JNS: The idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj (a Karnataka sculptor), is set to be enshrined in the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, according to the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra.
In an official statement shared on social media platform X, the Temple Trust proudly announced the selection of the revered sculptor Arun Yogiraj’s creation, a murti sculpted on Krishna Shila, as the divine embodiment of Bhagwan Shri Ramlalla Sarkar.
This significant announcement was made by the trust overseeing the shrine on Monday, unveiling the choice of a new 51-inch-tall stone idol portraying Hindu god Ram in his youthful form, depicting him as a five-year-old child, to grace the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Arun Yogiraj, the sculptor behind this masterpiece, shared the unwavering dedication he poured into his work, saying, “I was completely focused on my work. I didn’t speak to my family or children for 15 days because I was working so hard.”
The idol, meticulously carved by Arun Yogiraj in Mysuru, possesses an estimated weight ranging between 150kg and 200kg, and it stands in a dignified, upright posture, as described by Champat Rai, the general secretary of the temple trust.
Rai further disclosed that Arun Yogiraj’s creation has been formally approved and is scheduled to be placed inside the temple on January 18, coinciding with the third day of the consecration rituals that are set to commence on January 16.
Notably, Arun Yogiraj was chosen from among three accomplished sculptors approached by the temple trust. Yogiraj shed light on the stone selection process, explaining, “We were given stones from Nepal, Karkala in the district of Uttara Kannada, HD Kote in the district of Mysuru, and Makrana in Rajasthan. I chose the Krishna Shila stone from HD Kote.”
In a gesture of reverence, the current statue of Ram Lalla, which has been the object of devotion at the makeshift temple, will also find its place within the sanctum sanctorum, according to Rai.
The selection of the youthful idol of the deity Ram holds immense significance as it marks a crucial step toward the official inauguration of the Ram Temple on January 22. This auspicious ceremony will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The construction of the Ayodhya temple has been a cornerstone of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) program for decades and is anticipated to be a prominent theme in the party’s upcoming general election campaign later this year.
Explaining the details of the Pran Pratishtha (consecration ceremony), Rai stated, “The Pran Pratishtha on January 22 will commence at 12.20 pm and is scheduled to conclude by 1 pm, as per the arrangement made by the distinguished priest Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid from Kashi.”
Rai added, “The ‘karmakand vidhi (rituals)’ will be performed under the supervision of Laxmikant Shastri, who is also from Kashi.”
Consecration procedures are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, and there are at least 121 priests who are engaged with them.
It is expected that holy water will be delivered from all across the country, including from Mansarovar, Amarnath, Gangotri, Haridwar, Sangam banks, Narmada, Godavari, Nashik, and Gokarna, according to Rai.
