Ram Mandir Pratishtha: Ayodhya is ready to welcome Shri Ramlala, the child form of Lord Shri Ram. Before the consecration to be held on January 22, the idol of Ramlala will be installed in the sanctum sanctorum of Ram temple on Thursday (January 18). Earlier on Wednesday (January 17), the idol was brought to Ram temple in Ayodhya with the help of a truck from Vivek Srishti Trust. A crane was used to take the idol inside the complex.
Devotees looked very excited when the idol was taken to the temple. According to news agency PTI, a saint said that now Ram Rajya will return again. The touching and inspiring story of the famous sculptor Arun Yogiraj, resident of Mysuru, Karnataka, who carved the idol of Ramlala whose life is to be consecrated in the Ram temple in Ayodhya, has come to light.
Arun Yogiraj had to undergo an eye operation after getting injured while working for the idol but he worked through the pain. He had united day and night to give this idol a divine and supernatural form.
Ever since Yogiraj’s family got the news of the temple trust selecting the idol made by Yogiraj for installation in the Ram temple, they are jumping with joy. The family has also recorded their reaction and shared the story of Yogiraj getting hurt.
(The idol of Ramlala taken with the help of crane inside the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya)
When a sharp piece of stone pierced the eye
According to news agency PTI, Yogiraj’s wife Vijayata said that she is very happy with this achievement. Vijayeta said, “When this work was given (to Yogiraj), we came to know that suitable stone for this was available near Mysuru. However, that stone was very hard. Its sharp layer pierced his eye and it was removed through operation. Even during pain he did not stop and continued working. His work was so good that everyone was impressed. We thank everyone.
He said, “He (Yogiraj) did not sleep for many nights and remained engrossed in making the idol of Ramlala. There were days when we hardly talked and he hardly gave time to his family. Now with the information from the Trust, all the hard work has been compensated.
Yogiraj learned the nuances of sculpture from his father – Brother Suryaprakash
Yogiraj’s brother Suryaprakash, on receiving the news of Murthy being selected, had said that it is a memorable day for the family. He said, “Yogiraj has created history and he deserved it.” It is his hard work and dedication that has taken him to such heights.
Suryaprakash said that Yogiraj learned the nuances of sculpture from his father. He was curious about it since childhood. Yogiraj’s mother Saraswati told reporters that it is a matter of great joy that the statue made by her son has been selected. “Ever since we received the news that the statue made by Arun has been selected (for installation), we are very happy,” he said. Our entire family is happy.
(The idol of Ramlala was transported to Ram temple in a truck from Vivek Srishti Trust on Wednesday)
How big will Ram Lalla be as a child?
Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai had announced in Ayodhya on Monday (January 15) that the new idol depicts Lord Ram in a standing posture as a five-year-old child and had said it would be installed in the ‘Garbhagriha’ on January 18. Will be seated on ‘Aasan’.
Yogiraj’s neighbors are also excited about the selection of Ramlala’s idol. Neighbors and some leaders met Yogiraj’s family and presented garlands to Saraswati as a mark of appreciation for their son. Yogiraj himself has created the statue of Adi Shankaracharya installed in Kedarnath and the statue of Subhash Chandra Bose installed near India Gate in Delhi.
Arun Yogiraj said, ‘I will be truly happy when…’
Yogiraj told ‘PTI-Bhasha’ about the challenges faced in making the new idol of Ramlala, “The idol had to be made of a child, who should be divine, because it is the idol of the incarnation of God. Whoever sees the idol should feel divinity.
The renowned sculptor said, “Keeping in mind the child-like face as well as the divine aspect, I started my work about six to seven months ago. It is more important for me than the selection of the idol that people should like it. I will be truly happy when people appreciate it.
(with language input)