The brand new version of the Ram Mandir is built to last for at least 1,000 years.
As the entire nation looks forward to the consecration of the sacred Ram Mandir in Ayodhya tomorrow, here is a sneak peek into how the iconic temple was reconstructed.
In an interview with NDTV, Shri Nripendra Mishra, head of the temple construction committee, revealed how his team incorporated science as well as ancient Indian architectural know-how to ensure that the 161-feet masterpiece that is built not just to mesmerise devotees with its magnificence but to last long.
No Heavy Metals Used To Build Lord Ram’s Abode
Mr Mishra revealed that no iron or steel has been used to build the temple as the shelf life of these metals is just 80-90 years.
Dr Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director of the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, who was involved in the construction of the mandir said that his team relied on other ingredients such as granite, sandstone, and marble – each of the highest quality, that would ensure that the temples lasts for at least a millennia.
“There is no use of cement or lime mortar in the joints, only a lock and key mechanism using groves and ridges has been used in the construction of the entire structure, “ said Ramancharla.
According to Dr Sharda Srinivasan, an archaeologist associated with the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, iron and steel were barely used to construct buildings in ancient India. “The traditional style of temple architecture in earlier periods was of the dry masonry and remarkably used no mortar nor any iron and steel,” she told NDTV.
How The Temple Was Made Earthquake-Proof
Mr. Mishra revealed how, upon investigation, it was found that the ground below the temple was unsturdy and flaky. This was due to the fact that it was made of mostly sand and the Sarayu River flowed near the site long ago.
To overcome this structural weakness and make the building earthquake-proof for at least 2,500 years, the soil was excavated to about 15 metres. “ “An engineered soil was laid in the area to a depth of 12-14 meters, no steel rebars were used, and the 47 layered bases were compacted to make it solid rock-like,” revealed Ramancharla.
A 1.5 meter-thick M-35 grade metal-free concrete raft and a plinth of 6.3-metre granite stone were established on top of this structure to fortify the building.
The Architectural Design Follows North-Indian Aesthetique
Mr Chandrakant Sompura, who is an expert at designing heritage temple structures, revealed that the architectural design of the mandir was heavily influenced by Nagar Shaily or the northern Indian temple design archetype.
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