The much-anticipated inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is set to take place on January 22, with a unique touch of craftsmanship from Mysore. The statue of Ramlalla, to be installed in the Ram Mandir, has been intricately carved by Mysore-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, as confirmed by the Ramjanma Bhoomi Trust.
The selection of the Ramlalla idol, standing 51 inches tall, was made through unanimous voting. Arun Yogiraj, an MBA graduate, left his corporate job to pursue his family’s sculpting legacy, and his work will now be showcased in the grandeur of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
Joining Arun in this endeavor were GL Bhatt from Bengaluru and Satyanarayan Pandey from Rajasthan, who collectively crafted the 8-feet-high, three-feet-wide idol, including its pedestal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to unveil the statue during the inauguration ceremony.
Arun Yogiraj, one of the 2,000 invitees for the Prana pratisthapana event, has been deeply involved in sculpting since 2008. His portfolio boasts over a thousand different statues, including those of Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath temple and Subhash Chandra Bose near India Gate in Delhi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Currently, Arun is entrusted with sculpting Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue for Delhi’s Jaisalmer House, scheduled for launch on April 14.
Reflecting on the opportunity to carve the Ramlalla stone idol, Arun expressed his happiness, stating that it was a privilege to contribute to such a significant cultural and religious project.
Understanding the Ramlalla Stone Idol:
Ramlalla, a term synonymous with Ayodhya, translates to “child” (Lalla) of Lord Rama’s childhood (Ram). The stone idol, standing at 51 inches, captures the innocence, mischievousness, and majesty of Lord Rama during his younger years. The portrayal as a young archer adds a unique dimension to this artistic creation. Notably, references to Rama Lalla in various forms of media are scarce, making this particular rendition a distinctive and special piece of art.
Meet Arun Yogiraj:
Arun Yogiraj, a true son of Mysore soil, inherits a rich legacy of stone idol sculpture spanning five generations, with his family involved in this art for nearly 200 years. Despite an MBA degree and a brief stint in the corporate world, Arun chose to follow his ancestral path, guided by his father,
Yogiraj, who is also a skilled sculptor. Arun’s lineage includes his grandfather, Basavanna Shilpi, who served in the royal palace of Mysore, and Tata Muttata, a sculptor in his own right.Though initially hesitant, Arun Yogiraj returned to sculpting in 2008, respecting his father’s condition not to engage in commercial aspects of the art form. His commitment to preserving the tradition and contributing to monumental projects like the Ram temple in Ayodhya reflects a unique blend of tradition, talent, and dedication.
As the nation eagerly awaits the inauguration, Arun Yogiraj’s craftsmanship promises to add a touch of Mysore’s artistic heritage to the grandeur of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.