The sanctum sanctorum of the magnificent temple at Ayodhya now houses the black stone idol of Ram Lalla carved by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj. However, there were two other idols which were in the race. Now they are currently being considered for placement in different areas of the temple. One of them is an idol made of white marble that Satyanarayan Pandey of Rajasthan carved. An image of this idol, which was unable to reach the temple’s “garbha griha,” will now be positioned somewhere within the Ram Temple.

The trust currently owns the white marble idol. Ram Lalla is depicted holding a golden bow and arrow. A structure resembling an arch stands behind the god and is covered in smaller sculptures that show Lord Vishnu in different guises. The idol displays incredible artistry since the clothing and jewelry that adorn the god are carved from marble. The idol’s measurements match those specified by the trust in charge of the temple’s construction.

Besides Yogiraj and Pandey, Ganesh Bhatt from Karnataka had also carved a sculpture that was considered for the sanctum sanctorum.

The 51-inch black granite idol that now adorns the temple’s sanctum sanctorum has been carved out of a rock 2.5 billion years old.The rock used for the idol was brought all the way from Karnataka and was reportedly excavated from Gujjegowdanapura in Mysuru.