At Modi-Yogi meeting, a museum of temples in Ayodhya takes centrestage

The proposed museum will showcase the history, architecture and significance of famous temples across the country. It will provide detailed information on all the temples for pilgrims and tourists.

According to sources, at least 25 acres of land will be required for the museum, and the Ayodhya administration has identified five locations as possible sites. Sources said there were no discussions on the deadline for starting the project, but officials have been asked to finalise the site at the earliest.

A consultant who designed the concept of the museum is learnt to have given a detailed presentation of the project. Sources said Modi gave suggestions on enhancing the grandeur of the museum and making it more attractive for devotees.

According to sources, while Modi did not seek an update on the temple construction, the state administration submitted a booklet containing information on the progress and status of various infrastructure projects in Ayodhya. Many of these projects are expected to be completed before the opening of the Ram Temple.

According to the state government, 263 projects worth Rs 30,923 crore are currently underway in Ayodhya. These include the widening of streets, roads and highways; approval of a new outer Ring Road; construction of the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport; and a revamped railway station.

There will be three key pathways: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path to connect Ram Temple with Naya Ghat via Sugreev Qila; Bhakti Path to link the main road to the temple via Hanuman Garhi; and Ram Path to connect Saadatganj to Ram Janmabhoomi.

The Ram Temple is likely to be opened for devotees in January, with the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla any day between January 15 and January 24. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, a trust set up by the Centre for the construction of the temple, has invited Modi for the “pran pratishtha” (consecration) of the idol.

After his meeting with Modi today, Adityanath tweeted in Hindi: “Paid a courtesy call on respected Prime Minister… Your invaluable guidance gives strength to ‘New Uttar Pradesh’ to play an important role in the achievement of the resolution of ‘Developed India @ 2047’.”

In a press release last month, the state government had said the aim of the “temple museum” was to make “the younger generation aware of why a temple was built at a particular place and the philosophy behind its construction which includes the technological progress of ancient India, importance of temples in relation to their worship, educational institutions like ‘mathas’ and ‘pithams’, as well as exploring the architectural brilliance of some of the temples”.