E-Paper
Ram Janki temple has magnificent sculpture
Very few temples in the city showcase such beautifully sculptured designs as found in Ram Janki temple. This temple is located in Kydganj area near the newly constructed Yamuna bridge. According to the present priest Ram Sunder Pandey, the foundation stone of this temple was laid in the year 1902 by late Mahadev Kunwar, the Rajmata of Sultanpur.
Very few temples in the city showcase such beautifully sculptured designs as found in Ram Janki temple. This temple is located in Kydganj area near the newly constructed Yamuna bridge.
According to the present priest Ram Sunder Pandey, the foundation stone of this temple was laid in the year 1902 by late Mahadev Kunwar, the Rajmata of Sultanpur. "The rituals associated with the base of this temple were performed in the year 1913 and finally the construction work was completed in 1924," said Pandey.
Pandey belongs to the third generation of the priests who were appointed for the first time in the temple. "My grandfather late Harinath Acharya was succeeded by my father late Parmanand Acharya," said Pandey. The management of the temple was handed over to the Trust named Ishwarji Mahadevji Trust Nabalig. "It was established so that no one could ever sell property of this temple in future," he added.
Ram Janki temple has been built of stone. The pale brown facade of the structure fails to make it conspicuous for the passersby. The real charm is highlighted only on entering the premises. The exterior too is rather fascinating if looked at closely.
The magnificence of the huge arched entrance is enhanced by equally huge doors which open inside. There are four shelves, two on either side of the entrance which have been intricately sculptured. They lie empty at present.
Floral designs with details reveal the effort which the artisans must have put in to make this temple as attractive as possible.
Right above the entrance are protruding balconies which again showcase the art of carvings at their best. On entering the premises, there is a huge courtyard.
At the north side of this courtyard is the actual place of worship where the idols of Ram, Janki, and Laksham have been placed. These idols are made of ashtadhatu. There are also the idols of Hanuman, Teerthraj Prayag, Maa Durga and Shaligram. A Shivlinga also finds place among the idols which is placed in a separate shelf. The ceiling of this spot has been tastefully designed with floral patterns. There are also several pillars to support the ceiling.
Lining the central courtyard are several rooms which were used for the residential purpose. A staircase to the right of the entrance leads to the first floor of the temple where there are few rooms. Thus altogether, there are 25 rooms in this temple.
"These rooms were used for the residential purpose just like a dharmashala. Rajmata Mahadev Kunwar used to visit the temple during festivals and she and her attendants stayed in these rooms. Even today several religious festivals are celebrated here such as Janmashtami and Ram Navami. Locals as well as those from other cities visit the temple," said Pandey.
A dharmashala was also constructed right in front of the temple which has now been destroyed. The temple is not in a very good condition and renovation work keeps taking place.
