• Source:JND
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Chandrakant Sompura, an architect from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri this year. Known for his deep-rooted expertise in temple architecture, Sompura comes from a lineage of artisans who have designed over 200 temples across the globe.

In an interview with NDTV, Chandrakant Sompura said that he had designed the Ram temple over 30 years ago using his footsteps as a unit of measurement. "At that time, we were not allowed to take measuring tapes. I was told to just have a look around alone. It was very difficult for me to envision a temple without proper measurements. So, I used my feet and counted the steps. I remembered all the steps – from left to right and across – and later replicated the design inside a big hall where I could take proper measurements," Sompura explained.

The Ram temple, now spanning 2.7 acres, was envisioned by Sompura in the traditional Nagar style of architecture. Remarkably, the structure was built without the use of iron, showcasing the traditional craftsmanship of India.

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Padma Awardee Chandrakant Sompura is the grandson of Padma Shri Prabhashankarbhai Oghadbhai Sompura, whom he regards as his teacher. According to his website, he was honoured with the Best Architect of the Year 1997 award, and his creation of the Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Temple in London was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. Additionally, he designed the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 108 Bhaktivihar, and temples in Singapore and the USA, all of which have received widespread acclaim.

Chandrakant Sompura, the architect of the Ram Mandir, recalled personally measuring the land. He was honoured for his contribution and expressed pride in continuing his family’s legacy.

He said, "This is a very proud moment for me, as this is the second award in my family. My grandfather was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1972 for building the Somnath Temple," he said while speaking with IANS.

At 80 years old, Sompura credits much of his success to his grandfather, Padma Shri Prabhashankarbhai Oghadbhai Sompura, whom he considers his mentor. His architectural legacy includes the Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Temple in London, which earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.