11 January 2024

The Divine Idol Crafted by this Fortunate Artisan will be consecrated for Ram temple…

In the hallowed city of Ayodhya, the grandeur of the Ram Mandir is reaching its crescendo, poised to become the very epitome of devotion for countless hearts. A momentous occasion is on the horizon, as the sanctum sanctorum prepares to enshrine the divine idol of Lord Rama. Set to unfold on January 22nd, the consecration ceremony promises to be a celestial affair, graced by the august presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and esteemed dignitaries from across the globe. The sacred ambiance will resonate with the timeless verses of Vedic mantras, invoking spiritual energies during the Prana Pratishtha of Lord Rama.                               

Adding to the sanctity of this event is the chosen idol, a sublime creation meticulously sculpted by the acclaimed artisan, Arun Yogi Raj, hailing from the artistic heritage of Karnataka. This juncture stands as a poignant milestone, not just for Ayodhya but for the entire nation, as the revered idol prepares to take its rightful place in the sanctum sanctorum, echoing the sentiments of millions awaiting this sacred manifestation.                                     

 

Renowned Sculptor: Arun Yogi Raj   

Arun Yogi Raj, hailing from Karnataka, is a celebrated sculptor known for his artistic prowess. The son of Yogi Raj Shilpi, he comes from the prestigious Wadiyar family, recognized for their exquisite craftsmanship in the palaces of Mysore. Arun Yogi Raj holds an M.A. degree from Mysore University.

Prior to the Ram Mandir idol, Arun Yogi Raj gained acclaim for crafting a 30-feet tall statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, installed behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti monument in Delhi. Prime Minister Modi was profoundly impressed by Arun Yogi Raj’s artistic skills, praising his contribution to the field of sculpture. Another notable creation by him is the 12-feet tall statue of the Shankaracharya in Kedarnath.

 

The Selection Process

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust meticulously selected three sculptors to create the idol of Lord Rama. Arun Yogi Raj emerged as one of the chosen artists. Expressing his gratitude, Arun Yogi Raj stated, “I am pleased to have been part of the trio chosen to sculpt the idol of ‘Ram Lalla.'”

Arun Yogi Raj’s mother expressed her joy, stating, “This is the happiest moment for us. I always wanted to see Arun become a successful sculptor, and he has proven it with this creation. We will all be present in Ayodhya for the Prana Pratishtha.”

 

Lord Rama’s Karnataka Connection

The spiritual tapestry of Karnataka is intricately woven into the legacy of Lord Rama. Kishkindha, nestled in Karnataka, holds the sacred honor of being revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama’s devoted disciple, Hanuman. It is within the serene realms of Kishkindha that Lord Rama shared profound moments before commencing his epic journey with the Vanara Sena. This connection deepens the sanctity of the forthcoming event in Ayodhya, where the consecration of Lord Rama’s idol is poised to unfold, intertwining the cultural richness of Karnataka with the divine narrative of the revered deity.

 

The Grand Unveiling on 22nd January 2024

The forthcoming ceremony on January 22nd promises to be a grand spectacle, with Prime Minister Modi and distinguished guests gracing the occasion. The chanting of Vedic mantras will fill the air as the Prana Pratishtha ceremony unfolds, infusing divine energy into the idol of Lord Rama.

The creation of the idol for the Ram Mandir is not just a sculptural marvel; it is a testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of Arun Yogi Raj. As the nation eagerly awaits the consecration ceremony, it is a moment of pride and spiritual significance, symbolizing the culmination of a long-cherished dream for millions of devotees. The Ram Mandir stands not only as an architectural marvel but as a beacon of faith, unity, and cultural heritage for the entire nation.