Latest news with #ShreeAmbikaEngineeringWorks

News18

Inside The Making Of Ram Temple's 5,500-Kg Brass Dhwaja Dand

Last Updated: At 42 feet in height and weighing 5,500 kg, the flagstaff is among the tallest and heaviest ever built in India Rising 203 feet above the holy ground of Ayodhya, a colossal Dhwaja Dand — built from brass and other rare metals — now crowns the Ram Temple's sanctum. At 42 feet in height and weighing 5,500 kg, the flagstaff is among the tallest and heaviest ever built in India, symbolising an eternal connection between earth and the divine, further enhancing the beauty of the Ram Temple. This Dhwaja Dand, also known as Dhwaja Stambh, is a towering presence on Ayodhya's skyline — an eternal flagbearer of the dharmic ideals and traditions that Lord Ram represents. According to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the 5.5-tonne monolithic brass structure was crafted over seven months by 60 skilled artisans at Shree Ambika Engineering Works, a reputed firm based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which has been involved in precision metalwork for over eight decades. THE MAKING OF A DHWAJA DAND The making of the Dhwaja Dand was not merely an exercise in metalwork — it was a deeply spiritual endeavour guided by age-old tradition and cosmic principles. The process began with strict adherence to the Shilpa Shastras, the ancient Hindu architectural scriptures that outline divine proportions and metaphysical resonance for all sacred structures. 'Every dimension was mapped not just for structural balance but for its spiritual significance," said Bharat Mewada, Managing Director of Shree Ambika Engineering Works, the Ahmedabad-based firm that crafted the monumental flagstaff. The material used was pure brass, carefully selected and refined to meet the high standards of ritual sanctity and longevity. 'No other non-ferrous metals were used — it had to be 100% brass to retain the pole's spiritual conductivity and ensure century-long durability," Mewada added. This purity also makes the structure naturally resistant to corrosion — a critical factor given its elevation and exposure. आज वैशाख शुक्ल द्वितीया २९ अप्रैल २०२५ मंगलवार प्रातः ८ बजे राम जन्मभूमि मन्दिर के मुख्य शिखर पर ध्वज दण्ड स्थापित किया गया, ध्वज दण्ड की लम्बाई ४२ फुट है, ध्वज दण्ड लगाने की प्रक्रिया प्रातः ६.३० बजे प्रारंभ होकर प्रातः ८ बजे पूर्ण हुई। — Champat Rai (@ChampatRaiVHP) April 29, 2025 CRAFTSMANSHIP AND SACRED SYMBOLISM Given its sheer size — 44 feet in length and 9.5 inches in diameter — the Dhwaja Dand was cast in multiple segments. 'Each section was meticulously shaped using precision moulds and underwent intensive grinding, polishing, and seamless fusion. The result is a uniformly dense, finely balanced monolith that now rests atop the 161-foot-high main shikhar, making the total temple height a majestic 203 feet," he further said. What truly distinguishes this Dhwaja Dand, however, is its sacred artistry. Engraved along its shaft are symbols drawn directly from Hindu scripture — the Surya (Sun God), the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law), and spiralling motifs symbolising divine energy. 'These are not just aesthetic flourishes but spiritual anchors intended to harmonise the energies between heaven and Earth," said Mewada. He said that each artisan involved in this project was chosen not just for their skill, but for their devotion. 'Many fasted or maintained ritual purity while working. This wasn't just an engineering task — it was an act of seva. We worked under the belief that Lord Ram himself was overseeing every step. The Dhwaja Dand is sacred. Its installation atop a temple doesn't just mark height — it aligns with celestial vibrations and becomes a conduit of blessings," said Mewada, while highlighting the significance of Dhwaja Dand. He said the Dhwaja Dand is the first of its kind in the 81-year history of Shree Ambika Engineering Works, which has otherwise specialised in temple metals and fixtures. 'We've made Dhwaja Dands of up to 30 feet in the past. But haven't crafted anything like this — neither in scale, nor sanctity," he further added. The process of installing the Dhwaja Dand was as complex as its creation. On April 30, at 6:30 AM, a team of engineers ascended the 161-foot-tall main shikhar of the temple. Using two heavy-duty cranes, the 5,500-kg flagstaff was lifted vertically from a specially built trolley. By 8:00 AM, the Dand had been secured atop the temple, concluding a delicate, high-altitude operation that took over 90 minutes. RAM TEMPLE NEARS COMPLETION According to Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, the entire construction of the temple will be completed by June 5, 2025. On that day, worship rituals will also commence in six adjoining temples located along the 800-metre-long Parikrama Path. These include temples dedicated to Maharishi Valmiki, Rishi Vashistha, Ahilya Mata, Nishad Raj, Shabari Mata, and Agastya Muni. All these shrines are built in harmony with traditional architecture and will be open for public darshan shortly after June 5. A GRAND RAM DARBAR AT THE HEART OF THE TEMPLE The Ram Darbar, located on the first floor of the temple, is another architectural jewel. It houses 4.5-foot-high idols of Ram and Sita, flanked by 3.5-foot-high idols of Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughna. Lord Hanuman, in a humble seated posture, is placed at the feet of Sita-Ram, with a 2-foot-tall idol. The Darbar is set on a magnificently carved white marble throne, with a mandapam in front featuring intricate designs carved from Jaipur's pink sandstone. Work is also underway to install marble thrones and idols in the six other shrines. ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR DEVOTEES top videos View all The temple complex, which spans 70 acres, is being equipped with modern amenities while retaining its spiritual ethos. A 10-acre area will house a massive shoe rack complex with 62 counters. The same area will also serve as a sadhana sthal, where devotees can perform rituals and engage in meditation. Landscaped greenery will connect the Sadhana Sthal with Kuber Tila, another spiritually significant site within the campus. On 29 April, when the team of engineers and workers began the installation of the colossal Dhwaja Dand, it was a moment of awe for all present. As the rising sun bathed Ayodhya in golden light, the gleaming Dhwaja Dand stood upright — capturing not only the sky above but the devotion of millions below. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Ayodhya Ram temple Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: May 02, 2025, 16:41 IST News india Inside The Making Of Ram Temple's 5,500-Kg Brass Dhwaja Dand