THE idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ carved by Karnataka’s renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj will adore the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, BJP stalwart and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Monday. The Ram temple is set for opening on January 22 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sharing his happiness on ‘X’, Yediyurappa said,“The idol of Lord Ram sculpted by the sculptor Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru has been selected for installation in the magnificent Sri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya, which has doubled the pride and happiness of the entire Ram devotees of the State. Heartfelt congratulations to ‘Shilpi @yogiraj_arun’.” Yediyurappa’s son and BJP State president B Y Vijayendra too hailed Yogiraj for making the State and Mysuru proud.

 

“It is the pride of Mysuru, the pride of Karnataka that the idol of Ram Lalla carved by the u n p a r a l l e l e d sculpture Arun Yogiraj will be enshrined in Ayodhya on January 22,” Vijayendra said. He added that Karnataka has a deep connection with Lord Ram as Kishkindha is located in this State. It is Kishkindha where Ram’s ardent devotee Hanuman was born. Speaking to PTI, Yogiraj said he has not yet received any official communication about whether the idol he had sculpted has been accepted. However, senior BJP leaders had posted the message on ‘X’, which made him believe that his work had been accepted. According to him, he was among the three sculptors selected by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra to carve an idol of ‘Ram Lalla’. “I am happy that I was among the three sculptors from the country who were selected to carve the idol of ‘Ram Lalla’,” Yogiraj said. Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi confirmed through his social media handle, saying a renowned idolmaker from the ‘land of Hanuman’ will see his piece of creation find pride of place at the Ram Temple on January 22. Joshi termed the selection of the idol shaped by a sculptor from the State for the Ram Temple as an “example of RamHanuman’s inextricable relationship”.

 

Shri Ram JanmabhoomiTeerth Kshetra is the trust entrusted with the construction and management of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Designs by three sculptors were under consideration by the Trust. Among the figures being considered for the grand installation inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple was a 51-inch-tall idol, depicting a five-yearold ‘Ram Lalla’. Earlier, speaking on the selection criteria of the idol of Ram Lalla, the secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, Champat Rai, told ANI, “The one, which in the estimation of the Trust, has the most divine look about it and bears a distinct impression of Ram Lalla, would be selected for Pran Pratishtha.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22. The renowned sculptor who had sculpted the idol of Adi Shankaracharya, which has been placed in Kedarnath and the statue of Subhash Chandra Bose which has been installed near India Gate in Delhi, said the challenge was not easy for him. “The idol should be of a child, who is divine too, because it is the statue of the incarnation of God. People who look at the statue should feel the divinity,”Yogiraj said. “Keeping the divinity aspect along with the childlike face in mind, I started my work about six to seven months ago.

 

Now I am extremely happy. More than selection, people should appreciate it. Only then, I will be happy,” the sculptor said. SCULPTOR YOGIRAJ ARUN’S FAMILY EXPRESSES JOY AND PRIDE AFTER IDOL SELECTED FOR AYODHYA CONSECRATION: In an overwhelming moment for the family of sculptor Yogiraj Arun, the idol carved by him was finalised for consecration at the Ram Temple on January 22. Saraswathi, Arun’s mother, expressed her joy, stating, “It’s the happiest moment for us. His father must have been alive to celebrate this happiness. I’m happy that the world will witness his art.” Highlighting his dedication to the craft, Yogiraj’s mother said, “He’s a simple person. He’s still in Ayodhya, and he made the Ramlalla statue with great interest. He keeps working day and night. Ram Lalla’s sculpture made by my son will be appreciated by people every time now. His dedication is immense.” Vijetha, Arun’s wife, expressed her pride and satisfaction, saying, “We are speechless and proud. It’s a great moment for us. We are happy and confused as my husband didn’t inform us.We came to know through the media.”

 

“He gives his 100 per cent to his work, dedicating himself to each sculpture and conducting thorough research,” Vijetha added. Reflecting on Arun’s commitment,Vijetha shared,“For research, he works till he feels God’s presence on the stone. We are not invited, but if we get the opportunity, we’ll also go. He worked for six months on this project, pouring his heart into the intricate details.” Chethana, Arun’s sister, expressed immense happiness, saying,“No one in the world has experienced such joy. It’s his dream to work in drawing and sculpturing. Even though he did an MBA, his true passion lies in sculpturing. He used to help our father, and his interest in the craft was evident from a young age.” “We are extremely happy, and if given the chance, we’ll also go to witness this monumental achievement,” Chethana said.