Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction: Why No Iron And Steel Was Used?

The grand temple at Ayodhya for Ram Lalla or infant Lord Ram is truly an amalgamation of traditional Indian heritage architecture incorporating science for construction so that it can last for centuries.

"The temple has been made to last more than a thousand years," said Shri Nripendra Misra, chairperson of the temple construction committee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya.

Photo Credit: X/@ShriRamTeerth

Ram Mandir: No Use Of Stone And Steel, Here's Why

The fusion of traditional Indian heritage architecture and contemporary scientific construction techniques characterizes the grand temple at Ayodhya dedicated to Ram Lalla, reported NDTV.
Top Indian scientists, along with the incorporation of ISRO technologies, played a pivotal role in the construction.

Chandrakant Sompura, drawing inspiration from Nagar Shaily or northern Indian temple designs, applied his expertise to create the architectural design, according to NDTV. This design legacy has been carried forward through 15 generations, encompassing the construction of over 100 temples.

Ram Mandir Construction Features

1. Temple Area and Structure:

• Total temple area: 2.7 acres.
• Built-up area: Approximately 57,000 square feet.
• Three-floor structure.

2. Material and Construction Quality:

• No use of iron or steel.
• Utilization of the very best quality granite, sandstone, and marble.
• Absence of cement or lime mortar in joints; employs a lock and key mechanism with grooves and ridges.
• Height: 161 feet, approximately 70% of the Qutab Minar's height.

3. Scientific Foundation:

• Excavation of soil to a depth of 15 meters.
• Engineered soil laid to a depth of 12-14 meters.
• 1.5 meters thick M-35 grade metal-free concrete raft for reinforcement.
• Plinth of 6.3-meter thick solid granite stone for foundation strength.

4. Visible Structure:

• Exterior made of pink sandstone ('Bansi Paharpur' stone from Rajasthan).
• Total columns: 160 on the ground floor, 132 on the first floor, and 74 on the second floor.
• Decorated sanctum sanctorum lined with white Makrana marble from Rajasthan.

5. Architectural Integrity and Safety:

• Based on Nagar style architecture.
• Analysis of around 50 computer models for architectural integrity and earthquake resistance.
• Dry-jointed structure designed for a 1000-year lifespan.
• Interlocked stone without steel reinforcement.

Contributions from CBRI:

• Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) actively involved in the project since early 2020.
• Contributions include structural design, 'Surya Tilak' mechanism design, temple foundation design vetting, and structural health monitoring.

Expert Perspectives:

• Dr Sharda Srinivasan, an archaeologist at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, emphasizes the traditional dry masonry style, noting the use of interlocking grooves and pegs.
• Dr Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director of CBRI, asserts that the temple, rooted in heritage architecture, incorporates modern finite element analysis, sophisticated software tools, and 21st-century building codes.

Hence, Ramancharla expresses confidence that the Ram Mandir will endure more than a thousand years, emphasizing the project's enjoyable learning experience and the application of cutting-edge knowledge and technology, reported NDTV.