Answer: (b) Symbolizes Mount Meru

• • Explanation: The editorial states that the soaring shikhara of the Ram Mandir represents Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain in Hinduism, signifying the quest for spiritual liberation and connection with the divine.

Answer: (c) Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

• • Explanation: Meenakshi Amman Temple, with its gopurams and pyramidal roofs, exemplifies the Dravidian style, distinct from the Nagara style.

Answer: (a) Garbhagriha

• • Explanation: The editorial describes the Garbhagriha as the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the black Shaligram stone idol of Lord Rama.

Answer: (b) Serving as halls for rituals and gatherings

• • Explanation: Mandapas are pillared halls dedicated to different deities and used for ceremonies, prayers, and community gatherings.

Answer: (c) It has spurred a comprehensive redevelopment project.

• • Explanation: The editorial highlights the ongoing transformation of Ayodhya, including infrastructure development, parks, museums, and improved pilgrim amenities, spurred by the construction of the Ram Mandir.

Answer: (b) Prana Pratishtha

• • Explanation: This ceremony involves chanting mantras, performing rituals, and infusing the idol with divine life force, transforming it from a stone figure into a sacred object of worship.

Answer: (b) Sandstone

• • Explanation: Nagara temples are mainly built with red or buff sandstone, known for its durability and warm appearance.

Answer: (b) Chandrakant B Sompura

• • Explanation: The editorial clarifies that Chandrakant B Sompura and his son Ashish designed the Ram Mandir, despite an earlier mention of Champat Rai.

Answer: (b) Nagara

• • Explanation: The editorial explicitly mentions that the Ram Mandir is constructed in the traditional Nagara style, characterized by its pyramidal shikhara, amalaka disc, and kalasha pots.

Answer: (d) All of the above

• • Explanation: The installation marks the culmination of a long and sensitive journey, signifies the continuation of Rama worship, and holds potential for social harmony while acknowledging the past complexities.

Answer: (b) Amalaka

• • Explanation: The amalaka, resembling a half-moon, marks the transition from the earthly realm to the celestial in the Nagara style.

Answer is A

• • The idol depicts Lord Ram as a five-year-old child in a standing posture. It was sculpted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj.

Answer: (b) Black Shaligram

• • Explanation: Shaligrams, fossilized ammonites, are considered sacred manifestations of Lord Vishnu, of whom Rama is an avatar. The black color symbolizes the cosmic void from which creation arises, aligning with Rama's role as an upholder of dharma.

Answer: (c) A tall, pyramidal tower called a shikhara

• • Explanation: The shikhara, symbolizing Mount Meru and spiritual ascent, is the most distinctive element of the Nagara style.