Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): With the foundation stone for the Ram Temple to be laid in Ayodhya on August 5, the long-awaited dream of Annu Bhai Sompura, a dedicated Kar Sevak, will finally be fulfilled.
At a short distance from Karsewakpuram in Ayodhya, is the Shri Ram Mandir Nirman workshop, which was established by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas in 1992. Since its establishment, carving of stones to be used in the construction of the Ram Temple is being carried out at the workshop.
The workshop in Ayodhya is no less than any other temple in the holy city, as thousands of devotees, who come to offer their obeisance to Ram Lalla, visit the workshop every year.
80-year old Annu Bhai Sompura is the supervisor of this workshop. Annu Bhai, who used to construct temples on contract earlier, moved to Ayodhya when he was 50 years old. In 1990, he was given the responsibility of preparing a map for Ram temple. Subsequently, he was also given the task to supervise the carving of stones in the workshop.
Annu Bhai also engaged his son-in-law in the workshop. Unfortunately, however, he died last year while working in the workshop. He is survived by his wife and daughter, who are now the responsibility of Annu Bhai.
Workers vulnerable to chest ailments
In the past 30 years, two artisans have lost their lives while working in the workshop. These were recorded as natural deaths. The first death was reported in 2001 while the second death in 2019. Due to stone dust, workers in the workshop are vulnerable to silicosis TB and other chest related ailments.
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More stones required
According to Annu Bhai, stones required for the construction of one floor of the temple have been carved and are ready for use. The work on stones to be used for the second floor is underway. The carving of stones will continue.
He said that more stones would be required following some modifications in the original model of the temple. The stones are being arranged. Earlier 1.75 lakh cubic feet was required, but now the need has been increased to 3 lakh cubic feet of stones. All the stones will be brought from Rajasthan.
Workshop never stopped functioning
Annu Bhai informed that the workshop has been operational all these years. Initially, around 50 artisans, hailing from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Mirzapur were working in the workshop. Later on, the number went up to 150 as the work pressure mounted.
As the temple construction work is all set to start after the foundation laying ceremony on August 5, the stones which have been carved for use are being washed by Delhi-based firm KLA Construction.
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