By Dr. Vishakha Srivastava
Ayodhya: The construction of the first floor of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya is nearing completion, with meticulous preparations underway for the installation of Ram Darbar idols. The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of Ram Darbar on the first floor has been fully constructed, and six intricately crafted golden doors are now being installed.
These ornate doors are being made by a company based in South India, while the gold plating work has been assigned to a firm in Delhi, temple trust sources confirmed. A favourable date (shubh tithi) for the consecration ceremony (pran-pratishtha) of the idols will soon be announced.
The Ram Darbar idols have been sculpted by renowned Jaipur-based artist Satyanarayan Pandey. These idols are expected to arrive in Ayodhya by the end of May. The idol arrangement will depict Lord Ram and Goddess Sita seated on a throne, while Bharat, Shatrughna, Lakshman, and Hanuman will be placed standing and sitting in reverence around them.
Idols Installed in Temple Complex Shrines
General Secretary of the Ram Mandir Trust, Champat Rai, informed that the installation of idols is also progressing in the perimeter temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, Shiva, Surya, Goddess Bhagwati, and Goddess Annapurna. Following the placement of kalashas (sacred pots) and dhwaja-dands (flagpoles), the idol installation work is being carried out with traditional rituals.
In addition, idols have also been installed in the seven temples of the Saptarishis (seven sages) located within the temple complex, further advancing the sacred architecture and religious significance of the premises.
The progress signals a grand culmination of the temple’s divine structure, combining intricate artistry with profound spiritual symbolism.
