Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 1: In-charge of the construction of Sri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader, Gopal, said that the construction of the Mandir is progressing at a brisk pace and that the programme of dedicating the donations collected through campaign has been successfully held. He said that as per the accounts till March 31, a sum of Rs 3,200 crore was collected.

On Monday May 31, Gopal met Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji at the Pejawar Mutt here and interacted with him.

He said that as per an estimate, Rs 2,000 crore would be needed for the temple construction. "We have received several suggestions for the judicious use of the surplus funds. Suggestions from the committee of financial experts have also been obtained. A final decision will be taken on this issue at the next meeting of Ram Janma Bhoomi Theerthakshetra Trust," he revealed.

On August 5 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had performed Bhoomi Puja and installed the holy pitcher in the spot earmarked for the sanctum sanctorum. On May 17, the process of installing stone form of tortoise and placing of different stones in eight corners of the sanctum sanctorum at a depth of 14 metres was performed as described in scriptures. Below the proposed structure, loose soil along with remnants of an old building are found. As no solid earth was available for laying the foundation, we removed 12 metres of soil in an area measuring 300x400 feet, he said. He stated that the task of filling the cavity with sand, ashes, some concrete mix etc is going on and the work is expected to be completed by October end.

Gopal also explained that efforts to acquire land around the Janma Bhoomi Mandir is going on. He said that the trust has already acquired Fakir Ram Mandir and Kausalya Bhvan and that discussions are held by the trust. He said that land will be acquired for building other necessary structures is on. He exuded confidence about the land needed being made available to the trust. He also explained that land is also being acquired to build a facility for the stay of devotees. Other constructions like Yagashala, cow shelter, Vedic study centre, museum etc will also be constructed, and blueprints of the same are in final stages.