In the pursuit of selecting an idol for the revered Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, three remarkable Ram idols emerged as contenders. The historic ceremony that unfolded witnessed the installation of a stunning black-colored Ram Lalla idol in the main temple during the pran pratishtha ceremony, marking a momentous occasion. However, amidst the grandeur, there was another noteworthy creation – a white marble idol, intricately carved but destined for a different place within the temple premises.
The selected 51-inch black granite idol, now gracing the temple, was sculpted by Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru. Carved from a rock unearthed during excavation, this ancient rock boasts a staggering age of 2.5 billion years. According to HS Venkatesh from the National Institute of Rock Mechanics, the enduring nature of the rock and its resistance to climatic variations ensure it can withstand the test of time, requiring minimal maintenance. Originating from Karnataka, the rock was excavated in the Gujjegowdanapura region of Mysuru.
Contrastingly, the equally beautiful white marble version of the Ram Lalla idol, crafted by sculptor Satyanarayan Pandey from Rajasthan, did not secure a place in the main temple. Despite this, temple authorities have affirmed that it will find a fitting spot elsewhere within the temple complex. The intricately carved white idol portrays Ram Lalla holding a golden bow and arrow against an arch-like structure adorned with smaller sculptures depicting various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The craftsmanship is truly remarkable, with marble used to detail the deity’s jewelry and clothing.
Another sculptor, Ganesh Bhatt from Karnataka, also created a sculpture that did not make it to the main temple. However, like Pandey’s creation, it will be respectfully placed elsewhere within the temple complex.
While Yogiraj’s black marble idol became the centerpiece of the historic event, bringing him immense joy and emotion during the pran pratistha ceremony in Ayodhya, the journey was nothing short of a spiritual experience for him. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a sacred task, believing that Lord Ram guided him throughout the meticulous process. Yogiraj acknowledged the sleepless nights dedicated to ensuring precision in the idol’s creation, deeming the ceremony in Ayodhya as the best day of his life.
In the grand tapestry of the Ram Mandir’s construction, each sculptor’s creation, whether placed in the main temple or elsewhere, adds a unique thread to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Ayodhya. The blend of ancient rocks, skilled craftsmanship, and devotion to Lord Ram manifests in the diverse yet harmonious display of these revered idols, fostering an atmosphere of sanctity and reverence within the temple premises.
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