Ram Mandir: Meet Arun Yogiraj, sculptor of Ram Lalla idol
What's the story
Arun Yogiraj, a celebrated sculptor, has created a stunning idol of Lord Ram Lalla that will be placed in the magnificent Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi shared the news on social media, along with a photo of Yogiraj and the idol. The temple's grand consecration ceremony is set for January 22 this year. Here's everything more about the art and the artist.
Details
Former Karnataka CM and trustee express joy over selection
Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa congratulated Arun Yogiraj on social media, expressing pride in the selection of his sculpted idol for the Ram Mandir. Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, a trustee of Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra, confirmed the idol selection process was completed during the trust's meeting on Friday.
What Next?
Idol selection process and key role of Champat Rai
Mishra described the selection process, stating that the idol has an enchanting quality, as "once you see it, you get mesmerized by it." Champat Rai, secretary of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, played an essential role in the decision-making process. Rai previously announced that a 51-inch-tall idol of Lord Ram, depicting a five-year-old Ram Lalla, would be chosen from three designs, with divineness and childlike appearance being key factors.
Twitter Post
Check out the finalized idol of Ram Lalla
"ಎಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಮನೋ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಹನುಮನು"
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 1, 2024
ಅಯೋಧ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀರಾಮನ ಪ್ರಾಣ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಾಪನಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ವಿಗ್ರಹ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಅಂತಿಮಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ನಾಡಿನ ಹೆಸರಾಂತ ಶಿಲ್ಪಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಶ್ರೀ @yogiraj_arun ಅವರು ಕೆತ್ತಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀರಾಮನ ವಿಗ್ರಹ ಪುಣ್ಯಭೂಮಿ ಅಯೋಧ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಾಪನೆಗೊಳ್ಳಲಿದೆ. ರಾಮ ಹನುಮರ ಅವಿನಾಭಾವ ಸಂಬಂಧಕ್ಕೆ ಇದು… pic.twitter.com/VQdxAbQw3Q
Artist
Let's get to know Yogiraj a little more
Arun Yogiraj is currently the most sought-after sculptor in the nation, hailing from a family of five generations of renowned sculptors in Mysore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also acknowledged the sculptor's talent. Yogiraj worked in the corporate sector and briefly pursued an MBA, but his passion for sculpture pulled him back into the art form in 2008.
Works
Yogiraj's work profile is nothing short of incredible
Yogiraj's impressive sculptures are widely displayed in his portfolio. This includes The Government of India's 28 feet monolithic black granite stone sculpture of Sri. Subhash Chandra Bose is located at India Gate in Delhi. He has also built an idol of Adi Shankaracharya, which is 12 feet tall, for Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. Not only that, Yogiraj has sculpted the largest monolithic white marble sculpture of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in India, standing 10 feet tall, located in Mysore.