Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)

Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee, on Friday reviewed the progress of the Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya, as a two-day review meeting commenced for the ongoing work.

Speaking to the media, Mishra said that members of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust recently met President Droupadi Murmu and extended an invitation for her to visit Ayodhya for a darshan of Lord Ram Lalla. The President has accepted the invitation and is scheduled to visit Ayodhya in March, with the exact date yet to be finalised.

Mishra informed that several valuable heritage texts have been received by the Trust. Among them is a nearly 400-year-old commentary on the Valmiki Ramayana in Sanskrit script, belonging to the Central Sanskrit University, Delhi. The manuscript had previously been kept at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum.

However, following the Trust's request and in view of arrangements to place the Ramayana on the second floor of the temple complex near the sanctum, the manuscript has now been gifted permanently to the Trust. Champat Rai, General Secretary of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has brought the manuscript to Ayodhya.

"The Trust has received some heritage books, including a nearly 400-year-old commentary on the Valmiki Ramayana, written in Sanskrit script, from the Central Sanskrit University, Delhi. This rare manuscript was earlier on loan to the Rashtrapati Bhavan museum but has now been gifted to the Trust. A committee consisting of experts will be formed to determine the age and authenticity of the books," Mishra told reporters.

The Committee has also decided that the oldest and most authentic versions of the Valmiki Ramayana, including translations in various Indian and regional languages, will be preserved at the temple complex.

Additionally, the Ram Yantra, presented by the Shankaracharya of Kanchi, will also be installed at the temple.

Mishra further stated that a special committee of subject experts will be constituted to determine the age and authenticity of manuscripts and heritage books. While many individuals have expressed interest in donating such texts, only verified and authenticated materials will be accepted. Advertisements will be issued to invite submissions accordingly.

Reviewing the construction progress, Mishra said that the memorial associated with the temporary temple, where Lord Ram was worshipped from 2020 and earlier, is progressing satisfactorily and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

The memorial dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives during the Ram Temple movement is also under construction and is likely to be completed by the end of March.

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He added that the construction agencies, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Tata Group, are expected to complete their remaining work by the end of April, after which responsibilities will be formally handed over.

The committee will also review the progress of facade lighting and signage across the temple complex. Additionally, the facade lighting of the temple will be reviewed, along with the facade and signage to be installed across the entire complex. The Ram Yantra, given by the Shankaracharya of Kanchi to Champat Rai, will also be placed in the temple.