Lucknow, November 12: Nearly 50 per cent of the temple carving work at the Ram Janmabhomi Nyas-run workshop in Ayodhya's Karsevakpuram has been completed despite the delay in Supreme Court's verdict. The top Court's verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case is due in January 2019. Inside Karsevakpuram, the work has turned sluggish due to lack of funds. According to the in-charge of the workshop that has been running since 1990 to build a 'temple', the dwindling number of artisans and craftsmen has also contributed to the slow pace.

The Supreme Court's verdict on the matter is due in January after the top court on Monday declined an early hearing of petitions in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case. As many as 14 appeals have been filed against the high court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77 acre land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. Ayodhya Dispute: CJI Ranjan Gogoi Dismisses Petition Before Supreme Court Seeking Early Hearing. 

Annu Bhai Sompura, in-charge At Karsevakpuram's sprawling karyashala (workshop) said fifty per cent of carving work of stones has been completed, which means the first floor is ready.

According to the plan, the temple, once built, will be 268 ft long, 140 ft wide and 128 ft high, from the ground to the apex point (shikhar) and a total of 212 pillars will be used, 78 years 0ld Sompura, now 78 years old, said. "Fifty per cent of carving work of stones has been completed, which means the first floor is ready. We are hopeful of getting a favourable judgement from the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya title suit, and once we get the green signal, the work on laying foundation would begin," he was quoted in a PTI report. Acquire Land, Pass Law For 'Ram Mandir Construction', RSS Tells Modi Govt.

According to a report by PTI, each floor would have 106 pillars, and each pillar would have 16 statues. Sompura added saying that the artisans have completed carving work on these. He said the work for prefabrication of a temple is currently being funded through "voluntary donations" from devotees, Sompura said, adding, "funds are not coming much now, as they were earlier."

When asked as to how many artisans are currently working at Karsewakpuram's Karyashala, he said, "About two craftsmen and a couple of labourers." Sompura added saying that the number of workers has gone down while some of them have left for other work. The artisans' works from 7 am till 5 pm, and halt work only on days of Amawasya (New Moon Day). The Ram Janmabhomi Nyas is supported by right-wing organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

Sompura, an Ahmedabad native, says, once the foundation stone is laid, it will take about "four-five years to complete the temple". "The other floor can be added on the site, we are anxiously waiting for the go-ahead," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 12, 2018 04:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).