The people across the country are eagerly awaiting for the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.
The magnificent architectural marvel is taking shape and scores of artisans and workers from various states like Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and others are putting in their contributions. The workers are working in shifts and there are others who are contributing as volunteers.
“I am engaged in idol works. The work is now on for various Ram Avatars,” said a worker from Balasore adding that other workers are from Cuttack, Lalitgiri, and Puri. The worker informed that they are working for 10 to 12 hours a day.
“I feel happy to serve Lord Ram. I am grateful that I got an opportunity to get service. I have not visited my home for the last four months,” he added.
The artisans from Odisha are working very hard and have contributed immensely to stone carving on pillars and drawing iconographic figures of idols, said project engineer-in-chief, Jagdish Saphale.
In an exclusive interview, the official said the artisans from Odisha deserve special appreciation despite not being in the organised sector. However, they are experts in the work.
Official sources said, marble and pink sandstone from Rajasthan, granite stones from Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and items and stones from Madhya Pradesh have been used in the under-construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Senior officials said that the Ram temple in Ayodhya can survive for around 1000 years.
“As per the temple’s design, vibration analysis, and stones, the CBRI has guaranteed that the temple will stay for around 1000 years. Whatever the work we are doing, there will be no problem for the next 200 to 300 years,” said Jagdish.
According to Jadgish, several other agencies like the IIT, National Geo-research Institute, and Institute of Rock Mechanisms have been involved in the entire process. The stones used have been checked and the workers and others are working very hard to complete the construction work as they think it is a service to the Lord.
“From tribals to the highly influential or high-status people, everybody has contributed in their own way to the construction work. It is a special thing for me and I am working at a place which is now the centre of attraction. I have been associated with the project since day one. I thank everybody for trusting me and giving me an opportunity. Age doesn’t matter, and I am quite young with experience,” Jagdish added.