A Luminous Welcome: Ayodhya Bathes in Light for Ram Lalla's Arrival

As Pran Pratistha continues, the electrical contractor said they have started special lighting at Ayodhya's Ram temple from January 9.

The grand Ram temple in Ayodhya is an elaborate structure, built with engineering challenges and due sensitivity to nature. Champat Rai, general secretary of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra, said the construction of the temple was the result of the "collective wisdom" of "some of the best minds in the country".

Neither iron nor steel was used in the construction of the grand structure. The stones have been found in Bansi Pahadpur area of Rajasthan. "The superstructure of the entire temple will eventually be three storeys - G+2," said Rai. Visitors climb 32 steps from the eastern side to reach the main temple. Built in the traditional Nagara style, the temple complex will be 380 feet long from east to west, 250 feet wide and 161 feet high. Each floor of the temple will be 20 feet high and have a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates.

During excavation work, it was discovered that the ground was unsuitable for laying foundation stones, a challenge that engineers overcame by creating an "artificial foundation" on which the superstructure sits. Images of Lord Hanuman, other deities, peacocks and floral patterns are carved on the stones, giving the structure a divine look. The temple premises are decorated with flowers for the consecration ceremony. Floral decoration team head Sanjay Dhavlikar said that more than 3,000 kilograms of flowers of more than 20 varieties have been used to decorate the magnificent structure.