Sculptor Arun Yogiraj's Masterpiece: Lord Rama Idol for Ayodhya's Prana Pratishtapana

The sculpted idol of Ram Lalla has been chosen for the highest spire of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, bringing artistic brilliance by sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi shared in a social media post, “The selection of the idol for the Prana Pratishtapana of Lord Rama in Ayodhya has been finalized. The idol of Lord Rama, carved by renowned sculptor of our country Yogiraj Arun, will be installed in Ayodhya.”

The Union minister also posted a picture alongside YogiRaj, featuring the sculpture of Lord Rama.

The splendid consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa expressed his joy on social media, congratulating sculptor Arun YogiRaj and expressing pride in the choice of Lord Rama's idol.

“The idol of Lord Rama sculpted by the sculptor Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru has been selected for installation in the magnificent Sri Rama Mandir of Ayodhya, which has doubled the pride and happiness of the entire Rama devotees of the state. Heartfelt congratulations to ‘Shilpi @yogiraj_arun’.”

Yogiraj's mother, Saraswathi, shared with ANI, “It is the happiest moment for us, I wanted to see him crafting the sculpture, but he said he would take me on the last day, I will go on the day of the installation.”

During a group meeting on Friday, Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, a trustee of the Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra, confirmed the idol selection process.

Explaining the selection process, Bimlendra Mishra said, "The idol speaks to you, as once you see it, you get mesmerized by it. Even if multiple idols are placed together, the eyes will get fixated on the one that will be the best."

Champat Rai, the secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra, played a crucial role in the decision-making process. Initially, Rai announced that a 51-inch tall idol of Lord Rama, depicting the five-year-old Ram Lalla, would be appropriately crafted, emphasizing the importance of divinity and the child form.