Ayodhya’s Ram Temple has used 45 kilograms of pure gold in its construction, Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra said on Friday. This follows the consecration of the Ram Darbar on the temple’s first floor, held a day earlier. The gold, valued at around Rs 50 crore before taxes, is mainly in the temple doors on the ground floor and the throne of Lord Ram. Mishra also mentioned that gold work continues in the Sheshavatar Temple within the complex.

Gold work and temple construction progress

While the main Ram Temple structure is complete, other parts of the complex—including a museum, auditorium, and guest house—are still being built. These facilities are expected to be finished by December 2025.

Mishra said that after the Ram Darbar’s consecration, arrangements are underway to allow limited, controlled access for devotees. Entry will require passes, which the trust will issue free of cost.

Ram Darbar Passes

A Ram Temple Trust official clarified that the Ram Darbar is not yet open to the general public. Mishra said the trust will finalise a plan for public access in an upcoming meeting. For now, only a limited number of devotees will be allowed to visit the Ram Darbar, and entry will be regulated through passes, which will be issued free of cost.

Thursday’s ceremony was the second major event at the Ram Temple, following the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22 last year, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries.

Idols consecrated in Ram Darbar

Champat Rai, Secretary of the Ram Temple Trust, said the consecration of seven idols was completed on Thursday. The idols placed on the first floor above the sanctum sanctorum include:

• Ram Darbar in the middle
• Shivalinga in the northeastern corner
• Ganapati idol in the southeastern corner
• Hanumana idol in the middle of the southern side
• Surya in the southwestern corner
• Bhagwati in the northwestern corner
• Annapurna Mata in the middle of the northern side

Devotees face challenges in summer heat

Many devotees have found it difficult to visit the temple due to the intense summer heat and limited shade on the path. Ramji Mishra, a devotee from Basti district, said, “The path to the sanctum is very long, and the stones placed on the walkway become scorching hot under the sun. I used to visit Ayodhya before the grand temple was built, and back then the path to see Lord Ram was shorter and more comfortable. Now, the stones are so hot during the day they can cause blisters.”

His companion, Sudhakar Tiwari, added, “Although the temple trust has placed red mats over parts of the path, many of them have torn and become dangerously hot. It's best to wear thick socks while visiting the temple in this weather.”

(Inputs from PTI)