[W]ith the date for ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ being fixed, donations have started pouring in for the temple construction. The Lucknow chapter of the Indian Bullion Jewellers Association donated bricks weighing approx 34 kg to temple trust chief Mahant Nirtya Gopal Das on Tuesday. On the other, Ramadal Trust handed over a cheque of Rs 21,000 to the temple trust.1

As per the modification suggested in the design of the temple, its width is likely to be increased from 140 feet to 270- 280 feet. The length is likely to increase from 268 to 280-300 feet. In addition, the height would be raised to 161 feet from the originally proposed 128 feet.

After the new suggested modification, the temple would now become a three-storey structure instead of originally proposed two floors. The overall temple area will also be increased.  The overall area of the Ram Janmbhoomi complex will also be enhanced from 70 acres to 100-120 acres, said the sources.

• 1. Architects Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura, sons of the project’s chief architect Chandrakant Sompura, will draw the modified design of the temple. However, there will be no change in the basic design, according to Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, heir apparent of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chairman of the temple trust.