Meet man who has made Ram Lalla idol

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that the monumental Ram temple in Ayodhya will feature an idol crafted by Karnataka sculptor Arun Yogiraj.

The idol of Lord Ram Lalla for "Pran Pratishtha" (consecration) was recently finalized by the temple trust in Ayodhya.

Karnataka, known for its grand Hanuman temple and believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, takes pride in having a sculptor from the state shape the idol for the Ram Temple.

Joshi highlighted the symbolic significance of the selection, referring to it as an "example of Rama-Hanuman's inextricable relationship."

Saraswathi, Yogiraj's mother, expressed joy, stating that seeing her son's creation installed at the Ram Temple on the day of its grand installation would be her happiest moment.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust manages the construction of the Ram Temple, and three sculptors' designs were considered for the idol.

The selected idol, a 51-inch-tall representation of a five-year-old 'Ram Lalla,' was chosen based on its divine appearance and distinct impression of Ram Lalla.

Preparations for the grand installation event are in full swing, with thousands of dignitaries and people from various sections of society expected to attend.

Yogiraj Arun comes from a family of renowned sculptors, with his grandfather, Basavanna Shilpi, having been patronized by the King of the erstwhile Mysore princely state.

Yogiraj Arun's previous notable work includes a 30-feet statue of Subhash Chandra Bose, installed behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti near India Gate.