Laying Floor Stones in the Mukha Mandapam

Today the silpis are nearly finished laying the heavy stone tiles that make up the floor of the mukha mandapam, leading to Iraivan Temple's inner sanctum. Beneath the stone tiles is a layer of sand which is added or subtracted to level each piece just right.

The second-to-last stone tile is placed and then leveled

Some tiles require a little work to be fit perfectly

Extra sand to add to make the tiles level

One side of this tile is hammered down to make it level and compact the sand beneath

Now we will have a clean and clear path to the inner sanctum

The batteries on the right are connected to a solar panel for temporary lighting

These soon-to-be carvings are well marked and ready to be chiseled

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