'It Was About Reclaiming Identity': Historic Tent That Housed Ram Lalla For 30 Years To Be Part Of Ram Temple
The pink-coloured tent will be preserved along with a traditional wooden throne within the grand Ram Mandir complex as sacred memorials
How did a humble temple tent, which housed Ram Lalla for over three decades in the heart of Ayodhya, come to be?
The iconic pink-coloured tent, erected in the chaotic aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 to shelter the idol of Lord Ram will now, after the announcement of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, be preserved along with a traditional wooden throne within the grand Ram Mandir complex as sacred memorials.
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As the announcement rekindled memories of the turbulent days of 1992, News18 delved deep into the past—revisiting how the tent temple came into existence, tracing its transformations, and speaking to old-time Karsevaks, residents of Ayodhya, and priests who were witness to the moment the tent took shape in the immediate aftermath of the demolition.
The Birth Of The Tent Temple
On the evening of December 6, 1992, as the dust from the Babri Masjid’s demolition settled, urgency gripped the Karsevaks as they knew the forces would arrive soon.
“We had little time," recalls Santosh Dubey, a Karsevak who played an active role in both the temple movement and the immediate erection of the makeshift shrine. “There was a clear plan—once the structure was brought down, Ram Lalla must not be left in the open."
It was not just a spontaneous act of faith, but part of the broader planning. A dozen Karsevaks were assigned the specific task of ensuring that Ram Lalla was given a roof before nightfall.
Dubey told News18 that the tent and tarpaulin, used by the truckers to cover the loaded goods, were arranged by Mahant Devramdas Vedanti, while the other part of the covering came from Gyani Ji of the Brahmakund Gurudwara.
“Since bamboo was not available, we used eucalyptus logs which were being used at the neighbouring construction site," Dubey recollected. These were brought by Durga Pehalwan and Bhishan Tiwari on a two-wheeler. “Establishing a permanent ‘chhappar’ would have taken time. We knew forces were closing in, and a sacred presence had to be established immediately."
Within hours, a tent temple—fragile, improvised, and sacred—stood at the site, sheltering the idol of Ram Lalla. It was a structure born not just of urgency, but of immense devotion, he added.
Baba Satyanarayan Maurya’s Tale
Among the most compelling personal recollections is that of Baba Satyanarayan Maurya, another key Karsevak and spiritual figure. He remembers the moment not as chaos, but as divine clarity. “We were told the police would enter any minute. If Ram Lalla wasn’t seated, the land might again be claimed as disputed," he says.
According to Baba, the materials for the first temple—banner cloth, jute ropes, wooden poles—were sourced in desperation. “Bhagwan Ram gave us the strength. We built with what little we had," he recounts. The idol was installed even before the structure was fully complete, with chants of “Jai Shri Ram" echoing through the night. He said it was at the same time, a popular slogan—Rama Lalla hum ayenge, Mandir Wahin Banayenge, which later became a face of Ram temple movement—was coined.
Many Hands, One Faith
While Dubey and Maurya provide vivid first-hand accounts, theirs are among many.
Mahendra Tripathi, now president of the Ayodhya Press Club, was a young reporter in 1992. “I saw people from all walks of life—locals, sadhus, shopkeepers—contributing whatever they could. It wasn’t just about religion. It was about reclaiming identity."
Vinod Mishra, a resident shopkeeper, remembers how carpets, plastic sheets, and spare cloth were donated and stitched together. “People wept while setting up the tent. They believed something eternal was being born," he recalls.
Rituals Inside a Tent
Though built in haste, the rituals inside the tent mirrored the grandeur of any formal temple. Each day began with Mangal Aarti, followed by bhog, shringar, and Sandhya Aarti. Ram Lalla’s attire followed a strict weekly colour schedule—white for Monday (Chandra), red for Tuesday (Hanuman), and so on, culminating in saffron on Sunday (Surya).
Ahead of every Ram Navami, two full sets of garments for the week were stitched with meticulous care. Even the smallest change, like replacing torn fabric, required formal administrative approval.
Despite high footfall and growing offerings—annual donations ranged between Rs 65 lakh and Rs 85 lakh—monthly expenses remained tightly regulated at Rs 93,200. All spending over Rs 4,000 needed the Ayodhya Commissioner’s sanction, who functioned as the court-appointed ‘Receiver’.
Preserving Memory, Inspiring Generations
From humble jute to engineered fire-proof fabric, the tent evolved without losing its identity. By 2015, it was replaced with a modern canopy designed by an institute in Roorkee at a cost of Rs 12 lakh. Still, it was known as a “tent temple"—a symbol of simplicity and sanctity.
However now, as Ram Lalla has moved to his permanent sanctum, the tent and wooden throne will serve a new purpose—as historical artefacts enshrined within the temple complex.
“The tent and throne will remind pilgrims of the long, emotional journey. These are not just objects—they are sacred witnesses," said Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Temple Construction Committee. While sharing the future plans, he said it includes the creation of green zones named Panchvati, a completed parkota (boundary wall), and the upcoming consecration of Ram Darbar on the first floor. As landscaping, security, and sanctity merge, the spirit of the tent will live on—not just in form, but in faith. The tent that once shielded a deity will now protect a memory, which is etched into history.
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