The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is now a reality, and the faithful are flocking to it in droves. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ram as a child, was consecrated in a grand ceremony by the Prime Minister on January 22, with the event bearing the hallmarks of religious fervour, absolute faith, and a strong dose of politics.

How it was done

In the midst of all the devotion and historic significance, the jewellery worn by Ram Lalla caught the attention of many keen observers. Says Ankur Anand of Harsahaimal Shiamlal Jewellers, which designed and manufactured all the jewellery for the main idol, “The Trust (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust set up for the construction and management of the Ram Mandir by the Government of India in February 2020) approached me after the PM finalized the idol on December 30, 2023. On January 2, 2024, it asked me to make all the ornaments. We had a timeline of just 12 days. The main directions were that Shree Ram Lalla is a five-and-a-half-year-old boy, and of a royal lineage. We had to keep these two important points in mind while designing the jewellery. Thanks to Lord Ram, we were able to make everything in time.”

Designing the jewellery was not as easy task. Apart from the time crunch, it had to be of the best quality, and true to the era of Lord Ram. More than 130 craftsmen worked round the clock to put together the ornaments that adorn the main idol.

Anand says, “We were inspired by Hindu texts and the TV show Ramayan. We observed the ornaments closely, and then started designing the jewellery. The collection comprises 14 pieces, certified by a third-party certification authority, the International Gemological Institute (IGI).”

Details of the jewellery

The crown is the most important ornament of all, and also the heaviest piece at 1.7 kg. It has a halo at the back, which is made in 22 ct gold. It has 75cts of diamonds, 135 cts of Zambian emeralds and 262 cts of rubies, apart from other gemstones. In the centre, it bears the Suryavanshi logo, from which Lord Ram descended. The peacock in the crown symbolizes royalty. The emerald indicates wisdom and the rubies are the stones of the Sun god. Natural diamonds signify purity and honesty.

The tilak features a 3ct diamond and Burmese rubies. They have been placed in such a way as to ensure that the first rays of the Sun fall on the tilak. Ram Lalla is also adorned with three necklaces. Kantha, a crescent-shaped necklace, has intricate gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. Crafted from gold, it features floral designs, symbolizing good fortune.

Padika, worn below the throat and above the navel, is a five-stranded necklace made of diamonds and emeralds, featuring a large, ornate pendant. Vijayamala, the third and longest necklace, is made of 22ct gold, and studded with rubies. It symbolizes victory and features auspicious Vaishnava symbols, such as the Sudarshana Chakra, Lotus, Shankh, and Mangal Kalash.

Then there is the Kaustubh Mani, worn on the heart, and decorated with a large ruby and diamonds. Besides, the Kardhani, a gem-studded gold waistband adorned with diamonds, rubies, pearls, and emeralds, is worn around Ram Lalla’s waist. The deity’s hands are decorated with gold-studded Bhujbandh, along with gem-studded Kangan and Mudrika. Ram Lalla also holds a gold bow adorned with pearls, rubies, and emeralds in the left hand, while the right hand holds a golden arrow.

Lord Ram’s feet have gem-studded anklets and toe rings, featuring diamonds and rubies, along with golden ankle bells. And as Lord Ram is depicted as a young boy, toys made of silver are placed before the idol.

Here’s hoping the temple ushers an era of peace, harmony, and justice in the country, as well as the world.