RamTemple – Sacred Kodanda Bow Finds Place in Ayodhya’s Grand Shrine
RamTemple – A significant symbol associated with Lord Rama has been installed at the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, adding another important chapter to the spiritual heritage of the sacred city. The revered Kodanda, the traditional bow linked to Lord Rama, has been placed within the temple premises, representing a blend of religious devotion, cultural continuity, and national sentiment.
Crafted Through Traditional Metalwork
The sacred bow weighs 286 kilograms and has been created using panchadhatu, a traditional alloy consisting of gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron. Measuring approximately eight feet in length and two and a half feet in width, the structure is valued at around Rs 1.25 crore. The project was completed by a team of 48 women artisans from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, who spent nearly eight months carefully shaping and finishing the elaborate piece.
Depictions of National Bravery
One of the distinctive features of the Kodanda is the detailed artwork engraved across its surface. The carvings portray moments of military courage and sacrifice, including scenes inspired by the Kargil conflict. These artistic elements were incorporated to acknowledge the dedication of India’s armed forces while connecting themes of service, duty, and patriotism with the broader cultural narrative represented by the bow.
Long Journey Across Odisha
Before reaching Ayodhya, the Kodanda travelled through Odisha as part of a large religious procession. The ceremonial journey was organised by the Sanatan Jagran Manch in collaboration with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The procession began in Rourkela on January 3 and moved through all 30 districts of the state over several weeks.
The bow attracted attention at numerous stops during its journey, where local residents gathered to witness the sacred artifact and participate in related religious activities.
Special Stop at Jagannath Temple
A major milestone during the procession came on January 19, when the Kodanda reached the historic Jagannath Temple in Puri. Devotees were given an opportunity to view the bow during its stay in the temple town. Following the visit, the ceremonial journey resumed toward Ayodhya.
The sacred artifact eventually arrived in the holy city on January 22, where it was later placed in the Ram Temple as a permanent symbol of faith and tradition.
Devotee Participation Along the Route
According to VHP representatives, thousands of devotees viewed the Kodanda during its passage across different regions. Organisers described the bow as more than a religious object, noting that it reflects long-standing cultural traditions and the enduring faith associated with Sanatan values.
The installation of the Kodanda also follows other notable contributions made to Ayodhya in recent months. Among them was the presentation of a rare 233-year-old Sanskrit manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana, which was gifted to Ram Lala and preserved at Ram Katha Kunj. Together, these offerings continue to strengthen Ayodhya’s role as an important centre of religious and cultural heritage in India.