The process of gold plating the spires of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has commenced, marking a significant step in the ongoing construction and embellishment of the sacred structure. This development comes after the consecration ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024, which saw the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla (child Ram) in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. While the first phase of construction concluded last year, work continues on other parts of the temple complex.
The gold plating work is being carried out under the supervision of experts and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The main spire, standing at 161 feet, will be partially adorned with gold. The gold embellishment will extend approximately ten feet from the highest point of the shikhara (spire), creating a striking visual feature. In December 2024, Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, shared insights on the progress, stating that the work is advancing as planned, with efforts to further accelerate the pace.
The temple will have a total of five spires. Three of them were ready before the consecration ceremony. The remaining two, including the main one, are expected to be completed by December 2024. Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the company responsible for the temple's construction, has deployed a large workforce, including laborers from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, to ensure timely completion.
In addition to the spires, other elements of the temple are also receiving special attention. The doors on the first floor are being gold-plated, featuring intricate designs such as elephants pouring water on lotus flowers and the symbols of Jaya and Vijaya. Special lighting is also being installed on the main spire. A 42-foot flag pole was installed atop the temple's main spire on April 29, 2025. Preparations to apply gold on the 4-foot kalash of the temple have also been completed.
Beyond the main structure, the construction of seven smaller temples, known as the Sapt Mandap, is also underway. Furthermore, a ‘parkota’ (boundary wall) will be ready before the monsoon season, providing shelter to devotees from rain and sun. Temples dedicated to six devis and devatas will be built along the parkota, and temples of seven sages are also planned within the Ramjanmabhoomi premises.
Since the consecration ceremony, Ayodhya has witnessed a surge in devotees. To manage the increasing footfall, the road from Tedhi Bazaar to the post office via Ashrafi Bhawan and Vibhishan Kund is being widened to 15 meters. Additionally, facilities for visitors are being enhanced, with the Yatri Suvidha Kendra (tourist facilitation centre), power distribution sub-stations, and a sewage treatment plant expected to be operational soon.
The Ram Temple is designed in the ancient Nagara style, featuring a primary shrine (garbhagriha) surrounded by mandapas and crowned by a towering spire (shikhara). The temple complex includes five mandapas: Nritya Mandap (dance hall), Rang Mandap (assembly hall), Sabha Mandap (gathering hall), Prarthana Mandap (prayer hall), and Kirtan Mandap (main shrine). The temple is adorned with thirteen gold-plated doors, 392 pillars, and 44 doorways.
As the gold plating of the spires progresses, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is steadily moving towards completion, symbolizing a blend of architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and enhanced facilities for pilgrims.
