New Delhi: The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust tasked with building the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has invited suggestions from across the country that may be included in the master plan for the approximately 70-acre Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex.
“The trust has constituted a Temple Construction Committee to oversee the smooth construction and functioning of this prestigious project,” reads a document posted on its website Wednesday. “While the location, orientation and design of the temple in the traditional ‘Nagara’ style of architecture has been finalised, the committee has appointed a consultant and work on the masterplan details for the approx. 70 acre site is being initiated.”
The document added that given the “importance and significance of this project and deep religious and cultural sentiments it evokes throughout the nation, the trust seeks inputs and ideas from individuals, subject experts, architects and designers so that the same may be evaluated and if acceptable, the same may be adopted into the masterplan being prepared for the site”.
The trust had earlier called on Hindus from across India to donate copper wires and copper rods for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
In its master plan as of now, the trust has proposed a gaushala for around 51 Indian cows along with “modern veterinary facilities” at the complex. It is also looking to build a gurukul — “a traditional Veda Shastra Pathshala” — for 51 students, with a residential teaching complex that can house around four to five acharyas.
According to the trust, the complex will have complete visitor amenities for approximately 1 lakh visitors a day on an average and 5 lakh on peak days.
The trust while calling for design ideas mentioned these aspects as part of the salient features and under scope of the work for the temple.
Suggestions will be pro bono
The trust has said it will not pay for the suggestions from individuals, subject experts, architects and designers.
It has clarified that participants must regard their submissions purely as “Ram Seva, provided pro bono without any monetary compensation”, and that “no such claims will be entertained in the future either”.
“The focus and main deliverables of the process shall be inviting suggestions for incorporation into the proposed masterplan for this significant site,” the document said.
“The ideas/designs shall adhere to the major elements of yatra, rituals, culture, and science while focusing on achieving the seamless integration of the temple with the approximately 70-acre site. Various functions are proposed on the site and suggestions may address the disposition of various proposed functions; planning for pilgrim circulation and management; optimal utilisation of the site topography and features, finally the architectural style of the proposed design needs to be addressed.”
The trust has also sought ideas for a “Shri Ram Digital Library, Research Centre and Archive and a Museum including a Visitor Multimedia Centre showcasing Interactive Multimedia Platforms, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality that will depict the essence of the Ramayana”.
All suggestions have to be sent by 25 November.
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