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New Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Chennai artisans craft twin pure-gold swings worth Rs 12 crore for Ram Lalla's Shravana ritual
LUCKNOW: In a dazzling new addition to the opulent offerings at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, two intricately designed 24-carat gold jhoolas (swings), crafted by Chennai-based artisans, will soon be used to ceremonially seat Ram Lalla during the auspicious month of Shravana beginning July 11. Each swing weighs approximately 5.5 kg and together they are valued at an estimated Rs 12 crore. The twin jhoolas, created with exquisite precision and devotion, are among the most ritually significant artefacts added to the temple's already lavish collection. The latest addition to the glittering trove of donations enhances the temple's grandeur even further. Notably, the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with 42 gold-coated doors, a majestic throne featuring Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, his four brothers and Lord Hanuman; and several other sacred items including crowns, bows, arrows, chhatras and the kalash atop the temple's spire, all of which have captured public and media attention since the consecration. According to sources from the temple trust, the jhoolas have been designed in consonance with traditional Vaishnavite aesthetics, featuring lotus-petal-shaped borders, Shankh and Chakra motifs, and delicate floral filigree.
News18
3 days ago
- General
- News18
Ayodhya Temple Gets Rs 12-Crore Twin Gold Swings For Ram Lalla's Shravana Rituals
Last Updated: The swings will be maintained under temperature‑controlled conditions. Daily aarti rituals with Ram Lalla on the gold swings are expected to commence soon after July 17. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has unveiled its most opulent new treasures: two 24‑carat gold jhoolas (swings), each weighing approximately 5.5 kg, combining to a total of about 11 kg of pure gold, and valued at an estimated Rs 12 crore. A Glittering New Addition to an Already Golden Legacy This latest donation enhances the temple's long-standing reputation for grandeur, joining a prestigious collection that includes 42 gold‑coated doors (totaling ~100 kg of gold), a majestic throne, crown, bow, arrow, chhatra, and the kalash atop the temple's shikhar – all of which have garnered significant public and media attention since the temple's consecration. Design and Craftsmanship The design of the jhoolas embodies classical Vaishnavite aesthetics – featuring lotus-petal scallops, conch and chakra motifs, and fine floral filigree. The seats are suspended by elaborately carved chains and embellished with miniature temple mandapa pillars along the frame. Each swing is equipped with cushioned red velvet seating inset with gold brocade. According to temple trust officials, veteran artisans from Chennai – whose lineage spans over 200 years of temple craftsmanship – crafted these jhoolas under the guidance of master goldsmiths. These craftsmen drew inspiration from descriptions in the Valmiki Ramayana and used a combination of modern design precision with traditional repoussé techniques, hand-chasing, and gem-studded detailing. These swings are not decorative pieces alone; they hold ritual significance, having been created specifically for Ram Lalla to be ceremonially seated and gently swung during the holy month of Shravana, which begins in mid-July. Their purity, symbolic detailing, and dedicated ritual purpose make them an extraordinary blend of devotion, heritage, and artistry, unmatched in contemporary temple traditions. Significance for Shravana Rituals Shravana, the sacred month when Lord Ram is traditionally swung in a jhoola, begins around July 17, 2025. The shrine's priestly custodians explain that the ornate swings will be installed in the sanctum for daily use. This ceremonial act is believed to refresh devotees' spiritual bond with the deity, offering an immersive ritual experience featuring rhythmic movement and melodic bhajans. Temple Trust Speaks Champat Rai, General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said, 'These twin jhoolas are not merely ornaments but a devotional offering of the highest order. Their construction by master craftsmen from Chennai brings traditional artistry to Ayodhya, enhancing the temple's sanctity. We look forward to their use during Shravana as Ram Lalla partakes in the cherished ritual of jhoola‑swinging." Regarding the cost and donation, Rai said, 'At an estimated Rs 12 crore for both swings, these jhoolas reflect the depth of devotion among our donours. Every detail – from the lotus motifs to temple pillar chains—is imbued with spiritual symbolism." Temple's Gold Narrative So far, the temple has utilised approximately 45 kg of gold, valued around Rs 50 crore, in the doors and throne of Lord Ram. The first golden door – 12 feet high and 8 feet wide – was installed on January 10, 2024, and plans called for the installation of 13 more, ultimately resulting in 46 doors, with 42 treated in gold plating using around 100 kg of gold. The jhoolas, however, stand apart in their ritualistic function and proximity to the deity – designed not as static artefacts but as active participants in worship during Shravan. Their unveiling signals a new chapter in the temple's evolving spiritual tapestry. With Shravana approaching, the temple conservatory is finalising installation and ceremonial protocols. The jhoolas will be maintained under temperature‑controlled conditions to preserve the gold's sheen. Daily aarti rituals with Ram Lalla on the jhoola are expected to commence soon after July 17, accompanied by devotional singing and temple processions. First Published: July 02, 2025, 15:20 IST
