New Delhi: After zeroing on three Ram Lalla idols for the consecration ceremony, the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trustees have finalized the one carved by Karnataka-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, for installation in the grand Ram Temple.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi in a X post informed about the selection of Lord Ram idol for Pran Pratistha ceremony and congratulated nation’s acclaimed sculptor Arun Yogiraj for becoming an ‘unbreakable part’ of Ram Temple journey.
Who is Arun Yogiraj?
Arun Yogiraj, a distinguished sculptor from Karnataka, comes from a family of sculptors, with lineage of five generations being involved in this work. The selection of Yogiraj’s Ram Lalla idol for Ayodhya’s Ram Temple comes as yet another remarkable feat & achievement for the family.
The idol created by him is of five-year-old child like Ram Lalla, as sught by the temple committee. The idol, showcasing the Lord Ram in child form has been adorned with bow & arrow. It will be installed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand Ram Mandir on January 22.
The idol not only reflects divinity in its highest form and also resembles the child like face of Lord Ram, as mentioned in Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki Ramayana.
The sculptor worked for long hours for past 6-7 months to get the state-of-the art statue built. His father Yogiraj was also a skilled sculptor, while grandfather Basavanna Shilpi was patronized by Mysore King.
Arun Yogiraj, initially didn’t have inclination for sculpture and worked in private company. However, he heard his calling and over the years went on create some iconic statues which are placed at acclaimed locations across the country.
What are previous works of Arun Yogiraj?
Arun Yogiraj shot to fame with his creation of Subhash Chandra Bose placed at Amar Jawan Jyoti near India Gate. His creation of 30-feet statue of India’s one of greatest freedom fighters won many adulation & appreciation from all quarters. It was unveiled by PM Modi on September 2022 on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Glad to have met @yogiraj_arun today. Grateful to him for sharing this exceptional sculpture of Netaji Bose. pic.twitter.com/DeWVdJ6XiU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2022
He also carved some other notable statues which include 12 feet Adi Shankaracharya statue in Kedarnath, 21 feet Hanuman statue in Mysuru’s Chunchanakatte.
He is the recipient of many awards & honours by Karnataka CM, Government of India, United Nations and others.
