Arun Yogiraj, the sculptor based in Mysuru, who crafted the revered ‘Ram Lalla’ idol installed in the newly-constructed Ayodhya temple, shares a remarkable journey driven by a divine calling. Waking up in the middle of the night over the past seven months, Yogiraj felt compelled by a spiritual connection with “Ram Lalla.”
Acharya Sumdhur Shastri, a Sanskrit and music scholar, recounted the progression from the inception of the idol to its completion and initial adornment in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
Initially, Satyanarayan Pandey and JJ Bhatt were considered for the idol creation, but Arun Yogiraj was ultimately chosen. The trust’s instructions emphasized the idol resembling a child’s form, standing at 51 inches, with meticulous attention to details, especially hair and features.
Shastri revealed Yogiraj’s midnight urgings to accompany him in witnessing the divine calling of Ram Lalla. The sculptor began work with a slight delay, navigating communication challenges with “tooti-footi English.”
The entire process spanned 7 to 8 months, allowing artistic freedom for Yogiraj. The idol, consecrated on January 22, stood distinct post-consecration, revealing its divine essence.
Shastri highlighted the background research, including visits to the Swami Narayan Chhapaiya temple and observation of Naimisharanya temples, along with consultations with saints and exploration of scriptures and verses from Ramayana.
The intricacies of creating lifelike expressions, especially the eyes, were detailed by Shastri. Golden chisels and silver hammers were delicately employed, infusing a sense of true divinity upon completion. The construction of Dashavatara, representing various avatars, was approached with simplicity and clarity, taking seven days to complete.