Gold Layering on Temple Shikhar Begins; Northern Gate Being Reconstructed
Dr. Vishakha Srivastava
Ayodhya: The grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya has achieved another milestone with the installation of idols in the main sanctum as well as 13 subsidiary temples dedicated to various deities, sages, and seers. On Friday evening, intricately carved marble idols of the Ram Darbar—crafted in Jaipur—were ceremoniously placed on the temple’s first floor.
According to Dr. Anil Mishra, trustee of the Ram Mandir Trust, only the construction of the Sheshavatar Temple and the parikrama (circumambulatory path) remains, with both projects currently progressing swiftly.
Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, who is in Ayodhya for a two-day review meeting, confirmed that the idols for the Ram Darbar had arrived from Jaipur late Thursday night in a DCM transport vehicle. These include idols of Lord Ram, his brothers Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughna, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman.
Pran Pratishtha Ceremony to Begin June 3
The consecration rituals (pran pratishtha) for the Ram Darbar and the 13 other temples will commence on June 3 and conclude on June 5, which is being marked as a historic day in the temple’s timeline. Preparations for the elaborate rituals are being given final touches under the supervision of Nrupendra Misra.
Gold Layering Begins on Temple Shikhars
Work has also begun on gilding the temple’s shikhars (spires) with gold. The team responsible for applying the golden coating has arrived in Ayodhya, and the task is expected to be completed within the next 2–3 days.
The construction of other parts of the Ram Temple complex, including the parikrama and the Sheshavatar Temple, is targeted for completion by October 2025. The work on the seven Sapt Rishi temples is already complete, and their idols have been placed in their respective sanctums. The 70-acre temple campus also now features a fully constructed Pushkarni (holy pond).
Northern Gate to Be Reconstructed
However, not all elements met expectations. The gate on the northern side of the temple complex was found to have structural flaws. As a result, it is being demolished and reconstructed, with completion expected by June 30.
Additionally, Gate No. 11 will be ready by the end of August, after which it will be opened to devotees. Construction on Gate No. 3 will begin immediately thereafter.
With its sweeping scale and attention to spiritual and architectural detail, the Ram Temple continues to evolve into a symbol of national pride and devotion.
