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Ram Mandir: Important Features, Temple Architecture & Other Aspects

Updated on August 25, 2026Author:NEXT IAS Contributors
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ram mandir

The Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh which is a classic example of Nagara Style of temple architecture. The consecration ceremony or pran pratistha of the deity was done by the Prime Minister of India on 22nd January 2024. Ram Mandir was designed by Chief architect Chandrakant Sompura.

The primary material which was used in the temple architecture is pink bansi pahrpur sandstone from Rajasthan. The sanctum or garbhagriha white makrana marbles which were earlier used in building many iconic places such as Taj Mahal at Agra and Humayun's tomb at Delhi. Interestingly, Iron was not used in the temple architecture for the sole purpose of its structural longevity for about 1,000 years.

The temple comprises 5 halls or mandapas namely the Nritya, Rang, Sabha, Prarthana and Kirtan Mandapa. The main sanctum houses the 51 inch black stone idol of Lord Rama. The idol was made up of black granite and sculpted by Arun Yogiraj who is a mysore based sculptor. The outer wall includes the shrines for Surya Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Maa Annapurna and Lord Hanuman.

Important Features

S.No. Feature Important Fact
1 Location
  • The Ram Mandir is located at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The place is traditionally the birthplace of Lord Rama.
2 Deity
  • The deity in Ram Mandir is Lord Rama.
  • The sanctum or Garbhgriha houses the idol of Ram Lalla.
3 Managing body
  • The managing body of Ram Mandir is Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
  • The body also oversees the construction and management of the temple.
4 Foundation stone ceremony
  • The foundation stone was laid on 5 August 2020.
5 Pran Pratishtha
  • The consecration ceremony took place on 22 January 2024.
6 Architectural style
  • Traditional Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture.
7 Architects
  • The design is associated with the Sompura family of temple architects.
8 Length
  • 380 feet from east to west.
9 Width
  • 250 feet.
10 Height
  • 161 feet including the main shikhara or tower.
11 Storeys
  • Three storeys with each floor about 20 feet high.
12 Pillars
  • The temple has 392 carved pillars.
13 Mandapas
  • There are 5 principal mandapas namely the Nritya Mandapa, Rang Mandapa, Sabha Mandapa, Prarthana Mandapa and Kirtan Mandapa.
14 Main structure
  • The temple was built primarily from Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan.
15 Construction approach
  • The load-bearing structure uses traditional stone construction.
  • The construction also avoided the usage of iron in the main structural system.

The Nagara Style of Temple Architecture

The Nagara style is the major tradition of temple architecture in Northern India which was developed from the Gupta period. It is recognised primarily by its tall and curved tower known as the 'Shikhara' which is placed above the garbhagriha or sanctum which contains the main deity.

  • The summit of shikhara is often crowned by an amalaka which is a circular stone element and a kalasha or finial. A Nagara temple usually stands on a raised platform called a Jagati which is to be reached by steps or stairs.
  • There are pillared halls or mandapas in front of the garbhagriha or sanctum which are arranged on the same central axis. There are numerous temples which provide a circum-ambulatory path for the devotees around the sanctum.
  • The outer walls are richly carved with divine figures, floral designs and narrative scenes. The Nagara temples usually do not focus on massive enclosing gateways such as in dravida temples in south India.
  • The Ram Mandir has the tradition through its elevated structure, carved pillars, mandapas and magnificent central shikharas.

Major Construction Materials Used in Ram Mandir

S.No. Material Source of Material Role of Material
1 Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone
  • It was sourced from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan.
  • It is used extensively in the main temple structure and carved architectural elements.
  • It is durable and workable for detailed carving.
  • It is valued for its characteristic pink colour.
2 Granite
  • They were sourced from Karnataka and Telangana
  • Granites were used in the plinth or foundation-related construction.
  • It provides high strength and durability particularly for the raised base.
3 Makrana white marble
  • They were sourced from Rajasthan.
  • They are used particularly in and around the garbhagriha or sanctum.
  • It provides a refined, light-coloured finish suitable for the sacred inner space.
4 Coloured marble
  • They were sourced from Mandla in Madhya Pradesh.
  • They are used for decorative or inlay work.
  • The coloured marble adds ornamental detail and visual richness.
5 Stone interlocking and traditional joints
  • They were used in the load-bearing construction instead of conventional iron-based structures.
  • It supports the traditional temple-building method.
  • It aims at long-term structural durability.

FAQs about Ram Mandir

Where is Ram Mandir located?

Ram Mandir is located in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

When was Pran Prathistha of Ram Mandir held?

The Pran Pratishtha or the consecration ceremony of Lord Rama was held on 22nd January 2024.

Who manages the Ram Mandir?

The managing body of Ram Mandir is Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The body is responsible for decisions related to the temple's construction, administration, and the development at the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya.

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