SRI RAM MANDIR
A Modern Temple in Nagar Style
Ashok Vihar, Delhi
Inspired by the Saint preacher Swami Kripavananda of Gujarat, in 1975, I managed to convince the residents of Ashok Vihar, an upcoming neighbourhood in Delhi to initate the construction of a Hindu Temple according to the dictates of traditional Indian architecture (Vaastu S'aastra). Thus a Sri Ram Mandir Samiti was registered (S-6045) and after procurement of land (3430 sq. yards) from the Delhi Development authority it was consecrated (Bhuumi Puujan) on 14.2.79 and the foundation stones were laid (Shilaanyaasa) on 7.5.79 for a temple of Sri Ram. Delhi thus began a stone temple of Vaastu art after 800 years..
The temple was designed by Ogharh Bhai Sompura, the architect of modern Somnath, and is being supervised by his grandson C.B. Sompura. It is a Nagar Style plan replete with full carvings on its outer and inner walls and pillars and other features of embellishments such as Mahaapiith.a, Mand.ovara, Samvaran.a and three Shikharas, the centre one going upto 100 ft. The temple carving artisans and sculptors from Gujarat and Rajasthan have raised the structure to a height of 28 ft so far..
This Sri Ram Mandir shall have the Sita, Ram , Lakshmana and Hanuman in the middle as the main shrine and Shiva and Hanuman shrines on the sides. Located in the middle of a modern residential area, it aims to reflect the great Indian tradition of temple as living archtecture (Vaastu Purusha) stimulating the other arts of dance, music and poetry for the fulfilment of good conduct (dharma), wealth (artha ), desire (kaama) and liberation (moksha).