  9. Bajpai, Namita (7 May 2020). "Land levelling for Ayodhya Ram temple soon, says mandir trust after video conference". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  10. "India's Modi leads consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya". Reuters. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration on Monday of a grand temple to the Hindu god Lord Ram on a site believed to be his birthplace
  11. "Five lakh visitors and counting On Day 1 after Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration". The Indian Express. 24 January 2024. Archived from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024. Five lakh visitors and counting- On Day 1 after Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration, a rush for first darshan
  12. "Visiting Ram Temple in Ayodhya - the guidelines - no mobile phones". The Indian Express. 13 March 2024. Archived from the original on 9 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024. A little over a month since the inauguration of the Ram temple.. the temple is witnessing an average of 1-to-1.5 lakh pilgrims on a daily basis
  13. "Ayodhya's Ram Mandir becomes UP's most visited attraction of 2024; outshines the Taj Mahal". The Times of India. 2 January 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 "PM Modi Ayodhya Ram Temple Flag Hoisting Live: PM Narendra Modi hoists sacred flag at Ayodhya's Ram Temple". The Times of India. 25 November 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 "Timeline: Ayodhya holy site crisis". BBC News. 29 September 2010. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 Kunal, Kishore (2016). Ayodhya Revisited (1st ed.). New Delhi: Ocean Books Pvt. Ltd. pp. xxxii. ISBN 978-81-8430-357-5.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Sethi, M. (2021). Communities and Courts: Religion and Law in Modern India. Routledge South Asian History and Culture Series. Taylor & Francis. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-00-053785-7. Archived from the original on 13 January 2024. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  18. 18.0 18.1 Lal, Makkhan (20 March 2019). "Historical texts prove that a temple was destroyed in Ayodhya to build the Babri Masjid". Opinion. ThePrint. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  19. "Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site". 16 October 2019. Archived from the original on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  20. "Ayodhya dispute: The complex legal history of India's holy site". 16 October 2019. Archived from the original on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  21. "Six temples of different deities in Ayodhya Ram temple's final blueprint". The Hindu. PTI. 13 September 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  22. "Ayodhya Ram Mandir LIVE updates: PM Modi in garbha griha, rituals start". Hindustan Times. 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 22 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  23. "Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live Updates, Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Ceremony: Chief Yajman Narendra Modi takes 'sankalp' for consecration ceremony at Ram temple in Ayodhya, Ganesh puja under way". The Times of India. 22 January 2024. Archived from the original on 22 January 2024. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 "Ram Temple sanctum sanctorum likely to be built by end of the year". Hindustan Times. 13 June 2023. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  25. "Ayodhya Ram temple will open to the public on this date". The Hindu. 16 November 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 10 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
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Sources[edit | edit source]

  • Dumper, Michael (2020). Power, Piety, and People: The Politics of Holy Cities in the Twenty-First Century. Columbia University Press.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Hindu holy cities