As the nation eagerly anticipates the ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22, the sculpted idol crafted by Yogiraj Arun, a celebrated sculptor from Karnataka, has been chosen to take pride of place at the Ram Temple.
“Where Rama is, there is Hanuman. The idol for the Prana Pratishtapana of Lord Rama in Ayodhya has been finalized. A renowned sculptor of our country, our proud Mr. @yogiraj_arun, the idol of Lord Rama carved by him will be installed in Ayodhya,” stated Minister Joshi on his official social media handle.
Karnataka, believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, is home to a j grand Hanuman temple, making the selection of Yogiraj Arun’s creation for the Ram Temple a symbolic representation of the Rama-Hanuman relationship. Saraswathi, Yogiraj Arun’s mother, expressed her joy, stating, “This is the happiest moment for us. I would finally be able to set my eyes on the idol on the day of its grand installation at the Ram Temple.”
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, entrusted with the construction and management of the grand Ram Temple, considered designs by three sculptors. The selected 51-inch-tall idol depicts a five-year-old ‘Ram Lalla,’ chosen for its divine look and distinct impression of Ram Lalla.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the consecration ceremony, with preparations in full swing for the event expected to draw thousands of dignitaries and people from various sections of society. Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony will commence on January 16, a week before the main event, with the main rituals performed by priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit on January 22.
Ayodhya will mark the Amrit Mahautsav from January 14 to January 22, featuring a 1008 Hundi Mahayagya and the feeding of thousands of devotees. Tent cities are being erected to accommodate the expected influx, with arrangements for 10,000-15,000 people, as authorities implement enhanced security measures and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.
