New Delhi. In response to all the recent reports about water leakage from the roof of the Ram Mandir sanctum sanctorum during the monsoon season, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai has issued a clarification to dispel any misinformation. Champat Rai stressed that there has been no water leakage in the sanctum sanctorum, where the idol of Lord Ram Lalla is seated. Not a single drop of water is leaking from the roof and water has not entered the sanctum sanctorum from any source.
Rai said the temporary arrangements are part of the ongoing construction efforts. The Gur Mandap, located to the east of the sanctum sanctorum, is temporarily covered for now. The final roof structure, which includes a dome, will be placed about 60 feet above the ground floor after the construction of the second floor is complete. This mandap has a diameter of 35 feet and is temporarily covered on the first floor to allow darshan while construction continues on the pillars of the second floor.
Jai Shri Ram!
I am presenting some facts before you regarding the water dripping from the roof of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple during rainy season.
The first thing is that in the sanctum sanctorum where Lord Ramlala is seated, not a single drop of water has dripped from the roof, nor has water entered the sanctum sanctorum from anywhere.
— Champat Rai (@ChampatRaiVHP) June 26, 2024
The process of constructing stone temples involves laying electric pipes and junction boxes on top of the stone ceilings. These pipes pass through the ceilings to provide light to the ground floor. During the construction of the first floor, these pipes and junction boxes were not yet fully waterproofed. As a result, rainwater entered the junction boxes and passed through the pipes, leading to roof leaks on the ground floor. Rai assured that once the waterproofing and flooring work on the first floor is completed, the pipes will be sealed, preventing water from reaching the ground floor.
Rai highlighted that the temple and its surrounding complex have been designed with an efficient rainwater drainage system. This arrangement ensures that there is no waterlogging in the temple or its premises. Additionally, recharge pits are being arranged to manage rainwater in the complex, following a zero water discharge policy. The temple is being constructed under the supervision of renowned companies like L&T and Tata. Additionally, traditional temple architecture expertise is being provided by Ashish Sompura, son of Chandrakant Sompura, along with skilled artisans. Rai assured that the quality of construction is impeccable, and no compromise has been made in it.
Rai said this is the first time a stone temple of this scale is being built in North India without using iron, following the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style. He also mentioned that globally only Swaminarayan temples have this kind of stone construction. Despite the construction, the temple remains open for devotees. Around 100,000 to 115,000 devotees visit daily to have darshan of the child form of Lord Ram Lalla. The temple is open from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm and devotees can complete their visit within an hour, including taking prasad. Mobile phones are prohibited inside the temple.