Uttar Pradesh

• 20 Jan 2024

Ex-Ayutthaya and Indo-Thai CORPAT

Why in News?

The Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) conducted a maiden bilateral exercise, named 'Ex-Ayutthaya' and the 36th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also conducted along with the maiden bilateral exercise.

Key Points

• The 'Ex-Ayutthaya' translates to 'The Invincible One' or 'Undefeatable'.
• It symbolizes the significance of two of the oldest cities, Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand.
• The historic legacies, rich cultural ties and shared historical narratives dating back to several centuries.
• It is an ancient city of India and the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram.
• It is the setting of the great epic Ramayana. It is also used to be the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Why in News?

The Pran Pratishtha or consecration ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol will begin with Vishnu Puja and gau daan at the Saryu embankment.

Key Points

• Layout of Ayodhya Ram Mandir:
  • The Temple is built over three 20-foot high floors each with a total of 392 pillars and 44 doors.
  • Makrana Marble and Pink sandstone,granite stone,and colored Marble are used in the construction.
  • Foundation of the temple is built of a 14-metre-thick layer of roller-compacted concrete. And a 21-foot-high granite plinth has been placed to protect against ground moisture.
  • Iron has not been used anywhere in the construction.
• The Architectural style of the temple is Nagara style with Sanctum Sanctorum (garbhagriha), Mandaps (halls), and Mandirs.
• At each corner of the compound will be dedicated to Surya, Bhagwati, Ganesh, Shiv. On the northern and southern arms, temples to Annapurna and Hanuman will be built respectively.
• Temples of Maharshi Valmiki, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Agastya, Nishad Raj, Shabri etc have also been proposed.

Nagara Style of Temple Architecture

• It was first developed in North India during the Gupta period in the 5^th century AD, this style is popular in Northern, Western and Eastern India (except the Bengal region), especially in the regions around Malwa, Rajputana and Kalinga.
• It is built on a simple stone platform with steps leading up to the temple.
• Its features include:
  • Sikharas: The garbhagriha is always located directly below the highest Sikhara. There is also a Kalash (Amalaka) installed on Shikhara.
    • Types of Shikaras: Rekha-Prasad or Latina (The Sri Jagannath Temple of Odisha), Shekari (The Khajuraho Kandariya Mahadev Temple), Valabhi (Teli ka Mandir), Phamsana (The Jagmohan of Konark Temple).
• Absence of boundary walls or gateways.
• They are Orissa school, Chandel school and Solanki school.