The Shri Ram Temple is more than a physical structure, it is a beacon of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Every element of its construction reflects the dedication, precision, vision and expectation of millions of devotees in the country and abroad. From the careful selection of materials to the integration of advanced engineering techniques, every decision has been guided by the temple’s structural stability: to serve as a place of devotion and inspiration for generations to come.
The temple’s design incorporates features that enhance its cultural and spiritual significance. Intricate carvings on sandstone pillars and walls, traditional motifs, and alignment with celestial principles add profound meaning to its architecture. Construction of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya is not just an architectural feat, it is a confluence of faith, history, and modern engineering.
This iconic structure, nearing completion by March 2025, symbolises India’s spiritual heritage, brought to life by innovative engineering practices and timeless traditions, ensuring its endurance for 1,000 years.
The temple’s foundation incorporates advanced techniques while respecting the principles of traditional Indian temple construction. At the heart of it lies a 1.5m-thick plain cement concrete (PCC) raft, supported by a roller compacted concrete (RCC) base extending 12-15m deep. This design ensures that temple’s weight is evenly distributed, safeguarding stability.
Experts from IIT Madras, alongside other leading professionals, meticulously designed the PCC mix to achieve an unprecedented 1,000-year design life. The use of M35-grade concrete, tested for 56-day strength, ensures durability, structural integrity, and resistance to environmental factors.
The construction of the massive PCC raft presented unique challenges. The pouring process required careful planning to prevent thermal stress, which could cause cracks. Advance thermal simulations were conducted to predict heat generation during curing – a critical phase when the chemical reaction between cement and water releases heat.
Despite these precautions, minor surface cracks of 1mm appeared during the early stages of curing. Experts from IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, CBRI Roorkee, Larsen &Toubro and Tata Consulting Engineers, with guidance from Prof V S Raju and the temple trust construction committee, identified thermal strain as the primary cause. The initial large pour size (27m x 9m x 1.5m) and the heat of hydration were contributing factors.
The pour size was reduced to 9m x 9m x 1.5m to limit thermal stress. Optimised curing techniques, including controlled hydration rates and temperature monitoring via embedded sensors, were introduced. Additionally, the PCC raft surface was treated with a special chemical compound to enhance durability and address minor surface irregularities. These interventions resolved the cracking issue and reinforced the engineering rigour behind the project.
One of the most distinctive features of the temple is the conscious exclusion of steel and iron from its construction. While steel is commonly used in modern construction, its susceptibility to corrosion posed a challenge for a structure designed for such longevity.
Instead, traditional stone interlocking techniques inspired by ancient Indian temple architecture were employed. Massive sandstone blocks were precision-cut and interlocked without metal fasteners. This method, used in heritage structures like the Konark Sun Temple and Brihadeeswara Temple, has stood the test of time. While the foundation and structure draw heavily from traditional methods, the construction process leverages state-of-the-art technology. Advanced tools like 3D modelling and finite element analysis ensured precision and quality. Automated monitoring systems provided real-time data.
The construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple offers valuable lessons for future projects aiming to preserve heritage while embracing technological advancements, sustainability, and engineering innovation. It reminds us of India’s ability to blend its rich heritage with cutting-edge technology, creating landmarks that inspire awe and reverence.
This temple is not just a place of worship, it is a legacy-a structure that will narrate the story of India’s spiritual and engineering achievements for generations to come. It is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and skill of everyone involved in its construction, from architects and engineers to artisans and labourers. When the first rays of sun illuminate temple’s intricately carved walls, they will shine upon a structure that embodies the soul of India – a confluence of devotion, tradition, and progress.
(The writer is chairman of the Ayodhya Ram temple construction committee)
