Ram Lalla Idol
Shri Ram Janmbhoomi, Ayodhya, U.P
Crafting Heritage
Sculpting the Iconic
The most remarkable moment of his life was creating the idol of Ram Lalla for Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. This momentous task was not without its challenges. Still, Mr Yogiraj's dedication, perseverance, and artistic brilliance shone through as he created a masterpiece that has touched the hearts of millions across India.
Mr Yogiraj's selection to sculpt the iconic Ram Lalla statue for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir was not just stroke of luck, it was the culmination of a relentless struggle, his rich artistic heritage, and his dedication.
The selection process for the sculptor of the Ram Lalla idol commenced in January 2023, drawing forth a pool of talented artists from across India. His expertise is stone sculpting, particularly his ability to capture the essence of Hindu deities through his intricate carvings impressed got him onboard this historic divine journey. He confidently expressed his thoughts on capturing the essence of Lord Ram as a child deity. Then, after careful deliberation, Mr Arun Yogiraj and two other sculptors, Sudarshan Sahu & Satyanarayan Pandey, were selected for this once-in a lifetime project.
Mr Arun Yogiraj and his team started their research, determined to ensure that the idol perfectly captured the divine essence of Lord Ram. They delved into ancient scriptures, consulted with religious scholars, and visited temples across India, immersing and learning about Hindu mythology and iconography. They consulted with renowned religious scholars, visited revered temples, and studies the iconography of Lord Ram.
To understand a five-year-old child's characteristics, he ventured into children's camps for several months, observing their mannerisms, expressions and playful innocence. This unique approach allowed him to infuse the idol with a childlike charm and authenticity that resonated with devotees worldwide. In June 2023, he and his team traveled to Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, to begin sculpting the idol. With steady hands and relentless focus, they had decided against creating a model, and instead cut directly into the stone. This decision added an extra layer of challenge to the task. Each stroke of the chisel was guided by his deep understanding of Hindu iconography and his profound respect for Lord Ram. The work demanded unwavering dedication and attention to detail, as even the slightest imperfection could mar the sacredness of the idol.
For seven months, Mr Arun Yogiraj and his team tirelessly sculpted the idol, capturing the delicate balance of divinity and childlike innocence. They devoted two hours each day to its worship. By August 2023, they had completed 60% of the work. However, fate had another challenge in store for him.
The authorities informed Mr Arun Yogiraj about the negative report regarding the quality of the stone he was carving. He was summoned to Delhi and told that a new idol had to be carved again using a different stone. This struck a blow to he and his team that had already invested months of painstaking effort on the existing idol.
Yet Mr Arun Yogiraj remained undeterred. He understood that this was not merely a sculpting project but embodying the faith and devotion of millions, and with renewed determination, he started again and embarked on a relentless search for a suitable stone. After a long search, he found a stone known for its resilience against fire. acid, and weather, ensuring the idol's longevity.
Time eas of essence, as only two months remained for project completion. Mr Arun Yogiraj adopted a two-shift work schedule, working tirelessly day and night. The workshop echoed with the rhythmic sounds of chisels and hammers as he and his team poured their hearts and should into their task and completed the idol.
On December 28, 2023, he received the momentous news that his Ram Lalla idol had been selected. His creation was installed at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.
