‘Enhance aesthetic appeal, spiritual ambience’ of Ram Mandir: Brief given to lighting agency

While minimalism is writ large and the lighting design does not overpower the visitor, the products used have been designed to withstand wear and tear and high impact. Talking about how they went about designing the temple illumination, Bhatnagar says the lighting strategy involved a meticulous approach.

“In the garbh griha, linear in-ground lights, spot in-ground lights, and 24-carat gold plated spotlights were strategically placed, varying in wattages and colour temperatures, to accentuate the intricate marble architectural carvings,” he explains.

It extends to other temple structures, including pillars, columns, and architectural carvings, illuminated through in-ground lighting, focused beams, controlled angles, and unobtrusive illumination. Additionally, the marble steps leading to the temple are illuminated using bespoke step lights.

The expansive complex necessitates extensive lighting, with nearly 3,000 fixtures and profile lighting already installed. The lighting is implemented using different methods, including in-ground burial where lights are installed from bottom-to-top, and top-to-bottom lighting. Profile lighting covers a vast area of 3,000 metres and is expected to expand further.

Notably, the lights are designed to be dust and water-proof, ensuring a glare-free environment as well the comfort of the devotees, Bhatnagar says about the project, which included the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of lighting elements.

Havells has earlier illuminated historical monuments such as Purana Qila and Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, besides memorials and public transport hubs.